Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like there are too many social media formatting rules and algorithms to keep up with. ✋

If that’s you, you’re not alone. And you’ve come to the right place.

Threads is a new app built by Instagram, specifically designed for sharing text posts and sparking real time conversations. So unlike Instagram’s photo-heavy feed or the rapid-fire nature of Twitter/X, Threads puts the spotlight on text-based interaction and community engagement.

By logging in with their Instagram account, users can jump straight into the action and start creating posts that feel more personal and more conversational.

Your Threads username is also the same as your Instagram username, making it easy for consistent branding.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to format your Threads posts for maximum impact—from character limits and media specs to formatting tips and best practices.

Why formatting matters on Threads

Attention spans are short, and Threads moves fast. It’s a scroll-heavy, rapid-fire platform where bold opinions, hot takes, and eye-catching visuals are fighting for attention. In this kind of space, how your post looks can be just as important as what it says.

Good formatting grabs attention. Great formatting keeps it—and gets people engaging.

Clean line breaks, thoughtful spacing, and the right media placement can be the difference between someone scrolling past or stopping to read.

Beyond engagement, formatting plays a big role in accessibility. Whether your audience is in London, Lima or Lagos—or switching between team accounts and devices—a well-formatted post ensures your message is easy to read, easy to share, and easy to understand. That means broader reach and better visibility.

So if you’re going to post on Threads, don’t just toss something up and hope for the best. Think about the format. It’s not just about looking good. It’s about being heard.

Post types and formats on Threads

One of the best things about Threads is the range of post types available.

Each format comes with its own unique strengths

A well-timed text post might spark conversations.

A carousel can tell a story or showcase a series.

A video can bring your message to life. And images are often what stop the scroll in the first place.

The key is to experiment and see what resonates most with your audience.

That said, consistency still matters. Keeping a cohesive tone and visual style across all your posts helps establish your voice, builds trust, and makes your content more recognisable and memorable. People are more likely to engage with posts that feel authentic and aligned with your overall vibe.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Mixing up your formats keeps your feed fresh, avoids content fatigue, and helps you stand out in a crowded space.

Want to take it even further? Polls, quizzes, and interactive posts are great for sparking replies and encouraging people to participate. They can turn Threads users from passive scrollers into active contributors.

Bottom line: variety fuels engagement. Play around, stay consistent with your brand, and don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun along the way.

Threads' text formatting rules and character limits

While Threads gives you creative freedom, there are still a few key text rules and limits to keep in mind if you want your posts to land well.

• Character limits. At the moment, a single post on Threads allows up to 500 characters. Replies share the same limit. This gives you more breathing room than Twitter/X, but it's still smart to keep things concise and punchy. Honestly, most Threads are one- or two-liners at most. Like these, for example:

• Line breaks, spacing, emojis, and punctuation. Don’t underestimate the power of clean formatting. Line breaks make your post easier to read and more visually inviting, especially on smaller screens. Try breaking longer posts into short, digestible chunks. No one wants to read a wall of text.
• White space is your friend. Leave a line between thoughts. Use emojis for tone, emphasis, or structure. Just don’t overdo it. And when it comes to punctuation, clarity wins. Write like a human, not like a robot or a grammatically perfect textbook.
• Text formatting across teams. If you're working with a team—especially one spread across locations—consistency is key. Create a simple style guide. Agree on tone, emoji use, punctuation quirks (Oxford commas or not?), and how to structure line breaks. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but a shared approach will make your brand’s posts feel cohesive, wherever they’re written.

Threads image & video specs (2025 update)

Knowing the latest media specs can make all the difference between a scroll-past and a scroll-stopper. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.

Images

Single image posts:

• Recommended size: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio)
• Square images (1:1) also work well, but portrait tends to perform better in-feed
• Max file size: 8MB
• Formats: JPG, PNG, WEBP

Multi-image posts (carousels):

• You can upload up to 10 images
• All photos will be cropped to match the first image’s aspect ratio, so choose that one carefully
• Ideal to use consistent dimensions across the set for a clean swipe-through experience

Videos

• Max length: 5 minutes per video
• Recommended aspect ratios:
  • 9:16 (portrait) for fullscreen viewing
  • 1:1 or 4:5 for standard feed visibility
• Max file size: 100MB
• Formats supported: MP4 (H.264 codec), MOV

Short, snappy videos tend to perform best, especially if they hook viewers in the first 3 seconds. If you're uploading a video with dialogue or voiceover, consider adding subtitles for accessibility and better engagement.

Best practices for formatting engaging Threads posts

Formatting isn’t just about looking tidy. It’s about grabbing attention and holding it.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your Threads posts more engaging, more readable, and more likely to spark replies.

#1 Start with a hook

The first line of your post is your headline. It’s what stops someone mid-scroll. Take this one that hooks readers by telling them about the first AI clone to hit 100k YouTube subscribers, for example:

Whether it’s a bold opinion, an intriguing question, or a relatable one-liner, make the first line count. Aim for curiosity, emotion, or a little controversy (if it fits your brand).

