Twitter has announced that it has begun testing out an Edit Tweet feature that will soon become available for a few select users to trial.

The feature has been requested by many users of the social media app over the past few years, and earlier in the year Twitter announced they were working on it.

In an explanation of how it will work Twitter said that tweets will be able to be edited “a few times” in a 30-minute period after they are published.

After that edited tweets will appear with an icon, timestamp and label to make it clear that the original version has been altered.

Users will be able to click to see a tweet’s edit history, which will show past versions.

Bournemouth Echo: Twitter will test out the feature with a very small number of users at first (PA)Twitter will test out the feature with a very small number of users at first (PA) (Image: PA)

Critics of the potential feature have said previously they were worried that users could use such a tool to spread disinformation.

In a blog post announcing the move, Twitter said: “Like any new feature, we’re intentionally testing Edit Tweet with a smaller group to help us incorporate feedback while identifying and resolving potential issues. This includes how people might misuse the feature. You can never be too careful.

“Later this month, we’ll be expanding Edit Tweet access to Twitter Blue subscribers.

“As part of their subscription, they receive early access to features and help us test them before they come to Twitter. The test will be localised to a single country at first and expand as we learn and observe how people use Edit Tweet.

“We’ll also be paying close attention to how the feature impacts the way people read, write and engage with tweets.”

The tool will become available to Twitter Blue subscribers later in the month, which is a service available in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that gives users additional features not available to the wider public.