Twitter has removed your homepage wallpaper

Dirk Libbey

Posts: 41   +0

Is Twitter looking a little naked this morning? Well, if you used any custom wallpaper on your homepage, then you probably noticed that you are missing something because that option has now been removed for all users.

Background images have been removed from all homepages as well as notification timelines. Backgrounds are still visible on any publicly viewable page, like tweet pages or lists, however in the private spaces even the default blue that most people are used to seeing has been replaced. Now the default background is white. And man is it white.

The new background isn't entirely new, as users who have set up their accounts since Twitter last updated profile pages have apparently seen it from the start. As of now however it's the standard look for everybody.

It's not clear why the change was made, especially since personalized backgrounds weren't removed entirely. An all or nothing approach makes more sense than this middle of the road approach. It's possible that since the vast majority of users access Twitter via a mobile app, where backgrounds can't be seen, it was a feature that just wasn't getting much use. For the people who spend a lot of time in front of their computer however it will probably take some getting used to.

Some users consider the new white background to be "blinding" but since the default has been available to some users for over a year, and they haven't changed it yet, don't expect to see Twitter backtracking anytime soon.

Since writing this story, Twitter has released the following statement:

“We’re removing background images from the home and notifications timelines on web for all users. Now, background images are only available where logged-in users will see them publicly (Tweet pages, list pages andcollections pages). You can find help center content about customizing your design and where it’s visible on Twitter here.”

Permalink to story.

 
The white is garbage. Imagine, if you will, a sheet of printer paper with words neatly jotted down in an organized grid. Now, visualize that image in direct sunlight.

Best to switch to an appropriate PC/Mac app if you aren't on mobile.
 
Why do the big ones in the internet do this? Same with Youtube anyone remember the old profiles it used to had? Facebook also only allows for a banner...

Moddb is a marvelous place with marvelous profile pages.
 
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