X (formerly Twitter) Posting Guide 2025 – Part 1: Basic Operations and Technical Issues (20 Questions)

How do I post a new tweet on X?

To post a tweet on X, log in to x.com or open the X app on iOS or Android. On the homepage, click the blue “Tweet” button (a feather or plus icon, depending on the platform). Type your message in the text box, staying within the 280-character limit. You can add images, videos, polls, or emojis using the icons below the text box. Once ready, click “Tweet” to publish. For example, you might write, “Loving this sunny day! What’s your vibe? ☀️ #SundayFunday,” and post it. The tweet will appear on your profile and, if your account is public, in your followers’ timelines. X’s interface is designed for quick sharing, making it easy to engage in real-time conversations. Public tweets are visible to everyone, while protected accounts limit visibility to approved followers.

What is the character limit for a tweet? How is it calculated?

The character limit for a tweet is 280 characters, expanded from 140 in 2017 to allow more expressive posts. Here’s how it’s calculated: - Text and Symbols: Letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation each count as 1 character. For example, “Hello world!” is 12 characters (including the space and exclamation). - Emojis: Most emojis count as 2 characters due to Unicode encoding (e.g., 😊 is 2 characters). Some complex emojis (e.g., 🧑‍🚀) may count as more. - Links: Any URL (e.g., https://example.com) counts as 23 characters, as X auto-shortens it into a clickable link. - Mentions and Hashtags: @username and #Hashtag count fully. For example, @user (with a 4-character username) is 5 characters; #Tech is 5 characters. - The tweet composer shows a real-time character count. Exceeding 280 characters grays out the “Tweet” button. For example, in “Hi @user #Tech https://example.com”: - “Hi” (3 characters, including space) - @user (6 characters, assuming “user” is 5) - #Tech (5 characters) - Link (23 characters) - Total: 3 + 6 + 5 + 23 = 37 characters. This limit encourages concise communication, and X’s counter helps users stay within bounds.

How do I add images or videos to a tweet?

To add images or videos, start a tweet by clicking the “Tweet” button. Below the text box, click the image icon (a picture frame) or video icon (a play button). For images, select up to 4 JPG, PNG, or GIF files (ideally under 5MB for quick uploads). For videos, upload an MP4 or MOV file (up to 512MB, 2 minutes 20 seconds long). After uploading, add alt text for images to improve accessibility (e.g., “Photo of a new smartphone”). Preview the media and click “Tweet” to post. For example, upload a product photo and write, “Check out our latest AI device! 📱 #TechLaunch.” Visuals increase engagement—tweets with images get 150% more retweets, per X data. Ensure media complies with X’s guidelines to avoid removal.

How many images can I attach to a single tweet?

You can attach up to 4 images per tweet, a limit set by X to balance content and brevity. To add images, click the image icon in the tweet composer and select up to 4 JPG, PNG, or GIF files. They’ll display as a collage, clickable for full view. To share more, create a thread or reply with additional images. For example, tweet 4 photos with “Best moments from our event! 🎉 #Conference,” and add more in a reply if needed. The 4-image cap encourages curated visuals. Use 1200x675px images for optimal display and fast loading.

How do I create a poll on X?

To create a poll, click “Tweet” and select the poll icon (bar chart). Enter a question (up to 280 characters), like “What’s your favorite app?” Add up to 4 answer options, each up to 25 characters (e.g., “App A,” “App B,” “App C,” “App D”). Set the duration (1, 3, or 7 days) via the dropdown. Click “Tweet” to post. Followers can vote, and results update in real-time, shown as percentages. For example, a poll with “Coffee or tea? ☕🍵 #Poll” and options “Coffee” and “Tea” engages users. Polls can’t be edited after posting, so review carefully. They’re ideal for feedback or fun, boosting interaction significantly.

How do I edit a posted tweet?

Editing is available only to X Premium subscribers within 30 minutes of posting. Go to your profile, find the tweet, click the three-dot menu (“...”), and select “Edit Tweet.” Modify text or media (you can’t change the tweet type, e.g., from text to poll). Save changes, and the tweet will show an “Edited” label with a history viewable by clicking. For example, if you tweet “Meeting at 10!” but meant “11,” edit it promptly. Non-Premium users must delete and repost. Introduced in 2022, this feature ensures transparency via edit logs. Check https://help.x.com/en/using-x/x-premium for Premium details.

Why can’t I send a tweet?

Several issues may prevent a tweet from sending: - Character Limit: Over 280 characters. Check the counter and shorten. - Network Issues: Weak Wi-Fi or mobile data. Test connectivity or switch networks. - Content Violations: Tweets with hate speech, violence, or misinformation may be blocked. Check notifications for warnings. - Account Restrictions: Flagged accounts (e.g., for spam) may be limited. Review notifications or contact X Support. - Technical Glitches: App or browser errors. Update the app or try another device. For example, if “Try this tool! [link]” fails, ensure you’re within 280 characters and online. X’s system enforces rules in real-time; visit help.x.com for support.

How do I delete a posted tweet?

To delete a tweet, go to your profile, find the tweet, click the three-dot menu (“...”), and select “Delete Tweet.” Confirm, and it’s removed from your timeline and followers’ feeds. For example, if you tweet “Event at 5!” but it’s canceled, delete it to avoid confusion. Deleted tweets are gone permanently but may exist in screenshots or third-party archives. Act quickly to limit exposure. X doesn’t notify followers of deletions, keeping the process discreet.

