Question 1

What is an X character counter?

Accepted Answer

An X character counter is a tool that counts a post the way X does, so you know it fits under 280 before you post.

It counts every link as 23 and each emoji as 2, the way X does.

Question 2

Why does X say my post is too long when it looks under 280 characters?

Accepted Answer

X counts weighted characters, not keystrokes. Every link counts as 23, and emoji and Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters count as 2, so a post that looks like 260 characters can weigh more than 280.

This counter uses X's own counting library, so the number here matches the number X shows.

Question 3

How many characters does a link count as on X?

Accepted Answer

A link counts as 23 characters on X, whatever its length. X swaps every link for its t.co short link, so a long link costs nothing extra and a short one saves nothing.

A domain written without https:// counts too, because X turns it into a link.

Question 4

Do emoji count as 1 character on X?

Accepted Answer

No, almost every emoji counts as 2 characters on X, including emoji built from several parts, like a family or a skin tone.

On the other platforms, this counter counts each emoji as 1, the way you see it.

Question 5

What are the character limits on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Threads?

Accepted Answer

X allows 280 characters, or 25,000 with X Premium. A LinkedIn post allows 3,000, an Instagram or TikTok caption 2,200, and a Threads post 500.

Each number comes from the platform's own help page or specification, linked in the table above.

Question 6

How long can a post be with X Premium?

Accepted Answer

A post can be up to 25,000 characters with X Premium, according to X's Premium help page. Anyone can read a long post, but only Premium subscribers can write one.

Question 7

How do I turn a long post into a thread?

Accepted Answer

To turn a long post into a thread, paste it into the counter. Once it passes 280, a thread appears under the box, split at the ends of sentences, with 1/5 style numbers that stay inside each post's limit.

Copy the posts 1 by 1, or copy the thread at once.

Question 8

Is what I type saved or sent anywhere?

Accepted Answer

No, nothing you type leaves your browser: the counting runs on your device, not a server. Your draft is kept in this browser only, so it's still there if you reload, and Clear removes it.

The AI buttons are the only exception: they open the AI app you pick with your draft in it.

Question 9

Who is the X character counter for?

Accepted Answer

The X character counter is for anyone who writes for X and posts the same idea on other platforms: creators, founders, marketers and social media managers who want to see in 1 place where a post fits.

Question 10

Who made the X character counter?

Accepted Answer

I did. I'm Navid Moazzez, and I made the X character counter as one of my free tools on navid.me.

More about me.

Free X Character Counter (+ Guide)