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name: tweet-crafter description: | Craft tweets, threads, and long-form X posts optimized for the January 2026 algorithm. Use when creating individual posts for X/Twitter, adapting newsletter content for X, writing thread hooks, or optimizing post format (thread vs long-form). Includes current algorithm signals, Premium features, and Spanish-language patterns for LATAM audiences.

Tweet Crafter Skill

Algorithm Signals (January 2026)

Key insight: Focus on prompting replies and conversations, not likes. The algorithm heavily rewards content that generates discussion.

2026 Platform Changes

• Video content dominates X (~80% of user sessions)
• External links severely penalized for non-Premium accounts
• Unverified accounts need ~10x more engagement for same reach
• Threads now underperform long-form articles

Format Selection

CopyLong-form (preferred): Tutorials, essays, deep analysis, "X cosas que aprendí", narratives
Thread: Only when content naturally breaks into discrete numbered points

Performance benchmark:
- Long-form articles: Higher engagement, better reach, preferred by algorithm
- Threads: Lower performance, use sparingly for variety

Default to long-form articles. Threads are no longer the go-to format for educational content. Long-form articles consistently outperform threads on reach and engagement.

Link Posts (NEW — October 2025)

Links are no longer penalized. New in-app browser keeps engagement buttons visible.

Requirements for link posts:

• Write a compelling standalone caption (not just "new post")
• Include interesting description or insight
• Add image when possible (150%+ engagement boost)

Per Elon: "posting a link with almost no description will get weak distribution"

Content Templates

Single Tweet (max 280 chars)

Copy[Hook/insight/question]

[Optional: 1-2 supporting lines]

[Optional: 1 hashtag max]

Thread Format (Use Sparingly)

Copy1/🧵 [Standalone hook that works even without thread]

2/ [First point — strongest insight]

3-N/ [Supporting points]

N/ [CTA: follow, RT first tweet, link to newsletter]

Thread rules:

• 5-15 tweets optimal
• Self-reply immediately after posting (signals thread to algorithm)
• Hook must work standalone — most people only see tweet 1
• Consider converting to long-form article instead — better performance

Long-Form Post (Premium)

Copy[First 280 chars: Hook that appears in timeline — CRITICAL]

[Body: Up to 25,000 chars with bold/italic formatting]

[CTA at end]

Only first 280 characters show in timeline. Front-load the hook.

Media Guidelines

Video specs: Native upload, under 2:20, no external watermarks.

Hook Formulas

The first line determines everything. Use these proven patterns:

Curiosity:

• "I used to think [common belief]..."
• "Here's what nobody tells you about [topic]..."
• "Everyone's doing [X] wrong. Here's why:"

Value-Forward:

• "5 ways to [achieve result]:"
• "The framework I use for [task]:"
• "[Number] tools that changed how I [outcome]:"

Story:

• "Last week, something unexpected happened..."
• "3 years ago, I made a decision that..."
• "I almost quit [X]. Then I discovered..."

Data/Surprise:

• "[Surprising statistic] — here's why it matters."
• "I analyzed [X] and found something interesting:"

Spanish Hooks:

• "[Número] cosas que aprendí sobre [tema]:"
• "El error más común en [tema]:"
• "Nadie te dice esto sobre [tema]:"

Pre-Publish Checklist

Before posting, verify:

• Hook is in first 280 characters (critical for timeline preview)
• Content invites replies (questions, opinions, hot takes)
• 0-2 hashtags maximum
• Media attached if applicable (video = 5x engagement)
• No external links unless Premium (or put link in reply)
• Would I engage with this if I saw it?
• Posted during optimal hours (9-11 AM or 7-9 PM PST)

Spanish-Language Patterns

Thread Templates

Tutorial Thread:

Copy1/🧵 Cómo [accomplish task] en [technology]:

Una guía paso a paso 👇

2/ Paso 1: [Action]
[Explanation]

...

N/ Eso es todo.

Guarda este hilo para cuando lo necesites.
Sígueme @tacosdedatos para más tutoriales en español.

Insights Thread:

Copy1/🧵 [Number] cosas que aprendí sobre [topic] después de [experience]:

Un hilo corto 👇

2/ [Insight #1]
[Brief explanation]

...

N/ Si te fue útil:
• Sígueme para más contenido de [topic]
• RT el primer tweet para que llegue a más personas

Newsletter Promotion

Copy[Insight or hook from the newsletter]

Esto y más en el nuevo tacosdedatos:
[Link]

[Optional: What else is in the issue]

Hashtag Strategy

• Maximum 1-2 hashtags (X algorithm doesn't favor heavy usage)
• Spanish hashtags for discoverability: #DataScience #Python #DatosAbiertos
• Skip hashtags entirely for conversational posts

Timing

• Best times: 9-11 AM, 7-9 PM (PST)
• Best days: Tuesday-Thursday
• Post when followers are online (check analytics)

Output Format

When crafting tweets, provide:

Copy## Tweet/Thread: [Topic]

### Content
[Full post content]

### Format
- **Type**: Single tweet / Thread (X tweets) / Long-form
- **Character count**: X/280 (or full length for long-form)
- **Media needed**: [Image description / Video spec / None]

### Algorithm Notes
- Hook strength: [Strong/Medium/Weak]
- Suggested posting time: [Day, Time]

References

For deep algorithm research and source links, see references/REFERENCES.md.