X posts
Short posts that get replies and reposts: a sharp opening, one idea and media that adds to it.
X moves fast. Posts that do well are short, timely and easy to react to, and they start conversations in the replies.
Five rules apply to every format: hook first, stay consistent, tell a complete story, end with a call to action and design for the phone. Read the five rules
At a glance
| Spec | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Size | 1,280 × 720 px (16:9) · 1,080 × 1,080 px (1:1) |
| Media per post | Up to 4 images, or one video or GIF |
| File types | JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP |
| Text length | 280 characters |
Hook
- Say one thing, clearly. The best posts make a single point in a single read.
- Open strong. The first few words show in the feed preview and notifications.
- Add media that adds meaning. An image, chart or short video makes your post stand out in a text-heavy feed.
Design and edit
- Use 16:9 or 1:1 images. They display without cropping in the timeline.
- Keep text in images large. Timeline images are small on phones.
- Add alt text. It makes your images accessible.
Caption and copy
- Stay within 280 characters. Leave a little room so people can quote you.
- Use one or two hashtags at most. More looks like spam.
- Invite replies. Ask for opinions, examples or experiences.
Timing and cadence
- Post more often. Posts have a short life on X; several a day is normal.
- Join the conversation. Replying to others brings people back to your profile.
What to measure
Impressions show reach; likes, replies and reposts show engagement. Compare posts with and without media to see what your audience prefers.
XImpressionsLikesCommentsShares
How Octapost reports these metrics
Do it in Octapost
- Use the X Post preset in the image editor for 16:9 images.
- Attach up to four images, or one video or GIF.
- The composer counts against X’s 280-character limit, and can split off separate text for X when you post to several networks.
Creating posts in the composer
Checklist
- The post makes one clear point.
- It fits in 280 characters with room to quote.
- Images are 16:9 or 1:1 with alt text.
- At most two hashtags.
- There’s a reason to reply.
Sources
Platform guidance changes often. These are the official pages we check this guide against.