Six years ago today, Twitter was born. And what a long, briefly described trip it’s been.
On March 21, 2006, creator Jack Dorsey sent out the first tweet, an appropriately self-focused declaration of boring information: “just setting up my twttr.” It was the modest beginnings of what has become quite the powerful little bird—one given credit for fomenting revolution in Iran and the Arab world, bringing down certain popular American politicians, and spreading nude celebrity photos …140 characters at a time.
At 6 years old, Twitter’s 250 million active users and estimated $13 billion valuation has it firmly in the shadow of Facebook’s giant numbers. But the shorthand social network has offered up some pretty unique characteristics, like the ability to break news first and fast, and granting a direct line between regular and famous users.
If ad revenue and active user numbers continue to grow, so will this little birdie’s wingspan. Just don’t tell your parents about it … being friends with them on Facebook is more than enough.
