How to Write Viral X (Twitter) Threads: Templates + AI Prompts (2026)

“Viral” isn’t magic — it’s structure. This guide gives you copy-paste templates, hook formulas, and AI prompts so you can publish better threads consistently.

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Fast path: Use a thread template → generate 10 hooks → pick the best → write 6–10 posts → add a strong CTA.
Thread tool for creators →Compare tools →
What makes an X thread “viral”?

Most viral threads share the same ingredients:

  • A strong hook (curiosity + specificity)
  • Clear structure (steps, story, or framework)
  • Short, punchy posts (one idea per post)
  • Skimmability (line breaks, bullets, simple language)
  • A clear payoff (what the reader gets by the end)
  • A soft CTA (follow, bookmark, reply, link)
A simple workflow you can repeat weekly

1) Pick a narrow topic

Choose one pain point your audience has, and solve it in 6–12 posts.

2) Choose a template (below)

Templates stop you rambling and make the thread easy to read.

3) Generate hooks (10 options)

Most threads fail at the first post. Generate 10 hooks, pick the best one.

4) Draft the thread quickly, then edit once

Write fast, edit slow. One clean pass is enough.

5) Add a CTA

Ask for one action: follow, bookmark, reply, or read your link.

7 thread templates (copy & paste)

Template 1: “Do this, not that”

  • Hook: “Stop doing X. Do Y instead.”
  • Post 2–8: X mistake → Y fix (repeat)
  • Finish: recap + CTA

Template 2: Step-by-step playbook

  • Hook: “Here’s the exact process to achieve X.”
  • Posts: Step 1 → Step N
  • Finish: common mistake + CTA

Template 3: Case study teardown

  • Hook: “How [person/company] achieved X (and what you can copy).”
  • Posts: context → actions → lessons
  • Finish: “Steal this checklist” + CTA

Template 4: Myth-busting

  • Hook: “Everyone believes X. It’s wrong.”
  • Posts: why it’s wrong → what to do instead
  • Finish: quick summary + CTA

Template 5: The framework

  • Hook: “Use this 3-part framework for X.”
  • Posts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (examples for each)
  • Finish: checklist + CTA

Template 6: “If I started again”

  • Hook: “If I was starting from zero, I’d do this…”
  • Posts: priorities + constraints + steps
  • Finish: “Reply if you want…” + CTA

Template 7: The resource list

  • Hook: “10 tools/resources for X (ranked).”
  • Posts: item → why it matters → how to use
  • Finish: “Bookmark this” + CTA
10 hook formulas that work
  • “Most people get X wrong. Here’s the fix.”
  • “I tried X for 30 days. Here’s what happened.”
  • “Here’s the simple system I use to achieve X.”
  • “Stop doing X. Do Y instead.”
  • “If you only remember one thing about X, remember this…”
  • “The fastest way to achieve X is…”
  • “I wish I knew this about X earlier…”
  • “Here are 7 mistakes that kill results for X.”
  • “A complete beginner can do X with this plan…”
  • “Steal my checklist for X.”

Tip: keep hooks specific (who, what, timeframe, result). Specificity beats hype.

AI prompts you can copy-paste

Use these prompts in your AI tool of choice. Replace the [brackets].

Prompt 1: Generate 10 hooks

Generate 10 punchy X/Twitter thread hooks about: [TOPIC].
Audience: [AUDIENCE].
Goal: [RESULT].
Make them specific, curiosity-driven, and under 140 characters.

Prompt 2: Turn an outline into a thread

Write a 9-post X/Twitter thread using this outline:
[PASTE OUTLINE]

Rules:
- One idea per post
- Short sentences, skimmable
- Use simple language
- End with a soft CTA to follow/bookmark

Prompt 3: Improve clarity + flow

Rewrite this X/Twitter thread to improve clarity and flow without changing the meaning.
Keep it skimmable, reduce fluff, and strengthen the hook and transitions:
[PASTE THREAD]

Prompt 4: Add examples + proof

Add 2 practical examples and 2 common mistakes to this thread.
Keep each example short and actionable:
[PASTE THREAD]

Prompt 5: Create 5 CTA options

Generate 5 soft CTAs for the end of this thread.
Options should include: follow, bookmark, reply, and link click (optional).
Tone: helpful, not salesy.
Thread topic: [TOPIC]

If you want a dedicated thread workflow, see our ThreadMaster AI review or the ThreadMaster vs Taskade comparison.

Try ThreadMaster AI →Read the review →
Recommended tools (simple stack)

The minimal stack

  • Thread writing: ThreadMaster AI (focused workflow)
  • Planning: Taskade (ideas → drafts → schedule)
Try ThreadMaster AI →Try Taskade →
Frequently asked questions

How long should an X thread be?

For most topics, 6–12 posts is the sweet spot. Long enough to deliver value, short enough to stay skimmable.

How do I make my threads more engaging?

Use short posts, strong transitions, concrete examples, and a clear payoff. Most engagement comes from a great hook and easy skimming.

What should I write threads about?

Start with problems you’ve solved, mistakes you’ve made, and frameworks you use. If you can teach it in 10 minutes, it can be a thread.