What the Heck is a Twibbon?!

What Are Twibbons?
If you're a Twitter user, chances are you've already seen one. Twibbons are graphics that are added to a Twitter user's icon to show support or interest for a particular topic, whether it's a cause, a candidate, a school, a team, a hobby, a country, a brand, or a holiday. They most often take the form of a small logo or colored ribbon, and are usually placed in the lower right hand corner of your Twitter icon.

Why Should I Add a Twibbon To My Twitter Avatar?
Adding a Twibbon to your icon can provide exposure for whatever your Twibbon represents. If you're supporting a cause or brand, that's important. By adding a Twibbon you make every single tweet a potential platform for awareness, whether your tweets are on-topic or not.

But plenty of Twitter users who aren't trying to promote anything use Twibbons. Why? For the same reason you wear t-shirts with your favorite team logo and buy stickers that say "Knit Like You Mean It" - it's a fun way to share something you're interested in. Twibbons are available for health issues, sports teams, fraternities and sororities, soft drinks, motorcycles, handmade crafts - your options are almost endless.

So Where Do I Get a Twibbon?
First go to Twitter.com and make sure you're signed in. Next, go to Twibbon.com and look for "Sign In With Twitter" button. It's blue, bar-shaped, and located at the top right of the page. Clicking this will take you to a page where Twitter will ask allow or deny permission for Twibbon to connect to your account. Click "Allow." You will then be redirected back to the Twibbon site.

Now that you're signed in, let's find you a Twibbon! Use the search box to find specific topics you're interested in, or browse through the tag cloud below it. As you look through the Twibbons, remember that these are overlays, and in most cases your icon will still show through.

When you've found one you like, click on it. This will open the Twibbon's individual page, and will show a preview image of your current icon with the Twibbon overlay added. Check to make sure that the overlay image is where you want it. If the Twibbon is covering up your gorgeous face, click and drag the Twibbon in the preview image until you have it where you want it. When it all looks just right, click the "Show My Support Now!" button. This will send your newly Twibbonized icon to Twitter, along with an automatic tweet that says you got a new Twibbon. Note: it may take Twitter a little while to change your icon. Be patient!

What If I Can't Find a Twibbon I Like?
Make your own! Up on the top of the page is a text link that says "Create." Clicking this will take you to a form that allows you to submit a new Twibbon. If this is your first time making a Twibbon, be sure to read the advice in the yellow boxes, and to pay attention to the helpful hints on the right side of the screen. Especially useful is the video under the last of these hints - it will show you step-by-step how to create a new Twibbon using Pixlr.com.

I Changed My Mind - How Do I Get Rid of My Twibbon?
If you decide that you don't want your Twibbon anymore and want to go back to your old icon, there are two ways to go about it. The experts over at the Twibbon blog have done a good job of explaining both methods at this post. (Once again, it may take Twitter a little while to change your icon - patience is a virtue!)

One Last Tweet... er, Word
Twibbons are a free, fun, and easy way to add an extra bit of personalization to your Twitter icon and share something you care about. And since it's pretty easy to go back to your original icon, it's low risk to try. Happy tweeting!