What Are Twitter? A Clear Guide to X (Formerly Twitter) and How It Works

Many people still say “Twitter” even though the service is now called X. If you’re unsure what’s changed, this guide explains the rebrand, the key features, and how the platform functions today—plus practical tips for users, creators, and brands. Read on for a concise, up-to-date overview and step-by-step advice to get started confidently.

What Are Twitter? A Clear Guide to X (Formerly Twitter) and How It Works

Quick answer

If you’re asking “what are Twitter,” you’re really asking about X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. People still say “Twitter” because the brand and vocabulary (Tweets, Retweets) became cultural shorthand. Today, X is a real-time, public conversation network where anyone can post short updates, follow topics and people, and join live discussions as events unfold.

In one sentence: X is the world’s scrolling town square—fast, open by default, and optimized for in-the-moment reactions.

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From Twitter to X: The rebrand and terminology shift

Twitter launched in 2006 as a microblogging site centered on 140-character “Tweets.” Over time, character limits expanded, features multiplied, and in 2023 the company rebranded to “X.”

• Why “X”? The company signaled a broader vision beyond text posts: payments, video, creators, and services.
• Why do many still say “Twitter”? Habit, nostalgia, and the fact that “tweet” became a verb. You’ll see both terms used interchangeably in conversation.

Here’s how common terms changed:

Note: Names may still appear mixed in-app or in help docs; community usage often lags behind official changes.

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How the platform works: Timelines, posts, and the algorithm

X presents two main feeds:

• Following: A chronological list of posts from accounts you follow.
• For You: An algorithmic feed mixing accounts you follow with recommended posts based on your activity, topics, and network.

Core interactions:

• Post: Share text, photos, videos, GIFs, or polls. Premium accounts can post longer text and videos.
• Reply: Join a conversation under a post.
• Repost: Amplify a post to your followers.
• Quote: Share a post with your commentary.
• Like: Acknowledge or save for algorithmic signals.
• Bookmark: Privately save posts to revisit later.

About the algorithm:

• Signals include your follows, likes, replies, time spent on posts, and what similar users engage with.
• Your activity tunes recommendations; muting and “Not interested” feedback help steer the feed.
• Lists and Searches can help you bypass algorithmic noise when you want.

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Key features explained

• Hashtags and Trends: Add #hashtags to make posts discoverable. The Trends panel highlights popular topics by region and interest.
• Threads: Link multiple posts for long-form thoughts. Post the first entry, then reply to yourself to continue.
• Search: Use keywords, phrases in quotes, and operators (from:, to:, min_faves:) to zero in on content.
• Lists: Curate custom timelines of specific accounts—great for news beats, competitors, or hobbies.
• Communities: Themed spaces where members post to a focused audience.
• DMs: Direct Messages for private conversations; can include group chats and media.
• Polls: Lightweight surveys embedded in posts to gauge sentiment.
• Spaces: Live audio rooms for panels, AMAs, and events; recordings can be available afterward.

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Profiles and identity

• Handle (@username): Choose something short, memorable, and consistent with your other platforms.
• Display name: Flexible; can include emojis or context (role, company).
• Bio: State who you are, what you post, and why to follow. Add a call-to-action and relevant keywords.
• Links: Add a website and pinned post to showcase your best work.
• Media: Use a crisp profile image and a header banner that sets context or conveys brand.

Verification options:

• X Premium: Offers a blue check and added features for individuals. Benefits can include longer posts, editing, fewer ads, and priority in some surfaces.
• Verified Organizations: For companies and institutions; includes organizational badges and affiliate linking.
• Note: Verification signals identity/payment, not endorsement or accuracy. Always evaluate content critically.

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Why people use it

• News discovery: Breaks fast—eyewitness updates, journalist threads, official announcements.
• Real-time events: Sports, awards shows, conferences, emergencies—second-by-second commentary.
• Networking: Meet peers, experts, and hiring managers; join professional conversations.
• Customer support: Many brands respond faster on X than through email.
• Entertainment and fandom: Memes, fan theories, live reactions.
• Thought leadership: Share insights, research, and frameworks to build reputation.

