This article explains how to set up and get started with a new Twitter account on a web browser. Creating an account with the mobile app is almost identical, so the same steps apply.

What to Know

  • Go to Twitter and sign up. Enter info > verify account > set up profile > add interests > choose accounts to follow.Change name: Select profile icon > tap Settings and Privacy > enter name > Save.

How to Join Twitter via the Website

Signing up for Twitter is a lot like other websites, so it’s a fairly stress-free process.

  • Go to https://twitter.com
  • Select the sign-up option you want to use. You can use your phone number/email or your Google account.
  • Mac, iPhone, and iPad users have an extra option of using their Apple ID.
  • Twitter
  • Enter your name and phone number.
  • Alternatively, to enter your email address, select Use Email Instead.
  • Select Next.
  • Choose whether you want people to be able to find you via your phone number or email address, whether you want to receive emails about Twitter, and if you want to receive personalized ads as you use Twitter.
  • You don’t have to opt into any of these if you don’t want to. It’s entirely optional.
  • Select Next.
  • Ensure you’ve entered your details correctly, then select Sign Up.
  • Wait for a verification code to be sent to the phone number or email address you entered.
  • Enter the verification code.
  • The codes expire after two hours. Check your email or messages and complete this step before then.
  • Select Next.
  • Enter a password, then select Next.
  • Make sure your password is a secure one that’s hard to guess.
  • Choose a profile picture, then select Next.
  • Choose a profile picture that matches your personality or general goals for your Twitter account, whether that means your business logo or a fun photo of your pets.
  • Enter a brief bio about yourself, then select Next.
  • Keep it short and make sure it communicates why you’re on Twitter. If you’re a professional user, you may want to list your job title and accolades. For personal use, include your favorite hobbies and interests. It’s up to you.
  • Choose things that interest you so that Twitter can suggest relevant accounts to follow, then select Next.
  • If your favorite interest isn’t listed, search for it via the search bar above the tags.
  • Select Follow to follow some of the recommended accounts, then select Next.

What to Do After Joining Twitter

Joining Twitter is simple enough, but you’re not finished. Here are some steps to make your experience more personalized.

Go to https://twitter.com

Select the sign-up option you want to use. You can use your phone number/email or your Google account.

Mac, iPhone, and iPad users have an extra option of using their Apple ID.

Enter your name and phone number.

Alternatively, to enter your email address, select Use Email Instead.

Select Next.

Choose whether you want people to be able to find you via your phone number or email address, whether you want to receive emails about Twitter, and if you want to receive personalized ads as you use Twitter.

You don’t have to opt into any of these if you don’t want to. It’s entirely optional.

Ensure you’ve entered your details correctly, then select Sign Up.

Wait for a verification code to be sent to the phone number or email address you entered.

Enter the verification code.

The codes expire after two hours. Check your email or messages and complete this step before then.

Enter a password, then select Next.

Make sure your password is a secure one that’s hard to guess.

Choose a profile picture, then select Next.

Choose a profile picture that matches your personality or general goals for your Twitter account, whether that means your business logo or a fun photo of your pets.

Enter a brief bio about yourself, then select Next.

Keep it short and make sure it communicates why you’re on Twitter. If you’re a professional user, you may want to list your job title and accolades. For personal use, include your favorite hobbies and interests. It’s up to you.

Choose things that interest you so that Twitter can suggest relevant accounts to follow, then select Next.

If your favorite interest isn’t listed, search for it via the search bar above the tags.

Select Follow to follow some of the recommended accounts, then select Next.

Change Your Twitter Username

Twitter assigns you a random username based on the name you enter when signing up. Here’s how to change it.

  • Select the silhouette in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings and Privacy.
  • In the Username field at the top of the screen, enter what you’d like your new username to be, then scroll down and select Save Changes.
  • As you type your new username, Twitter tells you if it’s available. Be original with your choice.
  • You’re done! You can now find your profile at https://twitter.com/yourusernamehere.

Add Your Birthday

Twitter likes to celebrate your birthday by providing you with balloons on your profile page on the day. Add your birthday from the main screen by entering the correct date, then select Save.

Select the silhouette in the upper-right corner, then choose Settings and Privacy.

In the Username field at the top of the screen, enter what you’d like your new username to be, then scroll down and select Save Changes.

As you type your new username, Twitter tells you if it’s available. Be original with your choice. 

You’re done! You can now find your profile at https://twitter.com/yourusernamehere.

Follow People

There are thousands of people on Twitter, from friends to celebrities, politicians, sportspeople, and local businesses. Use Twitter’s search bar in the upper-right corner of the home page to search for people who interest you.

Join In!

Conversation and interaction are key to getting the most from the service. Get to know people. Talk to them by tweeting with them. Don’t be offensive or rude, but get to know people and join in.

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