Short answer
A Twitter chat is a public conversation held at a set time around a shared hashtag, where a host posts numbered questions (Q1, Q2) and participants reply with answers (A1, A2); it isn't the same as X's private messaging feature, also called Chat.
Key takeaways
- Hashtag chats run for 30 to 60 minutes with 5 to 8 questions.
- Participants follow the hashtag in Latest search to keep up.
- Since X renamed DMs 'Chat', say 'hashtag chat' or 'X chat event' to avoid confusion.
The phrase "Twitter chat" predates X's messaging feature called Chat. It means a scheduled, public conversation organized around a hashtag, and it's still a good way to build a community around a topic.
How does a hashtag chat work?
A host posts numbered questions at a set time, and everyone answers using the same hashtag.
A typical format:
- The host announces the topic and time in advance with the hashtag (#EdChat, #ContentClub).
- At start time, the host posts "Welcome! Introduce yourselves #ContentClub".
- Every five to eight minutes, the host posts "Q1: …", "Q2: …".
- Participants reply "A1: …" with the hashtag, and reply to each other.
- After 30 to 60 minutes, the host thanks everyone and announces the next date.
How do I join one?
Search the hashtag, switch to Latest, and reply to the questions with the hashtag included.
Introduce yourself, answer a couple of questions, and reply to other people's answers. That last part is where follows come from.
How do I host one?
Pick a narrow topic, a regular time, a short hashtag that isn't taken, and five to eight good questions.
- Draft the questions in advance; schedule them if you like.
- Line up two or three guests or co-hosts to keep things moving.
- Post a recap afterwards, quoting the best answers.
- Mock up the announcement graphic with our generator or a poll for choosing next week's topic.
How is this different from X Chat?
X Chat is X's private messaging system; a hashtag chat is public posting.
Since X began calling DMs "Chat" in 2025, it helps to say "hashtag chat" when inviting people. Private group messaging is covered in group chats on X.
Questions people ask
Are Twitter chats still a thing on X?
Yes, in niche communities: education, healthcare, marketing, writing and accessibility groups still run regular hashtag chats. They're smaller than in the 2010s peak.
How do I follow a chat without missing posts?
Search the hashtag and switch to Latest. On desktop, X Pro (for Premium subscribers) can show the hashtag in its own column.
What's the difference from an X Space?
A Space is live audio. A hashtag chat is written posts. Some communities pair them: a Space for discussion, a hashtag for links and questions.