Why did Twitter get rid of Periscope?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

Twitter made the decision to get rid of Periscope due to a combination of factors. Firstly, there was a significant decline in the usage of the Periscope app. Over time, fewer and fewer people were actively using the platform, leading to a decrease in engagement and overall interest.

Secondly, the decision to shut down Periscope was also driven by a product realignment strategy. Twitter wanted to streamline its offerings and focus on its core features, such as real-time tweets and live video streaming through the main Twitter platform. By eliminating Periscope, Twitter aimed to simplify its product portfolio and allocate resources more effectively.

Another important factor behind the decision was the desire to eliminate the expenses associated with app maintenance. Building and maintaining a standalone app like Periscope requires significant resources, including development, infrastructure, and ongoing updates. With the decline in usage and the need to prioritize other features, Twitter likely saw the ongoing expenses as unnecessary and decided to cut them off by discontinuing Periscope.

It is worth noting that the decision to shut down Periscope was not taken lightly. Twitter acknowledged the loyal Periscope community and expressed gratitude for their support. However, the declining usage and the need to focus on core features ultimately led to this difficult decision.

Personally, I can understand Twitter’s rationale behind discontinuing Periscope. As technology evolves and user preferences change, companies must adapt to stay competitive. If a product is no longer meeting the needs or expectations of its users, it may be more beneficial to allocate resources elsewhere. While it may be disappointing for those who enjoyed using Periscope, it is a natural part of the evolution of technology platforms.

The decision to get rid of Periscope was driven by the fall in usage, the desire for product realignment, and the need to eliminate the expenses of app maintenance. By focusing on its core features and streamlining its offerings, Twitter aims to provide a more efficient and effective user experience.