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Twitter marks 10 years of tags and tweets

Social media platform Twitter, which is celebrating its 10th birthday, now has about 320 million users worldwide - including three million in Australia.

The Twitter application on an iPhone
Social media site Twitter, which is celebrating its 10th birthday, now has about 320 million users. (AAP)

From #auspol to #putoutyourbats, Twitter has accomplished a lot in the past decade.

The US-based social media platform turned 10 on Monday, kicking off worldwide birthday celebrations.

The digital age version of the office watercooler has popularised tweets and hashtags, and tracked what's trending amongst its users.

"It is the roar of the sports crowd in the stadium, the breaking news story from the scene from the source in the palm of your hand, and on top of that it's culture, a little quip, something silly," Twitter Australia spokesman Jonathan Harley said.

While Australian Twitter users will comment on anything from sport results to music concerts, it's the big news events that capture the most attention.

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In the wake of Sydney's Lindt Cafe siege, many users expressed support for Muslim Australians with the #Illridewithyou hashtag.

The tragic death of cricketer Phil Hughes led to an outpouring of tributes tagged #putoutyourbats hashtag, while former prime minister Tony Abbott's political demise inspired the cheekier #putoutyouronions.

Aussie Twitter users are so news-oriented the top local hashtag is #auspol, used to chronicle the going-ons in federal politics.

"You almost take it for granted now, it's part of the furniture," Mr Harley said.

On its 10th birthday, Twitter now has about 320 million users worldwide, including three million in Australia.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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