How do I add emojis to a tweet?

To add emojis, click the emoji icon (smiley face) in the tweet composer to browse options, or use your device’s keyboard (e.g., 😊 on a phone). Emojis typically count as 2 characters (some complex ones more) toward the 280-character limit. For example, “Happy Friday! 🎉 #Weekend” uses 🎉 (2 characters) for flair. Emojis boost engagement by 17%, per X data, but use 1-2 relevant ones to avoid clutter. Ensure they align with your message for clarity.

How do I insert a link in a tweet?

Copy a URL (e.g., https://example.com) and paste it into the tweet composer. X shortens it to 23 characters and makes it clickable. If the website supports Twitter Cards, a preview (title, image, description) appears. For example, “New article: https://example.com #Tech” shows a link and preview. Use secure HTTPS links from trusted sources to avoid spam flags. Links increase click-through rates by 30% with previews, per X. Ensure the linked site is mobile-friendly for better user experience.

How do I set privacy settings for a tweet (public or specific people)?

X applies privacy at the account level, not per tweet. Go to Settings > Privacy and Safety > Protected Tweets and enable “Protect your Tweets” to limit all tweets to approved followers. To share with specific people, use direct messages (DMs) or tag them in a protected account (e.g., @friend1). For example, tweeting “@friend1 Lunch plans?” in a protected account is visible only to friend1 and approved followers. Public accounts make tweets visible to all. Protected accounts suit private sharing, while public ones maximize reach.

Why won’t my tweet’s images load?

Image loading issues may stem from: - Unsupported Format: X accepts JPG, PNG, GIF. Convert formats like HEIC. - File Size: Images over 5MB may fail. Compress using tools like TinyPNG. - Network Issues: Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data. Check connectivity. - App/Browser Issues: Outdated X app or browser. Update or switch devices. For example, a 10MB PNG failing to upload can be compressed to 2MB and retried. X optimizes for speed; use 1200x675px images for best results.

How do I tag (@) other users in a tweet?

Type “@” followed by the username (e.g., @username) in the tweet. X’s autocomplete suggests matching users. Tags count toward the 280-character limit (e.g., @user with a 5-character username is 6 characters). For example, “Great job, @TechGuru! #AI” notifies TechGuru and links their profile. Ensure accuracy, as mistyped usernames won’t notify. Tagging is key for engagement but should be relevant to avoid seeming spammy.

How do I use hashtags (#Hashtag) in a tweet?

Type “#” followed by a keyword or phrase (e.g., #Technology) with no spaces. Hashtags make tweets discoverable in searches. Check X’s trending section for popular hashtags. They count fully (e.g., #Tech is 5 characters). For example, “New AI tool! #AI #Tech” joins those conversations. Use 1-3 relevant hashtags, as they boost engagement by 21%, per X. Avoid excessive hashtags (10+) to prevent spam flags.

How do I pin a tweet to the top of my profile?

Go to your profile, find the tweet, click the three-dot menu (“...”), and select “Pin to your profile.” Only one tweet can be pinned; new pins replace the old. For example, pin “New course launched! 📚 #Education” to highlight it. Pinned tweets are the first thing visitors see, ideal for promotions or key messages. Choose impactful content to maximize profile appeal.

How do I post a thread on X?

A thread is a series of linked tweets. Write the first tweet, click the “+” button to add more (each up to 280 characters), and number them (e.g., 1/3, 2/3) for clarity. Click “Tweet All” to post. For example, start with “#TechConf2025 takeaways! 1/3 AI in healthcare” and continue with “2/3 New tool demo.” Threads suit detailed stories or lists, and readers can view all parts by clicking “Show this thread.” They deepen engagement for complex topics.

How do I check if a tweet was successfully sent?

After clicking “Tweet,” check your profile’s timeline to confirm the tweet appears. Visit the Notifications tab for likes or retweets, indicating visibility. If it’s missing, look for error messages (e.g., “Tweet not sent”) or check network/content issues. For example, after tweeting “New blog! #AI,” refresh your profile. If absent, verify connectivity or rule violations. X’s real-time system ensures instant posting, but glitches may occur.

Why does my tweet show as “temporarily restricted”?

A “temporarily restricted” message indicates X flagged your tweet or account for: - Spam Behavior: Rapid, repetitive, or promotional tweets (e.g., 10 “Buy now!” posts hourly). - Rule Violations: Content like hate speech or misinformation. - User Reports: Complaints from others. Check Notifications for details and appeal via help.x.com. For example, repetitive promotional tweets may trigger this. X’s algorithms maintain platform quality; restrictions are usually temporary if rules are followed.

How do I send a voice tweet on X?

Voice tweets allow 140 seconds of audio. Click “Tweet,” select the microphone icon, hold the record button to capture audio, and release to stop. Preview and click “Tweet” to post. For example, record “Excited for our AI launch! #Tech” for a personal touch. Available on mobile apps only, voice tweets require clear audio and may be region-limited. Launched in 2020, they add authenticity but need a quiet environment.

How do I embed a YouTube video in a tweet?

Copy a public YouTube video’s URL (e.g., https://youtube.com/watch?v=abc123) and paste it into the tweet composer. X auto-generates a playable preview. Click “Tweet” to post. For example, “Great TED Talk! https://youtube.com/watch?v=abc123 #Inspiration” shows a thumbnail. The URL counts as 23 characters. Ensure the video is public and the URL is valid. Previews enhance engagement without extra setup.

Tags: Posting Guide 2025