Twitter via text messages, 'SMS for the internet'

Twitter is a popular is a messaging and Microblogging website with over 400 million active users world wide.

 It’s a Social media platform which allows users to connect and interact instantly. Users can access Twitter either on the Web (Internet interface) or through mobile text messages.

Tweet, Hash-tag, Retweet function,Favourite and reply are some of Twitter’s components and functions.

Twitter is a free messaging service; no charges SMS. However, Mobile carriers like Safaricom charge some costs for sending tweets but not receiving. Unlimited SMS applies.

Originally it was used as SMS-to-Internet service hence it was coined ‘sms of the internet’

A. HOW TO JOIN TWITTER VIA SMS/text messages

1.    Send a text message with the word START to 8988 whether you are using Safaricom, Airtel,YU or Orange as your mobile service provider. (For Kenya)

2.    You will get a reply from Twitter asking you to reply with your full name. Type your full name and send it to 8988

3.    Another reply message from Twitter will assign you with a Username

e.g. @laikipia based on your full name i.e. Laikipia University. People will use this username to send you replies and messages via Twitter.

You can change the username if you are unhappy with it by sending the word ‘SET USERNAME’

4.    You’re good to go!

Send a text message with 140 words or less and it will post as your first tweet,

Follow a username you know by texting like ‘ F @LaikipiaU’ to 8988 and hooray! you are following Laikipia University. You can follow as many usernames as possible via SMS.

 

B. DID YOU KNOW You can use your SMS created account on the web?

1.    Go www.twitter.com and on the log in page click the link   that says Already using twitter on your phone? (its below log in button)

2.    Enter your phone Number when prompted and Twitter will send you a verification code which you will use to verify your account on web.

3.    You’ll then be asked to create an account by entering your email address and password for your account. Then you can now use twitter via SMS and web.

C. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE TWITTER ACCOUNT CREATED VIA WEB

You can access it from your phone using SMS.

To activate it, log in to your Twitter account on your PC

1.    Go to settings

2.    Mobile settings

3.    Add phone then follow the prompts given.

                                   LAIKIPIA UNIVERSITY PRESS