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Since its birth 16 years ago, Twitter has remained one of the top social media platforms in the world. If you have been a tweeter for a few years, you will remember the time when you only had 140 characters to get your point across. While the character count has gone up over the years - now sitting at 280 - it sometimes still isn’t enough to pack everything you want to say within one tweet.
Enter: Twitter threads.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you should know about Twitter threads and why they could be a great addition to your social media content schedule.
Related: Instagram Post Examples
What Is a Twitter Thread?
Tweets are typically restricted to only 280 characters, however, since Twitter launched its Twitter threads feature, tweeters have the opportunity to post longer pieces of text. Twitter threads are essentially just a simple way to extend your character count and get your full thought across to your followers.
They are a series of tweets linked in chronological order from a single person. When creating a Twitter thread you start off with one tweet and then continue your thought into a second one, third, fourth etc…
Once a Twitter thread has been posted, only the first and last tweet will be displayed. The user must click “show full thread” to read it in full.
Why Make Twitter Threads?
Why create a series of tweets? What makes Twitter threads so effective? Well, many tweeters find that Twitter threads result in more engagement from their audience. When there is more information presented, there’s more to comment on, agree with/disagree with.
Twitter threads are great conversation starters!
Another good reason to start posting Twitter threads is that it gives your followers a more complete idea of what you’re offering (if your goal is to direct them to a product/service). Instead of just typing out “Check out my blog post” and posting the link, create a Twitter thread that highlights the 4-5 key points from your blog post and then include the link in the final tweet.
If your followers are interested they will definitely click, but they won’t know why they should read your post unless you tell them!
How to Create a Twitter Thread
Creating a Twitter thread is simple and can be done on your desktop, mobile app, Twitter thread app or even through your social media scheduler
- Start by composing your first tweet. When you are finished, instead of hitting the “tweet” button, hit the “+” sign right beside it.
- Compose your second tweet and then follow the same process until you are on your last tweet.
- Once you have completed your final tweet. Hit “Tweet all” and your Twitter thread will go live immediately.
Feel free to mix and match your style of tweets. Add in an image, infographic or poll if you feel called to. Graphics are a great way to round out your Twitter threads.
Keep in mind only the first and last tweets will be displayed on your feed. The user will have to click “show full thread” to see the ones in the middle. This is why it’s important to include any links or important information in the final tweet.
Successful Twitter Thread Examples
1. Using a Twitter thread to promote an event/product or service
The Museum of Modern Art uses a short tweet to introduce the concept of their exhibit and then tacks on a call to action, explaining when and where the exhibit will take place.
2. To explain something in detail
The David Suzuki Foundation uses a Twitter thread to explain their side of an argument in rich detail.
3. To direct followers back to your blog or website
Longevity expert Peter Attia ends his Twitter thread with a link to his blog post and newsletter link.
There are lots of ways to take advantage of the Twitter thread format. If what you have to say is too detailed to fit into a single tweet, consider extending it out, beginning a new tweet with every new idea or thought. Keep in mind you can very well start a new tweet in the middle of a sentence, in fact, doing so tends to keep the reader engaged until the very end.
What Are the Benefits of Twitter Threads
Studies have found that tweets without a link receive more impressions than tweets with a link so, think about what this means for Twitter threads.
Twitter threads seem to garner more views and engagement because of how much text there is. Once a Twitter user sees a link, they usually click it right away and don’t have a chance to “like” or reply to the tweet itself. Twitter threads include both text AND a link, so there’s something for the user to reply to.
If you want to up your Twitter engagement, then Twitter threads are the way to go.
8 Engaging Twitter Threads Ideas
Here are a few ways you can put your Twitter thread skills to the test:
1. Tell a really interesting story
When you start a Twitter thread with “You won’t believe what happened to me today”, people can’t help but read on!
Begin your Twitter thread with a teaser and then tell your unbelievable story through a series of connected tweets. Even if you use your Twitter account to promote your business, your followers will still appreciate a personal story every now and then. So, try it out!
2. Rehash an old tweet
Did you know that you can turn an old tweet into a Twitter thread? If you need to add a thought, link or image to an existing tweet, simply click on the tweet, click the “+” and add in your follow up. This is a great way to announce the winner of a contest or to share an exciting update about something you tweeted about months ago.
3. Make a thread of your most popular, well-loved tweets
If you happen to be an expert, coach or teacher of some kind, consider creating a Twitter thread that features all of your best tips and tricks. Copy and paste your greatest tweets and remind your followers why you really are the best tweeter on the internet!
4. Create a list
The listicle is still going strong. Try creating your own mini listicle by using the Twitter thread format and start each tweet with a new list item. You can number these tweets if you want. A lot of people will use the typical Twitter thread numbering protocol which goes something like: 1/4…2/4…3/4…4/4…Feel free to number your tweets however you want. Just keep in mind that only your first and last tweet will be immediately visible.
5. Create a Tweetstorm
Sometimes “Twitter threads” are called “Tweetstorms” (when they are really, really long). If you have some really important advice you want to share with your followers, instead of a blog post, try posting it as a super long Tweetstorm. You’ll get lots of engagement because there are so many opportunities for comments, likes and questions.
6. Make an image story
If you have a particular product or service you want to promote, instead of a slide show on Instagram or a Youtube ad, try showing your marketing materials in a Twitter thread.
If it’s a product you’re promoting, start off with one version of the product and then show different “flavors”…”colors”…”styles” etc…in the following tweets. Twitter threads are meant to follow a storytelling format, they are all connected chronologically, so take advantage!
7. Promote your blog by presenting the first paragraph
You could just tweet the link of your blog post, but the whole point of Twitter threads is to hook the user with information so they will continue reading and hopefully click on your link! Remember how we said tweets with no links get more engagement?
One really great way to take advantage of the Twitter thread format is to post the first paragraph or so of your blog post and then include the link to the full post in your final tweet. It will give your readers a better idea of what the blog post is about and will act as a sort of “teaser” to get them interested in clicking.
8. Go on a rant
Twitter was built on rants! If there is a particular event or topic that you’re really fired up about, consider presenting it in a Twitter thread. These sort of passionate ramblings fit perfectly into the Twitter thread format and will attract lots of responses from your followers.
Takeaways
In general, Twitter threads have been shown to garner more attention, more engagement and more impressions than single tweets. There are countless ways to take advantage of the Twitter thread template. They are a great way to promote your blog posts, podcasts and products/services. They are also perfect for relaying a long form story, sharing a list of tips or presenting a curated collection of your latest and greatest tweets.
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