---
platform: twitter-x
format: post
constraints:
  max_chars: 280
  image_ratio: "16:9"
  max_hashtags: 2
---

# Best Practices: Twitter/X — Post

## Format Rules

- Character limit: 280 characters (URLs count as 23 characters regardless of length)
- Images: 1200x675px (16:9) or 1200x1200px (square); up to 4 images per tweet
- Hashtags reduce reach on X — use 1–2 maximum, only when directly relevant
- Polls: up to 4 options, 1–7 day duration
- Threads are linked posts; the opener is the most important tweet
- Quoted tweets with commentary outperform bare retweets

## Structure

```
[SINGLE POWERFUL STATEMENT or QUESTION]
— or —
[SHORT NUMBERED LIST — 3–5 items max, each under 40 characters]
— or —
[NARRATIVE HOOK that demands a thread reply or comment]
```

## Guidelines

- **Brevity is authority.** If you need more than 200 characters, consider whether this should be a thread.
- One idea per tweet. Cramming multiple points kills impact.
- Use line breaks (return key) to create visual rhythm — it stops the scroll.
- The best-performing tweet formats on X: hot takes, contrarian opinions, numbered lists, specific advice.
- Questions that are easy to answer (binary, fill-in-the-blank) generate the most replies.
- Avoid hashtags in post body — place them at the end or omit entirely.
- Engage with replies within the first 30 minutes to boost the tweet's reach.
- Images and alt text: always add alt text to images for accessibility.
- Repost your own top-performing content every 3–6 months — new followers haven't seen it.

## Examples

**Hot take format:**
```
Productivity apps don't make you productive.

Knowing your one most important task today does.
```

**List format:**
```
5 signs you're actually making progress (even when it feels slow):

• You're asking better questions
• Old problems no longer bother you
• You're saying no more often
• Sleep is intentional, not collapsed
• You enjoy the process
```

**Question format:**
```
What's one thing you stopped doing that improved your life more than you expected?
```

**CTA format (for threads):**
```
I spent 6 months studying how top creators build audiences.

Here are the 7 patterns nobody talks about:

🧵 Thread below 👇
```
