# Platform rules

Character limits last checked October 2026. Platforms change them; if a post gets cut off, check the platform's help page.

| Platform | Hard limit | What actually matters |
|---|---|---|
| X/Twitter (free account) | 280 characters per post | The first ~100 characters decide everything |
| Threads | 500 characters | Conversational, like a text to a smart friend |
| LinkedIn post | 3,000 characters | Only the first 2-3 lines show before "see more" |
| Instagram caption | 2,200 characters | The first line shows under the post; the carousel slides do the work |

## X/Twitter single post
- 1 idea, 1-3 short lines. Under 280 characters.
- Best shapes: a sharp claim; a before/after with numbers; "Most people X. Do Y."
- No hashtags. No links in the main post unless the user insists (put the link in a reply).

## X/Twitter thread
- 5-8 posts. Post 1 = hook + promise of what the thread gives ("7 things I learned shipping X in 30 days:").
- Each post stands alone and is under 280 characters.
- Last post: a one-line summary + the CTA.

## LinkedIn post
- Line 1: hook, alone, under ~60 characters if possible.
- Line 2: the tension or the stake.
- Then short paragraphs (1-2 sentences), white space between.
- 120-250 words performs as well as long posts for most people; go longer only for a real story.
- End with one question or one CTA. Max 3 hashtags, or none.

## LinkedIn carousel outline (PDF post)
- 6-8 slides. Slide 1 = the promise (big, few words). Slides 2-7 = one point each, max ~25 words. Last slide = summary + CTA.
- Give: slide number, headline, body line, visual suggestion.

## Instagram carousel
- 6-10 slides, same logic as above. Slide 1 must work as a thumbnail: max ~8 words.
- Caption: hook line, 2-4 short lines of context, CTA (e.g., "Comment KEYWORD and I'll send it"), 3-5 relevant hashtags at the end.

## Short video script (Reels / TikTok / Shorts), 30-45 seconds
- Format: `[0-3s] HOOK (say + on-screen text)`, `[3-30s] BODY (3 beats max)`, `[30-45s] PAYOFF + CTA`.
- ~2.5 spoken words per second → 30s ≈ 75 words, 45s ≈ 110 words.
- Hook starts from the viewer's problem or desire, never "Hi guys, today...".
- Add `[B-ROLL: ...]` or `[SCREEN: ...]` notes where showing beats telling.

## Threads post
- Under 500 characters. Casual, one thought, ends with a question that invites replies.

## Newsletter blurb
- 80-150 words. Subject line + preview text + body. Why it matters to the reader, the one takeaway, the link to the full piece as `[LINK]`.

## Quote card
- One sentence, max ~15 words, that works with zero context. Plus attribution line.

## Contrarian take
- Format: "Everyone says [common belief]. [What the source shows instead]. [Why]. [What to do]."
- Must be backed by the source. Disagree with an idea, never attack a person.