Writing a long-form post on X: A guide

X's algorithm now prioritizes long-form content, making it crucial for creator success.

The primary challenge is that most Twitter/X creators are unaccustomed to longer, more cohesive forms of writing. While proficient in crafting tweets and threads, they lack experience with this type of post.

To address this, we conducted in-depth research into successful creators who excel with long-form content. We've identified key elements that contribute to a compelling long-form post and these are our findings.

Elements of an effective long-form X post

X users are growing weary of generic, templated content. Conversely, long-form posts are increasingly effective at conveying authenticity.

Unlike a single tweet, these posts offer more context and a smoother flow than a thread. Additionally, their structure encourages readability, typically following this format:

• A compelling introduction
• The core content
• A clear call to action

This effective, yet simple, structure will now be explored with specific examples.

1. The hook & teaser

On a feed, only the first 280 characters of long-form posts are visible, highlighting the importance of a compelling hook.

Readers need to click the "Show more" button to continue reading.

It's crucial to approach the initial 280 characters of your post (your first tweet) with a distinct strategy.

The objective is to entice readers, encouraging them to continue reading, much like in a compelling thread.

Intros should compel readers to continue, even without being "clickbaity."

2. The body

The body of your writing is where you fulfill the expectation set by your hook or teaser.

To maintain reader engagement beyond your initial hook and throughout your long-form posts, consider the following key points:

• Length

  We tend to view these long-form posts as condensed blog entries.

  While some have achieved results with posts under 100 words, others extend them significantly, up to the 25,000-character limit.

  Ultimately, the most important factor is the content's appeal to your audience.

• Readability

  Content should be legible; most readers skim initially and then read thoroughly.

  X offers new formatting options, such as bold text, and allows for the use of blank space.

This will help boost both your reading time and your post's engagement.

Bullet points can enhance the organization of your writing, though longer paragraphs have also proven successful for some creators.

• Tone

  It's important to remember that these posts are not intended to be short. Conciseness is no longer a requirement.

  This provides greater flexibility with your tone. Aim for a conversational style, writing as you speak and let your personality shine through!

3. Call to Action

After introducing your topic and delivering its value, conclude by making your request.

The CTA is your long-form post's final component, prompting audience engagement through replies, likes, shares or subscriptions. Below are some examples to guide you.

• A call to action, presented distinctly from the main content.

• A more casual approach, when combined with the DM, can be highly effective.

• Alternatively, a CTA can highlight key takeaways instead of prompting a specific action.

X: Is it worth focusing on long-form content?

It depends. If your content is suitable for a long-form format, then you should definitely use it. Even if you don't think it is, we still recommend experimenting with a few long-form posts in your content schedule.

The algorithm clearly favors content with media, making a strong argument for testing long-form strategies.

While no single strategy suits everyone, adapting to the platform's evolving changes is always a wise approach.

How can TweetStormAI help?

TweetStormAI is a comprehensive Twitter management tool designed to enhance your presence on X. It simplifies long-form content creation, management and optimization with AI features and automation.

• AI tweet generator: TweetStormAI's AI goes beyond typical tweets, offering assistance in developing engaging long-form posts. It can generate ideas, elaborate on subjects and even compose parts of your content. Its ability to generate replies can also help you engage with comments on your long-form posts, maintaining momentum.
• Bio and handle generators: Use TweetStormAI to improve your X profile and complement your long-form content.
• Hashtag generator: Effectively using hashtags can increase the discoverability of your long-form posts. TweetStormAI's hashtag generator can suggest relevant and trending hashtags, helping your content reach a wider audience.
• Mass tweet management: TweetStormAI streamlines the management of your X presence with robust features. TweetStormAI handles tasks like deleting, following, unfollowing, retweeting and liking tweets so you can focus on writing longer content.

TweetStormAI helps creators generate high-quality, long-form posts and manage their X ecosystem for increased engagement and success.

Final thoughts

X's algorithm now prioritizes long-form content, offering creators a prime opportunity to foster deeper engagement and build authenticity. To effectively use X, creators need to master long-form posts with a strong hook, valuable content and a clear call to action.

TweetStormAI and similar tools empower creators to produce impactful posts and manage their X presence more efficiently. This ultimately leads to a more successful and engaging online presence. Embrace the change, experiment with your content and let your unique voice shine through in your extended posts.

FAQs

Why is X prioritizing long-form content?

X's algorithm now prioritizes long-form content because users are growing weary of generic, templated content. Long-form posts are increasingly effective at conveying authenticity and fostering deeper engagement.

What are the key elements of an effective long-form X post?

The three main elements are a compelling introduction (hook & teaser), the core content (body) and a clear call to action (CTA).

How important is the "hook" in a long-form post?

Extremely important. A compelling hook within the first 280 characters is crucial to encourage readers to click "Show more" and read the full X post.

What should the "body" of a long-form post focus on?

The body should fulfill the expectation set by your hook, maintain reader engagement and deliver value. Key considerations for the body include length, readability, tone and the use of media.

What is the ideal length for a long-form X post?

While some successful posts are under 100 words, others extend significantly, up to the 25,000-character limit. Content must appeal to your audience and be long enough to convey its message effectively.

How can I improve the readability of my long-form posts?

Utilize X's new formatting options like bold text, blank spaces and bullet points. Content should be legible, designed for initial skimming and then thorough reading.

What kind of tone should I use in long-form posts?

Aim for a conversational style, writing as you speak and let your personality shine through. Conciseness is less of a requirement, offering greater flexibility.

Can I include media in long-form X posts?

Add visuals like images, GIFs or videos to make posts more engaging and blog-like.

What is the purpose of the "call to action" (CTA)?

The CTA is the final component, prompting audience engagement through replies, likes, shares or subscriptions. It concludes the post by making a request or highlighting key takeaways.

Is it worth focusing on long-form content on X?

It depends on your content. If your content is suitable, definitely use it.Experiment with long-form posts, as the algorithm favors content with media.

How can TweetStormAI help with long-form content on X?

TweetStormAI uses AI to help create long-form posts on X. It provides tools for tweet ideas, drafting, hashtags, tweet management and bio/handle optimization to enhance your X presence.

What is a long-form post on X?

An X long-form post is a longer post that shares detailed information and tells a complete story. Exceeding 280 characters, it functions much like a condensed blog, offering additional context to a topic.