Twitter tests new voice tweeting feature

Feature introduced to select group using Apple devices

Twitter has become an increasingly popular platform amid the pandemic. AFP

Twitter on Wednesday said it was testing a new feature that would allow users to tweet using their voice, capturing up to 140 seconds of audio in one post.

The feature will be available to a limited number of users on Apple's iOS platform for now and be rolled out for more iOS users in coming weeks, Twitter said in a blog post

The micro-blogging platform said users would be able to create a voice tweet using a new "wavelengths" icon on the Tweet composer screen.

Social media companies including Twitter have long been under pressure to curb content such as abuse, harassment and misinformation on their platforms.

"We are working to incorporate additional monitoring systems ahead of bringing this to everyone," Twitter spokeswoman Aly Pavela said.

"We'll review any reported voice tweets in line with our rules and take action, including labelling, as needed."

Twitter, which adds labels to content containing manipulated or synthetic media, has started adding fact-checking labels to some types of coronavirus and election-related misinformation, including to a tweet by US President Donald Trump about mail-in ballots.

Last month, Twitter also added a warning to a tweet by Mr Trump about Minneapolis protests. It said the post glorified violence.