Threads Character Limit 2026: Posts, Text Attachments & Bio

Threads has grown into a serious Twitter/X alternative with over 200 million monthly users. I've been using it since launch, and what makes Threads interesting is how they've expanded the character limits over time — especially with text attachments that give you 10,000 characters for free.

Here's everything you need to know about Threads character limits in 2026, including the features most people don't know about.

Character Limit Overview

Quick reference for all Threads limits:

Post Limits: 500 Characters

Standard Threads posts max out at 500 characters — nearly double what Twitter/X gives free users (280). This extra room makes a real difference for expressing complete thoughts without threading.

What Counts Toward the 500

• Text: All letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation
• Emojis: Each emoji counts as 2 characters (Unicode)
• Mentions: The full @username including the @
• Hashtags: The full hashtag including #
• Line breaks: Each counts as one character

What Doesn't Count

• Links: URLs don't eat into your character count (huge advantage over Twitter)
• Attached media: Images, videos, GIFs are separate
• Text attachments: The 10,000-character attachment is separate

That links don't count is a big deal. On Twitter, a URL can take 23 characters. On Threads, you keep all 500 for your actual message.

Text Attachments: 10,000 Characters

In late 2025, Threads added text attachments — and this changed everything for long-form content. You can attach up to 10,000 characters to any post. That's roughly 1,500-2,000 words. For free.

How Text Attachments Work

1. Write your main post (up to 500 characters)
2. Tap the document/paper icon
3. Add your extended content (up to 10,000 characters)
4. Format with bold, italic, underline, strikethrough
5. Include clickable links within the text
6. Publish

What Text Attachments Support

• Rich formatting: Bold, italic, underline, strikethrough
• Inline links: Clickable URLs within your long-form content
• Expandable view: Readers tap "Read more" to see everything
• Free for everyone: No premium subscription needed

Limitations to Know

• No editing: Once posted, text attachments can't be changed
• No scheduling: Posts with text attachments can't be pre-scheduled
• No fediverse: Not compatible with ActivityPub/fediverse sharing

That no-editing thing is important. Triple-check your long-form content before publishing — you'll need to delete and repost to fix mistakes.

Good Uses for Text Attachments

• Blog-style posts and mini articles
• Detailed tutorials and how-tos
• Story threads in one post instead of multiple
• In-depth reviews
• News analysis with context

Profile & Bio Limits

Bio (150 Characters)

Your Threads bio has 150 characters. Since Threads connects to Instagram, your profile info often syncs from there. Use this space for:

• Who you are / what you do
• Keywords people might search for
• A call-to-action or link reference
• Pronouns or location if relevant

Username (30 Characters)

Threads usernames are tied to Instagram — 30 character max. They can include:

• Letters (a-z)
• Numbers (0-9)
• Periods and underscores

Display Name (30 Characters)

Your display name is also 30 characters but can include spaces, special characters, and emojis. Many people add verification-style indicators or niche identifiers here.

Media & Link Limits

Images

• Per post: Up to 10 images
• Formats: JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF
• Best aspect ratios: 4:5 and 1:1 display well
• Alt text: Up to 1,000 characters per image

Videos

• Length: Up to 5 minutes
• Formats: MP4, MOV
• Size: Generally under 500MB

Links

Links don't count toward your character limit. When you add one:

• A preview card generates automatically
• The URL stays clickable
• You keep all 500 characters for commentary

Threads vs Twitter vs Bluesky

How do Threads limits stack up against the competition?

For free users, Threads offers the most flexibility: generous base limit, massive extended capacity, and links that don't eat into your count. Check our guides on Twitter/X limits and Bluesky limits for detailed comparisons.

Tips for Effective Threads Posts

Maximize Your 500 Characters

1. Lead with value: Put your main point first
2. Use line breaks: Improve readability, especially on mobile
3. Strategic emojis: They grab attention but cost 2 characters each
4. Light on hashtags: 1-3 relevant ones at the end

When to Use Text Attachments

• Your thought needs more than 500 characters
• You want formatted, blog-style content
• You're creating educational or tutorial content
• You want to tell a complete story in one place

Engagement Best Practices

• Hook in main post: Use your 500 characters to entice readers to tap "Read more"
• End with a question: Encourage comments and discussion
• Cross-post thoughtfully: Adapt content from other platforms
• Timing matters: Post when your audience is active

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Threads character limit?

500 characters for standard posts. But you can attach an additional 10,000 characters using text attachments — that's 10,500 characters total, all free. Links don't count against the limit either.

What are Threads text attachments?

Text attachments let you add up to 10,000 characters of additional formatted text to any post. It appears in an expandable "Read more" section. You can format with bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, and include inline links. It's perfect for long-form content.

What is the Threads bio character limit?

150 characters. Since Threads connects to Instagram, your bio often syncs from there. Use keywords for discoverability and keep it concise.

How does Threads compare to Twitter/X character limits?

Threads: 500 free, plus 10,000 in text attachments. Twitter/X: 280 free, 25,000 for Premium ($8+/month). For free users, Threads offers way more flexibility.

Can I edit a Threads post after publishing?

Yes for regular posts. No for text attachments — once posted, they're locked. Proofread carefully before publishing long-form content.

Do links count toward the Threads character limit?

No. This is a major advantage over Twitter where URLs eat 23 characters. On Threads, include as many links as you want while keeping all 500 characters for your text.