Timeline

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope

A timeline may refer to any of the following:

Illustration of a timeline.

1. With social networks, the timeline is the primary page where content is viewed. The timeline is personalized for each user, displaying content based on which accounts the user is following. While timelines are usually presented chronologically, an algorithm is used to order the content based on what receives the most interaction. When a user posts, followers see it on their timeline, allowing them to react by liking it or commenting.

The term can apply to individual profiles and a collective timeline on the home page. When scrolling through a user's profile on Facebook and other social media platforms, you browse their timeline, which features posts they shared in the past.

On most social media websites and applications, the timeline only displays posts rather than stories or direct messages showcased in personal sections.

Why do I not see my friends' posts on my timeline?

Social networks, like Facebook, use an algorithm to decide what shows on your timeline. Although it helps keep your timeline cleaner, it decides what you see and may not show posts chronologically. Unfortunately, Facebook does not allow you to turn off this feature or show you all posts chronologically.

Twitter shows tweets as posted if you're viewing the "Following" and not the "For You" section.

2. With video editing, the timeline is the portion of the video editing software interface where the sequence of video clips and sound effects is visually represented chronologically. When clips are imported into the software, they must first be placed on the timeline before effects can be applied to them.

The timeline helps order clips sequentially, navigate the video by scrubbing your cursor across clips, and apply quick modifications like splicing and speed corrections. However, other panels, such as the effects panel, must be used for more precise manipulation.

Below is an example of the Adobe Premiere Pro timeline.

Adobe Premiere Pro timeline

3. In a historical context, a time line or timeline lists events that have occurred over a length of time. For example, our computer history section has a timeline of computer-related events from B.C. to today that helped make the computers we use today.

4. In general, a time line or timeline lists events scheduled to occur. For example, a seminar timeline may list events and when and who will speak.

Chronological, Internet terms, Post