What is a Twitter thread?

A Twitter thread, also known simply as a thread, is a series of connected tweets that are linked together to form a cohesive narrative or discussion. Twitter threads allow users to share longer thoughts, tell stories, provide explanations, offer commentary, or express opinions that exceed the 280-character limit per tweet.

Here's how a Twitter thread typically works:

1. **Original Tweet**: A Twitter thread usually begins with an original tweet that introduces the topic or idea that the user wants to discuss. This tweet serves as the starting point for the thread and often includes a brief summary or teaser to entice users to read further.

2. **Subsequent Tweets**: Following the original tweet, the user continues the thread by replying to their own tweet with additional tweets. Each subsequent tweet adds to the content of the thread, providing more context, elaborating on points, or continuing the narrative.

3. **Thread Continuity**: To maintain continuity and clarity, each tweet in the thread is numbered (e.g., "1/5", "2/5", etc.) to indicate its position within the thread. This helps users understand the sequence of tweets and follow the thread from beginning to end.

4. **Linking Tweets**: Twitter automatically links the tweets in a thread together, displaying them in chronological order when users view the thread on the platform. Users can click on the "Show this thread" link at the bottom of the original tweet to expand and read the entire thread without interruption.

5. **Engagement and Interaction**: Users can engage with individual tweets within a thread by liking, retweeting, replying, or quoting them. This allows for interactive discussions and conversations to take place within the context of the thread.

Twitter threads are a popular format for sharing longer-form content on the platform and are commonly used by journalists, writers, thought leaders, and everyday users alike to share stories, insights, opinions, and information in a concise and accessible manner. They enable users to convey complex ideas and narratives while leveraging the real-time, conversational nature of Twitter.