Twitter is a microblogging service that allows users to send and receive short 140-character messages called tweets. Tweets can be sent and received through the Twitter website, instant messengers, mobile phones via text messaging, and widgets. While initially used to share status updates and ask questions, people are now using Twitter to share news, events, media, and offers. In the future, Twitter's API may enable more advanced applications for alternate reality storytelling, brand integration, and micropublishing.