X (Twitter) Guidelines
Specifications and best practices for X (Twitter) video content
X (Twitter) Content Specifications
X (formerly Twitter) supports various content formats for its platform.
Image Posts
| - Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
|
1200 x 675 pixels |
|
16:9 or 1:1 |
|
JPG, PNG, or GIF |
|
5 MB (15 MB for GIFs) |
Video Posts
| - Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
|
Recommended 1280 x 720 pixels (minimum 540 x 960 pixels) |
|
16:9, 1:1, or 9:16 |
|
MP4 or MOV |
|
Video: H.264 High Profile; Audio: AAC |
|
512 MB |
|
Up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds (10 minutes for premium) |
|
Minimum 5,000 kbps |
|
Target -14 LUFS integrated with True Peak of -1 dBTP |
|
Keep text within 80% of frame (e.g., 1024 x 576 pixels for 720p) |
Text
- Character Limit: 280 characters
Technical Tips for Upload
For the best quality X (Twitter) videos:
- Export settings: Use MP4, H.264 High Profile, AAC, 30fps for maximum compatibility
- Bitrate optimization: Use 5 Mbps for 1080p to balance quality and file size
- File size management: Keep under 512 MB for faster uploads
- Caption addition: Add burned-in subtitles for accessibility
- Contrast optimization: Ensure good contrast for better visibility on mobile
- Audio levels: Target -14 LUFS integrated loudness with peaks not exceeding -1 dBTP
- Safe zones: Keep important text and graphics within the center 80% of the frame
Content Best Practices
For maximum impact on X (Twitter), follow these best practices:
- Keep it brief: 30-45 seconds performs best for video content
- Start strong: Capture attention in the first few seconds
- Design for mobile: Most videos are watched on mobile devices
- Include captions: Many users watch without sound
- Maintain aspect ratio: Avoid letterboxing when possible
- Use native uploads: Direct upload rather than sharing links
Engagement Strategies
Increase engagement with these proven strategies:
- Ask questions: End videos with a question or poll to increase replies and quote tweets
- Create series: Develop multi-part video content to build anticipation and following
- Leverage trends: Connect to current events/topics to improve discoverability
- Time your posts: Post when your audience is most active to maximize initial engagement
- Thread videos: Create threads with multiple videos to tell longer stories effectively
- Use relevant hashtags: Include 1-2 relevant hashtags to improve searchability
Best Posting Times
| - Day | Best Time (EST) | Secondary Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|
|
8 AM | 7 PM |
|
9 AM | 8 PM |
|
9 AM | 7 PM |
|
9 AM | 6 PM |
|
9 AM | 3 PM |
|
9 AM | 1 PM |
|
9 AM | 5 PM |
Common Issues and Solutions
| - Issue | Cause and Solution |
|---|---|
|
**Cause**: Compression or export settings. **Solution**: Export at higher bitrate (8 Mbps), ensure proper rendering settings, check minimum resolution requirements, use H.264 High Profile codec |
|
**Cause**: File size or connection issues. **Solution**: Check file size and duration limits, ensure stable internet connection, try uploading from different device, reduce video quality if necessary |
|
**Cause**: Format compatibility. **Solution**: Ensure format compatibility (MP4 with H.264), check file size is within limits, verify aspect ratio is supported, re-encode with standard settings |
|
**Cause**: Incorrect audio levels. **Solution**: Normalize audio to -14 LUFS, keep peaks below -1 dBTP, use AAC audio codec, add captions for viewers watching without sound |