Report: Twitter Will Woo App Developers With “Twitter Fabric” Platform

Twitter plans to launch a new app development platform, called “Twitter Fabric” in an effort to make peace with app developers, push its way into more mobile apps and collect more data about mobile users, according to a report in The Information today.

If successful, the previously undisclosed project could help Twitter boost its nascent ad-network revenue stream, gain a new source of revenue, and hook more users into its own app. It also reflects Twitter’s desire to be at the center of online “identity.” Twitter and its competitors are in an arms race to collect more data about people’s activities and interests across different mobile applications, which could let them broker more expensive ads or build better products.

Citing unnamed sources who have been briefed on the program, The Information (subscription required) reported that Twitter Fabric is expected to be released before or during Twitter’s Flight conference for developers on Oct. 22. Twitter posted the conference agenda Monday, saying it is withholding a few “surprises for the big day.”

The conference and now the reported new app program is seen as an effort to mend fences with developers angered when Twitter largely cut off third-party access to the Twitter API three years ago.

Twitter had previously encouraged developers’ use of its feed and many developers felt betrayed by the policy shift. Getting those developers back on board will help Twitter in its quest to catch up with Google and Facebook, the dominant players in the mobile ad business.

Among the features of Fabric reported by The Information:

• “Digits,” a free tool that enables developers to sign up new users by telephone number. The company has struck deals with wireless carriers globally to tap into their text messaging systems.
• Incorporation of software development kits from two companies that Twitter bought last year: Crashlytics, for debugging, distribution of apps to beta users and analytics, and MoPub, the largest mobile ad exchange.
• possible creation of an SDK marketplace within Fabric that could allow third-party developers to charge for development tools.

Twitter, which declined to comment for The Information’s article, didn’t respond to a email for comment from Marketing Land.

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About The Author

Martin Beck

Martin Beck was Third Door Media's Social Media Reporter from March 2014 through December 2015.