Freedom to post quick, concise and frequent messages is what Twitter brought to the internet, allowing it to capture the imagination of millions around the world. Despite its rising popularity, Twitter’s official application has been unable to satisfy varied preferences and inclinations. This is where third-party Twitter clients have made a mark: there is one to satisfy your personal tastes too.

The official Twitter client for Android and iOS recently added the much-awaited feature of muting users whom you follow but who you want to mute without unfollowing them. But this isn’t the only useful option out there; Apple App and Google Play store are full of third-party apps begging to be tried out. With almost a million of apps for both platforms, paid and free ones, the choice is virtually limitless.

Below are some third-party clients for Twitter, for both Android and iOS, that offer a wide array of features missing in the official client:

Addicted to tweeting? These third-party apps allow you to tailor your Twitter experience

• UberSocial UberSocial is one of the slickest apps going around, with its slew of features including Facebook integration. It offers the ability to mute hashtags, a feature not present on the official client. It offers themes, streaming of tweets over Wi-Fi, photo and video support, picture streaming, menu customisation and multiple account support in the pro version. It can be downloaded from Google Play Store at this URL: https://play.google.com/stor/apps/details?id=com.twidroid&hl=en

For iOS, follow this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ubersocial-for-twitter/id396050119?mt=8

• Tweetcaster Tweetcaster is one of the earliest third-party clients, with an intuitive interface and tonnes of features packed within the app. It offers the ability to schedule tweets, make long tweets using Twitlonger, and streaming tweets in real-time when connected over Wi-Fi. You can also simultaneously post to Twitter and Facebook. There is also a “read later” mode, which allows you to save links using Instapaper, Readability and Pocket. Photo previews within the app are offered for Instagram and you can use various themes available for you to choose from.

Download link for Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.handmark.tweetcaster For iOS, follow this link: https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/tweetcaster-for-twitter/id420792544?mt=8

• Echofon Echofon’s interface is very similar to the official Twitter client. Sync between all your Echofon apps on Android or iOS devices so you never have to read a tweet, a mention or a direct message twice. This app offers the ability to preview photos right in your timeline, muting users, choosing from light and the battery-saving dark coloured themes. It also offers background notifications as well as multiple account support.

Download link for Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.echofon&hl=en The iOS version is available here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/echofon-for-twitter/id286756410

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 19th, 2015

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