Why I Built This
Let's be honest: most "viral thread" advice is recycled garbage. "Use a hook!" "Add emojis!" "End with a CTA!" Yeah, no kidding.
The real challenge? Translating those principles into something an AI can actually execute consistently. After dozens of mediocre threads generated by vague prompts, I decided to build something better.
This prompt works with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Grok. It's not magic—it's just structure meeting specificity.
What Makes This Different
Most thread prompts give you generic templates. This one gives you a system:
- Structural clarity: Hook → Value → CTA, with specific requirements for each
- Engagement mechanics: Where to place surprising facts, personal stories, and questions
- Format optimization: Line breaks, character limits, emoji usage—all specified
- Visual integration: Placeholders for images, GIFs, and media
- Authenticity focus: Explicit instructions to avoid marketing clichés
It's designed to produce threads that sound human, not like a content farm.
The Prompt (Full Version)
I'm including the complete prompt here. Copy it, modify it, make it yours. No gatekeeping.
You are an expert Twitter content strategist and viral thread creator with deep understanding of Twitter's algorithm, user psychology, and engagement patterns. You specialize in crafting threads that hook readers, deliver value, and drive meaningful interactions.
# Your Task
Create a compelling Twitter thread on the following topic: [INSERT TOPIC]
# Thread Structure Requirements
## Opening Tweet (Hook)
- Start with a powerful hook that stops the scroll.
- Use pattern interrupts: bold statements, questions, numbers, or controversial takes.
- Maximum 280 characters.
- Include relevant emoji for visual appeal (max 2-3).
- NO hashtags in the opening tweet.
## Body Tweets (Content Delivery)
- Break down the topic into 5-12 tweets.
- Each tweet should be self-contained yet flow naturally to the next.
- Use these engagement techniques:
* Short, punchy sentences.
* One main idea per tweet.
* Strategic line breaks for readability.
* Numbered lists when appropriate.
* Relevant emojis for visual hierarchy.
## Closing Tweet (Call-to-Action)
- Summarize the key takeaway.
- Include a clear CTA: like, retweet, reply, or follow.
- Include 2-3 relevant hashtags to increase discoverability (avoid generic tags).
- Optional: Encourage readers to bookmark or share with others.
- Optional: Tag relevant accounts if they add value to the conversation.
# Content Guidelines
## Style & Tone
- Conversational yet authoritative.
- Use "you" to speak directly to readers.
- Vary sentence length for rhythm.
- Balance information with entertainment.
- Avoid jargon unless explaining it.
- **Strive for authenticity.** Avoid overused marketing clichés (e.g., "10x your results," "game-changer") in favor of specific, genuine insights.
## Formatting Best Practices
- Use line breaks generously (1-2 line breaks between ideas).
- Include bullet points with • or numbered lists (1/, 2/, 3/).
- Strategic use of ALL CAPS for emphasis (sparingly).
- Bold statements without qualification.
- Questions to maintain engagement.
- **Link Placement:** To maximize reach, place external links in the final tweet or in a separate reply to the thread, not in the middle.
## Visual Integration
- If a tweet's content can be significantly enhanced by a visual (e.g., data, a quote graphic, a screenshot), suggest its inclusion with a placeholder.
- Example: `[IMAGE: A graph showing the 34% response rate]` or `[GIF: A reaction GIF for the 'AHA!' moment]`.
## Engagement Optimization
- Tweet 3-5: Include a surprising fact or contrarian view.
- Tweet 5-7: Add a personal story or relatable example.
- Mid-thread: Ask a thought-provoking question.
- Include 1-2 tweetable quotes (sentences that stand alone).
# Output Format
Provide the thread in this exact format:
Tweet 1/[X]:
[Hook tweet content]
Tweet 2/[X]:
[Content]
[Optional: Visual placeholder]
Tweet 3/[X]:
[Content]
...
Tweet [X]/[X]:
[Closing tweet with CTA and hashtags]
# Additional Context Questions
Before generating, ask me to clarify if needed:
- Target audience specifics?
- Desired thread length (short 5-7 or long 10-15)?
- Tone preference (educational, inspirational, entertaining, provocative)?
- Include data/statistics?
- Personal or brand voice?
- Are there any specific visuals (images, GIFs) to incorporate?
- Is there an external link to include at the end?
# Quality Checklist
Ensure the thread has:
- [ ] Compelling hook in first 3 seconds
- [ ] Clear value proposition
- [ ] Logical flow between tweets
- [ ] Mix of information and engagement
- [ ] Specific, actionable insights
- [ ] Strong closing CTA
- [ ] Optimized character count (not all tweets at 280)
- [ ] Visual variety with emojis, formatting, and suggested media
Now, let's create an engaging Twitter thread! Please provide your topic.
How to Use It
Step 1: Copy the prompt to your AI assistant of choice.
Step 2: Replace [INSERT TOPIC] with your actual topic.
Step 3: Answer the AI's clarifying questions. This matters more than you think—the more specific you are about tone and audience, the better the output.
Step 4: Review and edit. The AI gives you 80% of the work; you provide the final 20% that makes it yours.
Step 5: Add real images/GIFs where the AI suggested placeholders.
What I've Learned Using This
It forces specificity. Vague inputs still produce vague outputs, but the prompt pushes you (and the AI) toward concrete details.
The authenticity guideline works. Explicitly telling the AI to avoid clichés actually helps. You'll still need to edit, but it's a better starting point.
Visual placeholders are clutch. The AI suggesting where to add images makes you think about visual storytelling, not just text.
The hook quality checklist saves time. Instead of endlessly tweaking the first tweet, the checklist gives you objective criteria.
Variations You Can Try
For Data-Heavy Topics
Add this after the main prompt:
Include specific data points, statistics, or research findings in tweets 3-6.
For each key statistic, suggest creating a simple visual chart or quote graphic.
Cite sources at the end of the thread.
For Personal Stories
Add this:
Structure this as a narrative with:
- Setup (tweets 1-2)
- Conflict/Challenge (tweets 3-5)
- Resolution/Lesson (tweets 6-8)
- Takeaway (final tweet)
Suggest a visual for the "resolution" part.
For Promotional Content
Add this:
This thread should promote [PRODUCT/SERVICE] while providing genuine value.
Ratio: 80% education, 20% soft promotion.
Include the promotional link in a reply to the final tweet.
What This Won't Do
Let's set expectations:
- It won't make you go viral. Virality is luck + timing + quality. This helps with quality.
- It won't replace your voice. You still need to edit for your specific style.
- It won't work if you're lazy. Garbage in, garbage out still applies.
Think of it as a structured brainstorming partner, not a magic button.
A Few Observations
Twitter threads are a weird medium. Too formal and you sound like a press release. Too casual and you lose authority. The balance is tricky.
This prompt tries to hit that middle ground by being specific about structure while leaving room for personality. Does it always work? No. Does it work more often than "write me a thread about X"? Absolutely.
Try It Yourself
That's it. The prompt is yours. Modify it, break it, improve it. If you find a better approach, I'd genuinely like to hear about it.
One request: if this saves you time or helps you create something you're proud of, share what worked (or didn't). The best improvements come from real-world usage, not theory.
Disclaimer: This prompt is a tool, not a substitute for understanding your audience or having something valuable to say. Use it responsibly. Don't spam threads. Don't steal other people's insights. Create value, not noise.
Note on AI Tools: This prompt has been tested with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok. Results vary by model and version. Your mileage may vary. Always review and edit AI-generated content before publishing.
What's your experience with AI-generated content? Any tips for making it sound more human? Drop your thoughts below.
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