Social media character limits: a reference table
The usual limits for each platform and where text tends to get cut before the reader taps “more”.
Usual limits
| Network and field | Maximum characters |
|---|---|
| Instagram, post caption | 2,200 |
| Instagram, bio | 150 |
| TikTok, description | 4,000 |
| TikTok, bio | 80 |
| X, post | 280 |
| YouTube, title | 100 |
| YouTube, description | 5,000 |
| Facebook, post | 63,206 |
| Threads, post | 500 |
| LinkedIn, post | 3,000 |
| Pinterest, title | 100 |
| Bluesky, post | 300 |
These are reference values. Platforms change them over time and some apply different rules depending on the account type.
The maximum isn't what's shown
Just because a network allows 2,200 characters doesn't mean readers see them all. On Instagram, for example, the text is cut after the first lines and the rest stays behind a “more”. The most important part, whether the main idea or the call to action, should go first.
How emojis and links count
Not every network counts the same way. An emoji can take more than one character, and X gives each link a fixed length no matter how long it is. If you're right at the limit, leave a small margin.
Tips for writing in little space
- Start with the essentials and leave details for the end.
- Remove filler words and repeated phrases.
- Choose few hashtags and make them specific.
- End with a clear action: comment, save or visit a link.
Check your text before posting
Paste your text into the counter and you'll instantly see how many characters, words and hashtags it has, and whether it fits each network. That way a title won't get cut and a post won't be rejected for being too long.
Where each text gets cut
| Network and field | Characters visible before the cut |
|---|---|
| Instagram, post text | about 125 before “more” |
| LinkedIn, post | about 210 before “see more” |
| YouTube, title | about 60 in most views |
| X, post | all 280 |
These figures are approximate: they change with the device and the app. Think of them as the space you have to convince the reader to keep reading.
An example: fitting into 280 characters
A 320-character text doesn't fit on X. Instead of cutting it at random, first remove what repeats, then what adds nothing (greetings and filler phrases) and finally shorten the links. Paste the text into the counter and you will see how many characters are left over while you edit.
Frequently asked questions
How many characters is an X post?
280. Each link counts as 23 no matter how long it is, and emojis usually count as 2.
Do spaces and line breaks count?
Yes. Spaces and line breaks count as characters on almost every network.
How many characters can I put in my Instagram bio?
150. On TikTok it is 80.
Count characters and check each network's limits.
Text analyzer