Social media changes fast, doesn’t it? If you’ve been using Twitter (now called X) for years, you’ve probably noticed just how much it has evolved. That’s why I’ve written this Twitter X Guide for longtime users.
From its humble beginnings with 140-character posts to its current state as a social networking site for videos, long-form posts. Today there is even monetization opportunities, but X is not the same platform we started with in 2006.
If you’ve been stuck in your old posting habits, it’s time to shake things up and get the most out of the new features available on X today.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of X in 2025.
Table of Contents
Simplified Beginnings: The Draw of Brevity
When Twitter first started, the 140-character limit was its standout feature. You might’ve loved its simplicity as much as I did—it forced us to keep posts brief and to the point.
It was ideal for quick updates, sharing links, and interacting with others without fluff. Even when this expanded to 280 characters in 2017, it still felt manageable.
Now, however, X has introduced a premium feature allowing posts of up to 25,000 characters. This opens up options like long-form posts or “articles,” making X a solid alternative for content creators who might want to share detailed thoughts without linking to an external blog.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to write long posts to succeed on the platform. Brevity still works, but variety is key.
For example, you could balance quick updates with occasional long-form content to keep things fresh.
The Evolving Role of Links
Years ago, you might’ve used X heavily for sharing links—whether it was your latest blog post or an interesting read from someone else. Sharing links nonstop was a strategy that worked for many including here at Inspire To Thrive.
Today? Not so much.
X now rewards engagement more than anything else, so dropping a ton of links won’t get the same reach it used to. Instead, try limiting links to once or twice a day and focus more on interacting with others.
This isn’t to say links are dead; they’re just part of a much bigger picture now. People respond to them in your pinned post on X.
Twitter X Guide for Longtime Users: Tips for Engaging Today
- Post less, engage more: Quality over quantity is everything. Focus on replying and building relationships.
- Diversify your content: Mix in videos, posts without links, and participation in Spaces or Communities.
- Experiment with timing: Use analytics or tools like Creator Buddy to find when your audience is most active.
- Be thoughtful in replies: Avoid generic comments like “good morning” and aim to add value to conversations.
- Don’t spam links: Stick to a methodical posting strategy instead of overwhelming followers with too many links.
- Stay consistent: X rewards users who show up regularly.
- Ditch the Hashtag: Hashtags are pretty dead on the platform since Elon said they look messy. People will be able to spot you as an old user with them on your posts.
However, don’t forget to pin your best posts, it can stay pinned for up to 48 hours.
I still see users with pin posts from years ago, it’s time to change them up and make the best use of the prime real estate on your X profile account.
Making the Most of Replies
If you’re only posting and logging off, you’re missing out. Replies are where much of the magic happens on X today as it was even in the early days.
Engaging with other users by replying to their posts can significantly increase your visibility!
It’s not just about typing “great post!” either; put some thought into your responses. Show genuine interest, ask questions, and build conversations.
Think of yourself as a “reply gal” (or guy). It’s a meaningful way to build connections and grow your audience.
Just be mindful of quality—people can spot insincerity a mile away. The reply I made below received over 30,000 impressions so far.
That’s the power of the reply! I see some users with over a million impressions on a reply.
Wow, never seen that before – spider must be pretty smart creatures.
— Lisa Sicard 👩💻 (@Lisapatb) March 11, 2025
Verified Accounts on Twitter X Changed
Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022 and rebranded it as X, the platform’s verification system has seen dramatic changes. Originally, the blue checkmark was a prestigious marker of authenticity, awarded to notable figures like celebrities, journalists, and organizations.
However, in November 2022, Musk introduced a new model where anyone with a verified phone number and a subscription to X Premium or Verified Organizations could obtain a blue checkmark.
To clarify account types, X added gold checkmarks for Verified Organizations and gray checkmarks for government-affiliated accounts. By April 2023, the legacy verification system was discontinued, and accounts that didn’t pay for the new model lost their blue checkmarks.
These changes reflect Elon Musk’s push to monetize X while reshaping how trust and authenticity are managed on the platform.
The Pricing
Today there are Basic, Premium and Premium+ with a sliding price scale that starts at $3 per month.
| Basic | Basic features such as the ability to edit posts, post longer content, and receive a small boost in reply visibility, no blue checkmark | $3 per month |
| Premium | Blue checkmark verification Ability to edit posts Reduced ads (50% fewer ads than non-subscribers) Longer posts and videos Access to revenue-sharing programs (e.g., ads revenue sharing, creator subscriptions) Prioritized replies in conversations ID verification Access to Media Studio and analytics tools Custom app icons and themes | $8 per month or $84 per year |
| Premium+ | Everything included in Premium Completely ad-free experience in “For You” and “Following” timelines Largest reply boost (highest prioritization in replies) Access & Increased Usage of Grok AI (X’s AI chatbot) Enhanced features like Radar (real-time trends spotter) and higher usage limits for Grok AI Ability to write and publish long-form articles directly on X | $40 per month or $395 per year |
*X pricing may change from time to time, rates may vary from country to country and give discounts for yearly purchases or offer occasional discounts.
