Twitter rolls out group direct messages, in-app camera

Twitter yesterday announced two new features, rolling out over the next few days; direct messages to multiple users, and video tweets from the Twitter app.

The group direct message feature will allow users to carry on a private conversation on twitter with up to 20 friends. You can start a conversation with any of your followers, and they don't necessarily all need to be following each other to participate, they only need to be connected to you.

New! Use Direct Messages to speak privately with a group of up to 20 people. Share Tweets, show emoji & be yourself. https://t.co/8giGhC6OO0

— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015

​The other feature being rolled out is the camera functionality for Twitter on mobile. Until now, users have been able to post pictures and videos to Twitter, but the update will let you take a picture or 30-second video with your camera, from within the app itself, and then post it to your feed. Just a few taps to snap that picture and edit it (à la Facebook and Instagram) and post. 

You can now shoot, edit and share video on Twitter. Capture life's most moving moments from your perspective. pic.twitter.com/31JoMS50ha

— Twitter (@twitter) January 27, 2015

And guess who Twitter reported was their first video-for-Twitter user, but your very own Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris! You can find the full blog post here.

Check out my Twitter video #Oscar exclusive! I gots me a scoop! pic.twitter.com/SGQ3oJHDqZ

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) January 27, 2015