Introduction to X/Twitter

Introduction to X (Formerly Twitter)

What Is X?

Basics of Using X

Character Limits

• Standard Users: Up to 280 characters per post.
• X Premium Subscribers: Up to 25,000 characters per post, allowing for longer-form content.

Home Timeline

Interactions

• Like: Express appreciation for a post.
• Reply: Respond directly to a post, initiating a conversation.
• Repost: Share a post with your followers. You can choose to:
  • Repost: Share without adding commentary.
  • Quote Post: Share and add your own thoughts.

Threads

• Threads: A series of connected posts from a single user, allowing for longer narratives or detailed information beyond the character limit.

How to Post on X

Using the Mobile App

iOS (iPhone)

1. Compose a Post:
   • Tap the Compose icon (pencil and paper) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Create Your Content:
   • Type your message (up to 280 characters for standard users).
   • Optionally add media:
     • Photos: Up to four images.
     • Video: Record or upload videos (up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds for standard users).
     • GIFs: Search and add GIFs.
     • Polls: Create polls with up to four options.
     • Voice Messages: Record audio clips (up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds).
3. Post:
   • Tap Post to share your message.

Android

1. Compose a Post:
   • Tap the Compose icon (pencil and paper) at the bottom right.
2. Create Your Content:
   • Enter your message and add any desired media.
3. Post:
   • Tap Post to publish.

Using the Desktop Website

1. Access Compose Box:
   • Click on the “What’s happening?” box at the top of your Home timeline.
2. Create Your Content:
   • Type your message.
   • Add media by clicking on the respective icons:
     • Media (image icon) for photos or videos.
     • GIF for animations.
     • Poll for interactive polls.
3. Post:
   • Click Post to share.

Additional Options

• Drafts:
  • To save a draft, click the X in the compose window and select Save.
  • Access drafts by clicking on Unsent Posts from the compose box.
• Scheduling Posts:
  • Click the Calendar icon to schedule posts for a future date and time.

X’s Rules and Best Practices

Key Rules

1. Spam and Platform Manipulation:
   • Do not engage in bulk or aggressive following/unfollowing.
   • Avoid posting duplicate or unsolicited replies and mentions.
   • Do not use hashtags inappropriately (e.g., tagging unrelated trending topics).
2. Authenticity:
   • Misleading or deceptive identities are prohibited.
   • Impersonation of individuals, brands, or organizations is not allowed.
3. Harassment and Hateful Conduct:
   • Do not engage in targeted harassment or encourage others to do so.
   • Hateful conduct, including promoting violence against individuals or groups, is prohibited.
4. Privacy Violations:
   • Do not share private information without consent.
5. Violent and Sensitive Content:
   • Restrictions apply to sharing graphic violence or adult content.
6. Intellectual Property:
   • Respect copyright and trademark laws.
   • Do not post content that infringes on others’ intellectual property rights.
7. Advertising and Promotion:
   • All paid advertisements must comply with X’s advertising policies.
   • Organic posts containing paid promotions must be clearly disclosed.

Best Practices

• Quality Over Quantity:
  • Focus on meaningful interactions rather than mass posting.
• Engage Authentically:
  • Build genuine connections with your audience.
• Use Hashtags Wisely:
  • Incorporate relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
• Respect the Community:
  • Be considerate and respectful in all interactions.

Types of Posts on X

1. Standard Posts

• Text Only:
  • Up to 280 characters (standard users).
  • Up to 25,000 characters (X Premium subscribers).
• Features:
  • Include mentions (@username) and hashtags (#topic).
  • Supports basic text formatting for Premium subscribers.

2. Media Posts

• Photos:
  • Attach up to four images per post.
  • Supported formats: JPEG, PNG.
• Videos:
  • Standard users: Up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
  • X Premium subscribers: Up to 2 hours (file size up to 8GB).
  • Supported formats: MP4 (preferred), MOV.
• GIFs:
  • Add animated GIFs from X’s integrated library.

3. Polls

• Interactive Engagement:
  • Create polls with 2 to 4 options.
  • Poll duration: 5 minutes to 7 days.
• Usage:
  • Gather opinions, feedback, or preferences.

4. Threads

• Extended Content:
  • Connect multiple posts to share longer messages.
• How to Create:
  • After composing a post, click ”+” to add another post to the thread.

5. Quote Posts

• Sharing with Commentary:
  • Repost someone else’s post and add your own thoughts.
• Usage:
  • Provide context, agree, disagree, or add information.

6. Replies

• Engagement:
  • Respond directly to another user’s post.
• Visibility:
  • Appears publicly beneath the original post.

7. Voice Posts

• Audio Clips:
  • Record voice messages up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
• Availability:
  • Initially available on iOS; check for updates on other platforms.

8. Spaces

• Live Audio Conversations:
  • Host or join live audio sessions.
• Features:
  • Real-time interaction with listeners.
  • Host can invite speakers, and listeners can request to speak.

Navigating X Features

Discovering Content

• Explore Tab:
  • Find trending topics, news, and hashtags.
• Search:
  • Look up specific keywords, usernames, or hashtags.

Notifications

• Types:
  • Mentions, replies, reposts, likes, and new followers.
• Access:
  • Tap the Bell icon to view your notifications.

Direct Messages (DMs)

• Private Conversations:
  • Send and receive private messages with other users.
• Features:
  • Text, photos, videos, and GIFs.

Building Your Presence on X

Profile Optimization

• Profile Picture:
  • Use a clear, recognizable image (400 x 400 pixels recommended).
• Header Image:
  • Add a header that reflects your brand or personality (1500 x 500 pixels).
• Bio:
  • Write a concise description of yourself or your brand (up to 160 characters).
• Website Link:
  • Include a link to your website or portfolio.
• Pinned Post:
  • Highlight important content at the top of your profile.

Growing Your Audience

• Consistency:
  • Post regularly to stay active in your followers’ timelines.
• Engagement:
  • Interact with others by replying, liking, and reposting relevant content.
• Hashtags:
  • Use trending and relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
• Cross-Promotion:
  • Share your X profile on other social media platforms and websites.

Compliance and Best Practices

Avoiding Violations

• Do Not Engage in Spammy Behavior:
  • Avoid mass following/unfollowing or repetitive posting.
• Respect Intellectual Property:
  • Share only content you have the rights to.
• Transparency in Advertising:
  • Clearly disclose paid partnerships or sponsored content.

Reporting Violations

• If You Encounter Violations:
  • Report abusive or spammy behavior using X’s reporting tools.
• Account Security:
  • Enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.

Conclusion