Examples:

• “Unpopular opinion, but…”
• “No one talks about this enough.”
• “Here’s what I learned from losing £10K on a project.”

Threads Insights: What You Can (And Can’t) Track in 2025

Read the guide

2. Break it up — or Thread it out

Long posts are fine, but make sure they’re easy on the eyes. Use line breaks generously. For extra-long thoughts, try splitting them into a numbered Thread (1/5, 2/5, etc.).

This helps build momentum and keeps readers following along, especially when each post leads naturally into the next.

3. Use emojis, hashtags, and mentions strategically

• Emojis add tone and structure. Use them to highlight key points, break up text, or show personality, but don’t overdo it. Think seasoning, not sauce.
• Hashtags are useful for discoverability, but Threads isn't as hashtag-driven as other platforms. They really only help when users search for the specific hashtag. Stick to 1–2 relevant tags, if any. (Side note: they can help you research trending topics, though.)
• Mentions (@) are great for crediting other users, starting convos, or tagging your brand partners. Just make sure they’re purposeful, not spammy.

How to Use Instagram Threads for Your Business

Read the guide

Native posts vs. Instagram cross-posts

One of the most convenient Threads features is the ability to turn your Instagram posts into Threads. But here’s the thing: native posts nearly always perform better.

Why? They feel more personal, better tailored, and more in tune with the Threads audience.

Use cross-posting sparingly, and customise the caption when you do. Nobody wants to see a cropped IG caption that ends mid-sentence.

Multi-location formatting tips for consistency and local relevance

If you’re managing Threads across multiple regions, striking a balance between brand consistency and local relevance is key. It’s not just about saying the same thing everywhere. It’s about saying it the same way, while letting it land locally.

Stay consistent with templates and tone

Your content should feel like “you” no matter where your content is being posted. Shared templates—even simple ones for post structure, spacing, and common phrases—help keep your tone and style unified across teams.

Decide on a few formatting non-negotiables (like how you use line breaks, emojis, or capitalisation), and stick to them. It doesn't have to be rigid, just recognisable.

Add a local touch with mentions and hashtags

Local engagement matters. Add location-specific hashtags (e.g. #ThreadsUK, #ThreadsPeru), tag a local Threads account, and collaborate with other creators when relevant. It not only boosts discoverability in each region but also makes your content feel more rooted and personal to the audience there.

Empower teams with clear formatting and visual content guidelines

Make it easy for teams across locations to get it right. Create a simple, shareable guide that covers things like:

• Ideal post structure
• Emoji and hashtag etiquette
• Image specs and templates
• Tone of voice and brand vocabulary
• Do’s and don’ts of post formatting

Bonus: Include examples of great posts from different regions to inspire and align.

How to measure success on Threads

Posting is only half the game. The other half is understanding how your content performs. By measuring success thoughtfully, you can refine your strategy, connect better with your audience, and create posts that actually work.

1. Track what’s working (and what’s not)

Measuring success isn’t about chasing vanity metrics, but about gathering real insights. Are people liking your posts? Commenting? Sharing? These engagement metrics are a window into what’s landing well and what might need tweaking.

Take note of patterns: Does your audience respond more to carousels or single visuals? Do posts with a strong hook get more replies? This kind of feedback is gold for improving future content.

2. Use analytics tools to spot trends

If you’re posting regularly, it’s worth using analytics tools to track performance over time. Tools like the built-in insights from Meta or third-party platforms can show you trends, patterns, and spikes in engagement. That way, you can make data-driven decisions rather than relying on guesswork.

3. Set goals and stay aligned

It’s easy to post just for the sake of it, but you’ll get much further if you’re posting with purpose. Set clear goals for your Threads content:

• Are you trying to drive traffic to your site?
• Grow your audience?
• Build community through meaningful discussions?
• Increase conversions?

When you know what you’re aiming for, it’s easier to measure progress — and stay motivated.

4. Listen to your audience

Success isn’t always in the numbers. Sometimes it shows up in the comments, DMs, or shared posts. Pay attention to the tone and content of the feedback you receive.

Are people resonating? Asking questions? Re-sharing your message? These moments offer some of the richest insight into what your audience values.

FAQ Section

What’s the Threads character limit per post?

You get up to 500 characters per post. This includes emojis and punctuation.

Can you add links in Threads?

Yes—but they’re not clickable in the post. You’ll need to add them to your bio or drop them in the comments.

Should I use hashtags on Threads?

They’re not searchable (yet) like on other platforms like X, but they’re still handy for context and brand consistency.

Can I schedule formatted Threads posts?

Yes, with third-party social media management tools. For example, Sendible has a scheduling feature that lets you schedule Threads posts with full formatting support.

Conclusion

Formatting isn’t just a nice touch. It’s what makes your Threads content stand out, connect, and convert. Nailing it has the power to start meaningful public conversations, increase your brand awareness, and gain more clients and customers.