How To Use Twitter X Today: Features You Can’t Ignore
X has come a long way since the days of text-only updates. Today, there are so many tools and features at your fingertips to help you create interesting and unique content.
The Highlights Tab Boost
The X Highlights Tab is a nifty feature exclusive to paid subscribers on X (formerly Twitter), designed to let users showcase their favorite or most impactful posts in a dedicated section on their profile.
It’s super easy to use: just tap the three-dot menu on any of your posts and select “Add/remove from Highlights” to curate your collection. This is a game-changer for creators, artists, and writers who want to spotlight their top content.
It is like a portfolio or a storytelling tool—making it instantly accessible to anyone visiting their profile.
Not only does it boost visibility for your best work, but it can also spark more engagement from your audience. For the best results, try picking high-performing posts. Then keep your highlights fresh with regular updates, and aligning them with your personal brand.
Keep in mind, though, that since it’s tied to a paid subscription, not everyone will have access to this perk.
Spaces and Live Audio
Spaces are audio chatrooms where you can listen, talk, or even host discussions. Think of them as podcasts that turn into live conversations.
You can join while out on a walk or even just listen in while you’re cooking dinner. Spaces give you an easy way to interact without worrying about how you look or being tied to a screen.
Hosting your own Space can also be a great way to boost engagement and position yourself as an expert in your field. Even if conversation isn’t your thing, joining popular Spaces hosted by others can still benefit you.
The Power of Video
Video content is growing fast on X. Whether it’s a quick two-minute clip (allowed on free accounts) or a longer-form video if you’re subscribed, video lets you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Elon Musk, the platform’s current owner, has ambitions for X to compete with YouTube, so you can expect more tools and features to develop around video soon.
If you’re comfortable in front of the camera or editing clips, this can be an excellent opportunity to stand out. Not into video? That’s okay—there are plenty of other ways to thrive on the platform.
Communities: Like Groups, but Public
Communities on X allow you to connect with like-minded users. Think of them as Facebook Groups but with more engagement opportunities.
While these posts are now public, communities are still great for boosting your impressions and connecting with people who share your interests.
If you haven’t explored this feature yet, joining a couple of relevant communities is worth your time. You might be surprised at the relationships you can build there.
I have a social media for bloggers community on X you may join here. Do note communities are now public on the X platform. (They were private at one time although privacy is never 100% with viewing tools today.)
Notifications
X notifications are a game-changer for staying connected and responding swiftly to the latest posts.
These handy alerts ping you whenever there’s activity—think mentions, replies, or fresh posts from accounts you follow—keeping you in the loop instantly.
You can tweak your settings to focus on key interactions, ensuring you’re not swamped with updates. Quick responses are vital on social media; they spark conversations, show you’re engaged, and keep your audience hooked.
With the X app, you can get these notifications anywhere, anytime, or lean on third-party tools to streamline the flow. Use X notifications to jump into discussions fast and make your presence felt.
I like to mix up my notifications. When I find a user is no longer posting useful content I may click the notifications off and when I find a new interesting user I turn them on.
X Bookmarks: Valuable Part of the Algorithm
What makes X bookmarks so valuable? The more people bookmark your posts the higher your visiblity goes up on the social media platform.
So before you post again, think is this post bookmarkable? Make it something people want to return to with directions, interesting content, printable content, etc.
Why save content to your bookmarks? So you can always go back to them and they are private.
I saved this post from Alex Finn about Grok prompts into my bookmarks. It’s a great way to be able to go back and see it.
6 Grok prompts that EVERY creator on X should be using.
— Alex Finn (@AlexFinnX) March 13, 2025
Will INSTANTLY improve your content and drive you way more engagement
(Yeah, bookmark this) pic.twitter.com/PsTvW80hAu
There are 3 tiers of bookmarks on X today:
- Basic: Simple bookmarking with a potential limit, ideal for light users.
- Premium: Unlimited bookmarks with organizational tools and syncing, suited for regular users. You can set up folders to organize and these are private.
- Premium+: Advanced bookmark management with exclusive features, perfect for heavy users.
Each tier builds on the last, offering progressively more powerful bookmark capabilities to match different user needs and subscription costs.
The Expanded Bio on X Twitter
The expanded bio feature on X is a game-changer for users who want to make a lasting impression. Exclusive to Premium and Premium+ subscribers, this feature allows you to craft a longer, more detailed bio.
It is perfect for sharing your story, showcasing your personality, or even promoting your brand.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone with a lot to say, the expanded bio gives you the space. Space to add context, links, or even a mini-story that resonates with your audience. It’s a powerful tool for personal branding.
The expanded bio can help you stand out and giving followers a deeper look at who you are.
Pro tip: Use this space to highlight what makes you unique, include a call-to-action. Or drop a link to your latest project and make your bio is prime real estate for engagement.
Article Feature for Premium+ Users
With this feature, you can craft detailed articles using formatting tools like headings, bullet points, and even embed multimedia such as images and videos—all displayed in a dedicated tab on your profile for easy access.