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For businesses and creators

Brand voice and content pillars:

• Define 3–5 pillars (e.g., education, product updates, community highlights, culture).
• Keep a consistent tone—helpful, witty, authoritative—aligned to audience expectations.

Growth levers:

• X Ads: Promote posts, run conversion campaigns, or drive app installs with precise targeting.
• X Premium: Unlocks longer posts and videos, which can deepen storytelling.
• Creator monetization: Depending on eligibility and region, options may include ad revenue sharing or subscriptions for exclusive content.
• Collaborations: Cross-post with partners, co-host Spaces, and participate in hashtag events.

Measurement:

• In-app analytics: Track impressions, engagement rate, profile visits, and follower growth.
• UTM tagging: Attribute traffic to posts in web analytics.
• Experiments: A/B test hooks, media formats, and posting times.

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Getting started step by step

1. Create your account

• Sign up with email or phone.
• Pick a clear handle; upload a profile photo and banner.
• Write a concise, benefit-focused bio; add a link.

1. Set privacy and safety

• Review account privacy (public vs. protected posts).
• Configure content preferences and sensitive media settings.
• Set up two-factor authentication.

1. Tune your feed

• Follow trusted news sources, creators, and topics you care about.
• Create a List for “must-read” accounts to ensure signal over noise.
• Mute keywords you don’t want to see.

1. Make your first posts

• Introduce yourself and what you’ll share.
• React to a timely topic with a helpful insight.
• Post a short thread explaining a problem you can solve.

Example first thread:

1/ Hey X—I'm Jamie, a data analyst sharing weekly tips on SQL, dashboards, and career growth.

2/ Today: 3 quick SQL habits that save me hours
- Name your CTEs clearly
- Keep a snippets library
- Add sanity-check SELECTs

3/ Want the checklist? Reply "SQL" and I’ll DM it.

1. Mind the etiquette

• Credit sources, link to original work, and ask permission for images.
• Don’t spam tags or replies. Add value before asking for anything.
• Be concise. Lead with the takeaway.

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Growth and engagement tips

Hooks that stop the scroll:

• Start with an outcome (“How we cut churn 18% in 60 days”).
• Pose a tension-filled question (“Why do 80% of roadmaps fail?”).
• Use numbers, contrasts, or counterintuitive statements.

Make it visual:

• Pair posts with images, charts, or 5–30s video clips.
• Caption videos for silent autoplay viewers.

Hashtags and timing:

• 1–2 relevant hashtags outperform a wall of tags.
• Post when your audience is online; test time zones and weekdays vs. weekends.

Conversations and threads:

• Reply early on trending conversations where you have expertise.
• Thread strategic content (tutorials, case studies) and pin the thread.

Avoid pitfalls:

• Don’t over-automate replies; maintain a human voice.
• Don’t buy followers; focus on resonance, not vanity metrics.
• Avoid link dumps; summarize the value before the link.

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Safety and wellbeing

Curate your experience:

• Mute: Hide accounts or keywords without notifying others.
• Block: Remove an account’s ability to interact with you.
• Report: Flag abusive or spammy content for review.
• Limit replies: Restrict who can reply (everyone, people you follow, or mentioned only).
• Content controls: Adjust sensitive media visibility and autoplay.

Fight misinformation:

• Check the source’s history and link to primary documents.
• Look for community notes or corroboration from multiple reputable outlets.
• Avoid amplifying unverified claims; wait for updates.

Manage your feed:

• Use Lists for high-signal reading.
• Use “Not interested” on posts that miss the mark.
• Take breaks; set time limits or use focus modes to avoid doomscrolling.

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Final takeaway

When someone asks “what are Twitter,” they’re tapping into a decade-plus of culture around real-time public conversation. Today, that conversation happens on X. Start by setting up a clean profile, tune your safety and feed settings, and practice posting concise, helpful updates. Use Lists, Search, and Communities to find your people—and remember: the magic of X is showing up when the moment does.

Summary

X (formerly Twitter) is a fast, public conversation platform built around short posts, algorithmic discovery, and live interactions. Set up a clear profile, tailor your safety and feed controls, and contribute concise, useful content to grow meaningful connections. Use tools like Lists, Search, and Communities to filter noise and engage where your audience already gathers.