Character counter for every network

Character limits and how platforms count

Characters are not always characters

Platforms disagree on how to count. X counts every link as 23 characters whatever its length, and gives some characters, like many emoji or CJK letters, more weight. Instagram and LinkedIn count emoji as one or two depending on the symbol. Treat the counter as a close guide and leave a few characters of margin.

Limits worth remembering

X posts are 280 characters and Threads 500. Instagram captions allow 2,200 but only the first lines show before “more”, and bios are limited to 150. LinkedIn posts allow 3,000 and show roughly the first two or three lines. YouTube titles cut off around 100 characters, and descriptions allow 5,000.

Write for the cut-off, not the limit

On most platforms, the first line decides whether anyone reads the rest. Put the hook, the point or the call to action before the “more” cut-off, then use the remaining space for detail.

Hashtags and mentions

Hashtags and @mentions count toward the limit. The counter shows how many you used so you can keep them in line with what each network recommends — usually a handful rather than dozens.

Private by default

Your text is counted in the page and is never sent or saved, so you can paste drafts of unreleased announcements.