It’s perfect for diving deep into topics, whether you’re a creator sharing a step-by-step guide or a business highlighting a case study to boost engagement.
Note that it’s currently exclusive to Premium+ subscribers and verified organizations, making it a premium perk worth considering. Want to stand out on X?
Try the article feature and share your expertise in a big way—your readers will thank you!
You can check my article features out here on X: https://x.com/Lisapatb/articles
Grok AI – Your X Assistant
Grok AI, developed by xAI, is your personal assistant on X (formerly Twitter), designed to make your experience on the platform smoother and more engaging. Grok3 (the recent update) is really amazing to try if you haven’t already.
Integrated directly into X, Grok taps into real-time data to deliver up-to-date insights, answer your questions, and even sprinkle some humor into its responses.
Whether you’re decoding a trending topic, analyzing a tricky post, or crafting a clever reply, Grok’s got your back. Its conversational tone and ability to handle both text and images make it a versatile tool for casual scrollers and content creators alike.
I love using Grok for images on my posts. You can see the animated image below that is created with a cartoon meme of me and my Victorian bulldog, Stella.
You do have to give Grok AI time to know your inputs and change up your prompts to get more of what you want. I used “create me a funny cartoon meme of me with my bulldog Stella doing _______” for this image below.
Plus, with features like the Highlights Tab—where you can showcase your top posts—and the expanded bio option for Premium subscribers, Grok helps you connect with your audience and boost your presence on X.
As X keeps evolving, Grok remains your trusty sidekick, keeping you informed and engaged effortlessly.
Radar For X Premium+ Subscribers
Radar on X is a powerful real-time search and trend analysis tool that helps users stay informed and engaged. It allows you to monitor trends, track conversations, and get instant updates on breaking news and live events, such as sports matches or elections.
With Radar, you gain access to the latest tweets, images, and videos related to your queries, refreshed continuously for up-to-the-second accuracy.
Exclusive to Premium+ subscribers, this feature offers a premium experience that keeps you ahead of the curve.
Monetization: Can You Make Money on X?
One of the biggest changes to X is its focus on monetization. The Creator Program allows you to earn money on the platform, but reaching that level isn’t a walk in the park. You’ll need:
- A verified premium account.
- 500 premium followers.
- 5 million impressions over three months.
The Third Requirement Is Tougher
Hitting 5 million impressions means you’ll need steady, high-quality interactions with your posts. Focus on replying, engaging with large accounts, and posting content that resonates with your audience.
Some creators are making a couple hundred dollars a month through this program. For most, it’s more of a challenge than a serious income stream.
Since I began using the Creator Buddy tool my analytics increased a lot as you can see below. It’s an AI tool that compares all your post history and recommends what works best to post and reply.
However, I do use my own voice with the AI tool and don’t use it for all my replies or posts. I love going rogue on X with it’s fast paced networking. (You can tell with my infamous typos in the replies.)
There’s also the subscriptions feature, allowing followers to pay for exclusive content from you. Again, this works great for those who already have an engaged audience.
Wrapping Up: Twitter X Guide For Longtime Users
X might look a lot different than Twitter in its early days, but its core purpose—connecting people—is still alive and well.
Whether you’re here for news updates, personal connections, or business opportunities, adapting to the platform’s new features and engagement-focused algorithm is key to staying relevant.
Put effort into truly participating on the platform, and you’ll not only see your impressions rise but also deepen your connections. It’s about much more than posting these days; it’s about joining the conversations.
Looking to learn more about X? Check out the Inspire to Thrive X Twitter Blog posts for additional tips and insights.
FAQs: Navigating Twitter X Changes for Longtime Users
Twitter rebranded to “X” as part of a broader shift in its goals and functionalities in 2022. While the core features remain unchanged, the new branding reflects a move toward becoming an all-in-one platform for social networking, communication, and more.
Yes, posting, replying, liking, and retweeting (now referred to as “reposting”) work the same way. There’s no major change to how you interact with the feed or publish content except that links no longer bring visiblity they once did.
The algorithm prioritizes a mix of recommended posts and content from people you follow. You can toggle between the For You and Following tabs to control what you see on your feed. Of course you can use your Twitter lists to see exactly which accounts you want in your feed.
Content creators can offer Subscriptions for exclusive posts or perks. If you’d like to support creators, look for the “Subscribe” button on their profiles. Twitter X takes a small percentage of the revenue, but creators keep most of it.
Yes, DMs now support extended message threads and encrypted messaging. You can also filter messages based on whether they’re from followers or unknown accounts.
To increase visibility, ensure your profile is public, complete, and includes relevant keywords in your bio. Engaging regularly with posts can also boost discoverability.
They don’t give you many impressions and engagement is very low on them. The best way is like users do over on LinkedIn or Facebook, put your headline or teaser in the post and then the link in the comments.
The algorithm highly favors engagement on the Twitter X platform today in 2025. However, do note the algorithm changes all the time.
She has 30+ years of experience in marketing/advertising with 12 years of experience in content marketing, social media, blogging, and SEO.
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