Threads are Twitter's long-form content format. Done well, they can generate massive engagement and followers. Done poorly, they're just a wall of text nobody reads.
Why Threads Work
- More surface area: Each tweet can be liked/retweeted separately
- Deeper value: Space to explain complex ideas
- Builds authority: Shows expertise on a topic
- Algorithm-friendly: Extended engagement time signals quality
Thread Structure
Tweet 1: The Hook
This is everything. If your hook doesn't grab attention, nobody reads the rest.
Bad: "A thread about marketing" Good: "I spent $100k on marketing last year. Here's what actually worked (and what was a complete waste):"
Tweets 2-N: The Body
- One idea per tweet (don't cram)
- Each tweet should make sense on its own
- Use line breaks for readability
- Add images/examples every 3-4 tweets
- Number your points if it's a list
Final Tweet: The Conclusion
End strong with:
- Summary of key points
- Call to action (follow, retweet, reply)
- Link to the first tweet for easy sharing
- Optional: relevant link or resource
Thread Types That Perform
1. The Tutorial Thread
"How to [achieve X] in [N] steps" — Step-by-step instructions that provide clear value.
2. The Story Thread
"How I went from [A] to [B]" — Personal narratives with lessons learned.
3. The Breakdown Thread
"I studied [X]. Here's what I learned" — Analysis of a topic, case study, or example.
4. The Listicle Thread
"[N] things about [topic]" — Curated lists of resources, tips, or insights.
Common Thread Mistakes
- Weak hook that doesn't create curiosity
- Too long (15+ tweets loses most readers)
- No visual breaks (pure text is hard to read)
- Forgetting to link back to tweet 1
- No clear takeaway or CTA at the end
The best threads provide so much value that readers feel obligated to follow you for more.