Twitter Removes Media from Character Count: A Game-Changer for Creators
“Why can’t I fit this gif and a call to action?”
That’s what Jason, a SaaS founder with a sharp eye for virality, muttered last month. He was threading a story about a customer win. The punchline? A perfectly timed meme. The problem? Adding it slashed his tweet's character count, forcing painful edits.
Not anymore.
In a quiet but powerful update, Twitter (now X) changed its character count mechanics: attached images, GIFs, videos, polls, and usernames in replies no longer count toward the 140-character limit.
For Jason—and millions like him—this changes how tweets are written, formatted, and received.
Why This Change Matters
From constraint to creativity
Twitter has always been about brevity. But brevity with media? That was a battle. Every added mention or GIF ate into your message. Now, creators can:
It’s a quiet expansion of expression—and it brings Twitter closer to platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, where visuals complement longer narratives.
Threading gets smarter
In replies and threaded conversations, usernames no longer hog character space. This means users can reply to multiple people, quote messages, and add context—all without hitting the limit.
For brands, educators, and creators running Twitter threads (or 'tweetorials'), this is a small change with big potential.
More Space, Same Discipline
Avoid the temptation to ramble
Just because media no longer counts doesn't mean every tweet should be maxed out. Clarity still wins. The best tweets:
Algorithm priorities remain
Twitter’s engagement engine still favors interaction. Media-rich tweets might get more clicks, but only if paired with readable, compelling copy.
“Write like you’re talking to one smart friend,” says digital strategist Christina Garnett. “Then add the image that makes them laugh or think.”
Check Your Length Before You Post
With character rules shifting, it's smart to double-check how your tweet stacks up.
Tools like WordCounter.app let you draft, edit, and count characters in real time. It’s a fast, ad-free way to test different phrasings, ensure your CTA still fits, and keep replies tight and readable.
When every word counts—even if your image doesn’t—tools like this help keep your writing sharp.
Who Gains the Most?
Tips for the New Twitter Landscape
Conclusion: Same Limit, New Freedom
Twitter didn’t raise its famous 140-character cap—but it redefined how those characters are counted.
That shift empowers users to communicate clearly and creatively without compromise. The message? Your words matter—but now, your visuals don’t cost you anything.
Before you hit send, try drafting in WordCounter.app. You’ll see just how much you can say when space is used wisely.