Twitter has always been the go-to platform to know #WhatsHappening real-time. But aside from discussing trending topics and joining various conversations online, creative storytelling has become popular in the Twitterverse.
Dubbed Twitterserye, the stories are mostly fan fictions and are built up through threads and replies to make the narrative “snackable” and interactive. The thread feature also makes reading more convenient, especially for readers who want to retweet their favorite lines from the story.
Here’s how Twitter helped in making good stories and fandoms come alive:
An avenue to showcase talents
More than just expressing opinions, Twitter allows Filipinos to showcase their writing prowess and share their work. A Twitterserye titled By Mistake became the talk of the town just recently as it captured classic Filipino romantic comedy themes.
By Mistake is a KathNiel fan fiction that tells the love and hate relationship of Ivor and Lily. It all started when Lily had a fight with Ivor over a wrong Grab message. Interestingly, it is also penned by Gwy Saludes (@4reuminct), the same author behind the other smashing Twitterserye hit, Along España.
Saludes proves that 280 characters can make compelling stories that thousands of people can revel in and relate to. In fact, the use of Twitter thread and replies to mimic an actual conversation gives it a fresh and authentic appeal.
Nurtures fan communities
What makes Twitterserye unique is that it gives fans a super dose of kilig and entertainment. Fans are buckled up for a feels trip as the story progresses, and they simply can’t help but share their reactions online.
Fandoms unite and get enthusiastic whenever a new Twitterserye shows up. They find the stories relatable as if it is based on real characters or experiences. In the process, it has enriched the interactions among the community and encouraged people even outside the fandom to jump into the conversation.
Brings fans and the stars closer
Through Twitter, fans and their idols get closer just by enjoying the same thing: reading Twitterseryes. By Mistake and Along España became such a hit that even celebrities like Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath) and Sofia Andres (@iamsofiaandres), who were both reimagined as characters in the story, noticed the thread and reacted to the series.
What’s more interesting is that besides getting close with the artists, fans who have authored their own series also gained avid readers of their own. Saludes, for example, got plenty of opportunities to present and hone her craft especially after Along España took Twitterverse by storm.