Some content is just for your inner circle – that friends-only or close-to-your-heart content you only want to share with a select few.

Social media applications have caught on to the “small circle” phenomenon. Many users like to share posts with their private groups, and socials are starting to meet this demand. Instagram, for instance, launched its “Close Friends” feature, and Twitter debuted “Circle.”

These social media tools help all users, including those with private accounts, protect their inside jokes. One such recently launched feature is Twitter Circle, which allows people to share tweets with their best friends whenever it feels right.

Here’s all you need to know about how to use Twitter Circle to limit who sees your posts.

What is the Twitter Circle feature?

Twitter Circle allows users to select a subgroup of followers to receive particular posts. After users set up Twitter Circle, they can tweet to their entire following or a smaller crowd.

Only people in another user’s Twitter Circle can see and interact with posts published using this feature. If you’re considering using this feature, here are a few more features to consider.

• You can add up to 150 people to your Twitter Circle.
• You can only be a part of one Twitter Circle.
• People not in your Twitter Circle can’t see who’s in it.
• You can’t edit your Twitter Circle tweets after posting.
• Your Twitter Circle members can’t retweet your posts.
• Twitter allows you to choose between your Circle and followers each time you tweet.
• You can’t easily leave another user’s Twitter Circle (you’d have to block, mute, or unfollow the user who added you to the Circle).

Twitter Circle tweets must play by the same rules as any other posts on the app. Just because these tweets reach a smaller, more select audience doesn’t mean a user can post abusive content they think may resonate with the Circle but fails to meet the app’s appropriate guidelines.

How to use Twitter Circle on any device

Here’s another feature of Twitter Circle: you can set it up and never use it if the right moment doesn’t arise. There’s no harm in trying the feature on for size and later deciding if and when to continue using it. You may just find it’s the perfect filter. Let’s explore how to use this feature on any device.

On desktop

1. Open Twitter in a web browser and log in to your account.
2. Click More on the left side of the page to open the main menu.
3. From the menu, choose Twitter Circle.
4. Click Edit your Twitter Circle.
5. Use the search bar to look up and select the users you want to include in this group by clicking Add/Remove next to their names. (You can also select a user from the list of recommendations below the search bar.)

After setting up your circle, follow these steps to send a post to your Twitter close friends.

1. Open the tweet composer.
2. Select Everyone to pull up the Choose Audience menu.
3. Select Twitter Circle.
4. Write and share your tweet.

On the Twitter app for iOS and Android

1. Open the Twitter mobile application on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the upper left-hand corner.
3. From the menu, tap on Twitter Circle.
4. You can add users by searching for their handles in the bar at the top of the screen or selecting names from the suggested user list below.
5. Once you’ve added all the users you wish to your circle, tap the back button to return to the homepage.

When you’re ready to send a tweet to your circle:

1. Tap the plus icon at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to compose a new tweet.
2. Above your cursor, you’ll see a drop-down tab that says “Public.” Tap on it.
3. Choose the Twitter Circle option from the drop-down menu.
4. Compose your post.
5. Hit tweet in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Only members of your Twitter Circle can see this tweet.

Note: If you think the tweet violates Twitter’s Rules, you can delete the tweet. Follow these steps in both desktop and mobile versions.

1. Click on the three dots on the top right corner of your tweet.
2. Select Delete.
3. From the pop-up menu, select Delete.

FAQs

Additional questions crop up whenever social media users get familiar with a new feature. If you have any lingering queries, here are a few FAQs to clear the air.

Are Twitter Circle and Twitter Communities the same?

Put simply, no. Communities are groups for like-minded Twitter users who want to share their thoughts on a particular topic, while a Circle is a filter that determines which of a user’s followers can see a specific post. Anyone on Twitter can join a community, but users decide who enters their Circle. Twitter Communities are a place to hang out and chat, whereas Twitter Circle is a setting that controls who you share your content with.

What’s the difference between Twitter Circle and a private account?

If you set your account to protected, only your followers can see your tweets, meaning non-followers can’t see your content. Once your Twitter account is private, it stays that way unless you turn this setting off. Twitter Circle, however, is a filter you can apply to individual tweets, ensuring these posts only go out to your closest friends. Users with both private and public accounts can use Twitter Circle.

What happens to Twitter Circle tweets if I deactivate my account?

If you deactivate your Twitter account, all your tweets become unavailable, and other users will no longer be able to view them. This policy includes Twitter Circle tweets.

Why can’t I use Twitter Circle?

There’s a chance you’re using Twitter’s old version. Check for the app’s update in your App Store or your PC’s/phone’s software update. If that doesn’t work, reinstall the app on your device.

What if I don’t want to use Twitter Circle?

If you think your tweets belong to not only your inner circle but also your followers, choose “Everyone” while tweeting. All you need to do is go to Compose Tweet (or the What’s happening section), type your post, and click Tweet. It will automatically reach your followers, as Twitter’s default setting is “Everyone.”

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