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

# Best Practices: Twitter/X — Thread

## Format Rules

- Each tweet in a thread: 280 characters max
- Ideal thread length: 7–20 tweets (shorter threads under 5 feel incomplete; longer than 20 see steep drop-off)
- Number each tweet (1/, 2/, etc.) for clarity and navigation
- The opening tweet (Tweet 1) is the only one that appears in feeds — it drives the entire thread's performance
- Use "🧵" symbol to signal a thread is coming

## Structure

```
Tweet 1: [HOOK — standalone statement that demands to be read]
"[Provocative claim, specific number, or powerful question]"
"A thread: 🧵"

Tweet 2: [SETUP — frame the problem or context]

Tweets 3–N: [CONTENT — one idea per tweet]
- Use numbered sub-lists inside tweets when listing within a point
- Add an image or screenshot to key tweets to increase dwell time
- Plant cliffhangers at the end of every 3rd tweet ("But that's not the hardest part...")

Second-to-last tweet: [KEY TAKEAWAY — most shareable line in the entire thread]

Final Tweet: [CTA]
"If this was useful:
• RT the first tweet to share it
• Follow me for more on [topic]
• Reply with your biggest question"
```

## Guidelines

- **The hook tweet must work as a standalone post.** It appears in feeds without context; it must be compelling enough to make someone tap to read the full thread.
- Each tweet should deliver one clear, actionable or informative idea.
- Use cliffhangers to maintain scroll momentum: "But there's a catch...", "Here's where most people get it wrong..."
- Strong thread topics: personal stories with lessons, numbered frameworks, step-by-step tutorials, debunking myths.
- Vary tweet length — alternate between 1-line punches and 3-line paragraphs.
- Use images, screenshots, or charts for tweets that reference data or comparisons.
- The summary tweet (second-to-last) should be the most RT-able tweet in the thread.
- Schedule threads with a tool like Buffer or TweetDeck to go live at peak engagement hours.

## Examples

**Opening tweet:**
```
I grew a newsletter from 0 to 50,000 subscribers in 18 months with no paid ads.

Here's the exact playbook I'd use if I was starting over today:

🧵
```

**Mid-thread cliffhanger:**
```
7/ That strategy alone doubled my open rates.

But the biggest mistake I see creators make has nothing to do with content.

It's this 👇
```

**Summary tweet:**
```
17/ Quick recap:

• Hook is the only thing that matters at first
• One platform, one format, until it works
• Email > followers
• Ship daily for 30 days before judging results
• Compounding beats viral every time
```

**CTA tweet:**
```
18/ If this was useful:

→ RT Tweet 1 to help someone else
→ Follow @handle for one thread like this per week
→ What topic should I cover next? Drop it below 👇
```
