How To Participate in a Twitter Party

Bookmark this page if you plan to participate in a Twitter party- all the info you need to get started is here!

What is a Twitter party?

A Twitter party is an online party held on Twitter, where participants join in and take part in a conversation, usually about a specific topic. Twitter parties usually have at least one host, and can often also have expert panelists who lead the discussion with the host for a period of 1-2 hours. Participants can usually win prizes in twitter parties, which has made them a popular and fun pastime!

How Can I Participate in a Twitter Party?

The first step before you can participate is to make sure you have a Twitter account. Don’t have one yet? It’s easy and free to sign up. Need help? We love this super handy Twitter guidebook from Mashable It has all the answers you need to get your Twitter account started and ready for the party!

Prefer to learn in person? Click here for details of our Twitter 101 Coaching sessions and Workshops!

How Does a Twitter party work?

Prior to the start of the Twitter Party, the host will announce the party’s Hashtag, which is a word or acronym with a # sign in front of it. Hashtags are used to allow people to quickly search for tweets that share a common topic. (For example, the hashtag for Mums ‘n Chums’ Erinoak Kids Twitter Party was #EOKFDN. Anyone who types that hastag into a Twitter search will be able to conveniently view all of the tweets about the Erinoak Kids Twitter party).

Use of hashtags make a twitter party much easier to follow, especially for those who are following large numbers of people on twitter, as the hashtag allows you to isolate only the tweets for that topic and “tune out” all others. A great client that allows easy following of hashtags is Tweetchat. Once logged in to Tweetchat, all you have to do is enter the hashtag you want to follow and it instantly brings up a stream of only the tweets using that hashtag. It also automatically enters the hashtag for you when you tweet a message, in case you forget to do it yourself (most twitter parties require you to enter the hashtag for every party related tweet). Tweetgrid and Tweetdeck are also handy options when following tweets with a hashtag- give them a try!

You will want to be sure to follow the party’s hashtag and the twitter handles of the party sponsors, panelists and hosts prior to the party- preferably at least 1/2 hour in advance of its’ start time, and sooner than that if you can. That way, you’ll be up to speed on any special requirements for the party, such as RSVP links (some, but not all Twitter parties will require this). The party hosts may also tweet party rules, details and information about the prizes being offered in advance of the party- so be sure you’re informed! It would be a shame to win a prize only to find out you don’t qualify!

Once the party starts, the host(s) and / or panelists will begin the conversation, focusing on the pre determined topic. Participants can engage in the conversation and provide answers to any questions which are asked. Twitter parties that offer prizes usually give one prize away after each question is answered, and that is normally done by randomly selecting a winner from the group of participants. Participants must qualify to be eligible to win (here’s where reading the party’s rules in advance comes in handy!). The party continues until all of the questions are answered and all of the prizes are won.

Some twitter parties will announce their winners during the party, but others don’t until the party is over, sometimes not until the next day. Again, carefully reading the party rules beforehand will ensure you understand how your chosen party will work. If you win a prize, follow the instructions given by the party host in order to claim it.

What are the Benefits of Participating in a Twitter Party?

You mean, aside from fun? Twitter parties are a fabulous way to enjoy some casual networking, make new friends, learn more about a specified topic, win fabulous prizes and find support! Is it any wonder they’re so popular?

Host a Twitter Party with Mums ‘n Chums!