Twitter users may have noticed a new background when logging on. The social platform recently removed personalized wallpapers from users’ home and notification timelines without a word, leaving users in the dark….or, the white.
Now, all users will see a plain, white background— some users are referring to as anywhere from a “neutral shade of light blue” to “blinding white”— in place of their previous customizable background.
Save an official announcement or explanation, the Twitter background change led some to think that the site was broken, while others speculate that the background will soon be a home for advertisements.
“We’re removing background images from the home and notifications timelines on web for all users. Now, background images are only available where logged-in users will see them publicly (Tweet pages, list pages and collections pages). You can find help center content about customizing your design and where it’s visible on Twitter here,” a Twitter spokesperson confirmed with Mashable on Monday.
This isn’t the first time Twitter has made changes to users’ background. Last year, Twitter began removing background images from profiles when profiles were redesigned with larger profile pictures.
However, only when logged in, users will find that the customized background images are still visible on public spaces like individual Tweets, list pages, and collections pages. There is no guarantee how long those backgrounds will remain.
Several users, who appreciated the ability to customize their profile and Twitter experience, expressed their unhappiness with the change and even referenced MySpace’s downfall after a similar update.
Seriously, #Twitter – you’re killing me with the #white background. Someone, pass me some sunshades. My eyes…MY EYES!
— E.L. Wicker ⚜ (@ELWicker) July 23, 2015
not digging this #white background twitter..
— Sean (@seanzymeep) July 20, 2015
Hey #twitter, #MySpace turn off personal backgrounds too, right before they went belly up … Restore my background or I will leave twitter!
— I ///M Börger ☮ (@BMWBorger) July 23, 2015
Needless to say, people are not happy.
As we learn more about the reason behind the Twitter update, we will be sure to post another update. For now, say goodbye to your personal background flair. You will have to rely on your profile and header image to convey yours and your business’ personality on Twitter from now on.
Update: If you are mourning the loss of your Twitter background, Mika – a coder based in Germany – released the Twitter Background Restorer on Github to revive your flair.
Sources:
Mashable
The Next Web
