X threads
Connected posts that tell a longer story: a first post that hooks, one point per post and a strong finish.
A thread links several posts into one story. It lets you go deeper than 280 characters while each post still works on its own when people share it.
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 |
|---|---|
| Text length | 280 characters per post |
| Media per post | Up to 4 images, or one video, per post |
| Thread length | As many posts as the idea needs; most land at 4–8 |
Hook
- The first post sells the thread. State what readers will learn and how much: “How we doubled sign-ups in 6 steps 🧵”.
- Add an image to the first post. It stands out in the feed and shows effort.
- Deliver straight away. The second post should contain the first real point.
Design and edit
- One point per post. Each should make sense on its own.
- Number the steps. “1/”, “2/” helps readers follow.
- Use media where it helps. A screenshot or diagram in the middle keeps readers going.
Caption and copy
- Cut ruthlessly. A shorter thread that’s all signal beats a long one with filler.
- End with a summary and a call to action. Ask for a follow, a repost of the first post or a reply.
- Link at the end. Keep external links out of the first post.
Timing and cadence
- Turn your best content into threads. Articles, case studies and talks work well.
- Repost the first post later. A thread can find a new audience a few days after it goes out.
What to measure
Impressions on the first post show how many people saw the thread; replies and reposts show how many found it worth sharing.
XImpressionsLikesCommentsShares
How Octapost reports these metrics
Do it in Octapost
- Choose the Threads post type and add each post in order.
- Each post in the thread can carry its own images or video.
- Schedule the whole thread once; Octapost publishes the posts in order as replies.
Creating posts in the composer
Checklist
- The first post promises a clear payoff.
- Each post makes one point and stands alone.
- Steps are numbered.
- Links are at the end, not in the first post.
- The last post sums up and asks for an action.
Sources
Platform guidance changes often. These are the official pages we check this guide against.