Twitter has plans to launch a Tweet Button that will let users share articles on websites and count how many times a Tweet has been retweeted, according to a Mashable exclusive. It could roll out as soon as this Thursday.

The button is a single line of code that comes in three versions: (110×20, 55×20, 55×63) with five different settings for customization.

Who It Hurts

If this sound like Facebook's Like button that is because it is similar in concept. Tweet Button is meant to be the most comprehensive source of retweets and shares across the Twitter network, Mashable says.  Twitter's move in this direction is not surprising, Venture Beat writes. "With the success of Facebook’s "Like" button, Twitter needs to have a quick sharing button all its own."

However, the Tweet button also places Twitter in head-to-head combat with a former, third-party friend: Tweetmeme.Mashable says Tweetmeme and Twitter have discussed the product launch, but PC World, at least, doubts this is true. "Since when do opposing forces have a polite dialogue before a product launch?"

The button's launch will only worsen Twitter's relationship with third-party developers, which has been on iffy ground this year since Twitter's acquisition of Tweetie and its official apps for the iPhone and BlackBerry.