Free Character Counter
Count characters and check against popular platform limits for Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and SEO meta tags. Ensure your content fits perfectly every time.
Last Updated: 15 Jan 2026
Why Use a Character Counter?
Character limits are everywhere in digital content. Social media platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn enforce strict character limits to keep content concise. Search engines like Google truncate titles and descriptions that exceed specific lengths. Email subject lines get cut off on mobile devices. Using a character counter ensures your message displays perfectly across all platforms.
Professional writers, social media managers, SEO specialists, and marketers rely on character counters daily to optimize content for maximum visibility and engagement. Whether you're crafting the perfect tweet, writing meta descriptions for SEO, or creating email subject lines, knowing your exact character count prevents costly formatting issues.
Platform Character Limits Guide (2026)
Social Media
- X (Twitter): 280 characters (4,000 for Blue subscribers)
- Instagram Caption: 2,200 characters (125 visible)
- LinkedIn Post: 3,000 characters (210 visible)
- Facebook Post: 63,206 characters
- Pinterest Description: 500 characters
- TikTok Caption: 2,200 characters
- YouTube Title: 100 characters
SEO & Web
- SEO Title Tag: 50-60 characters (displays best in Google)
- Meta Description: 150-160 characters
- Google Ads Headline: 30 characters
- Email Subject Line: 40-50 characters (mobile optimal)
- URL Slug: 50-60 characters recommended
- H1 Tag: 20-70 characters
- Alt Text: 125 characters recommended
Character Counting Best Practices
Front-Load Important Content
Always place your most important message, keywords, and call-to-action at the beginning. Many platforms truncate text after a certain point, so early characters have maximum visibility and impact.
Account for URLs and Mentions
URLs are typically shortened by platforms (Twitter counts them as 23 characters). Mentions (@username) and hashtags (#hashtag) count toward your character limit, so plan accordingly when including them.
Test on Mobile Devices
Even if you're within character limits, text may appear differently on mobile devices. Email subject lines that look perfect on desktop might get cut off on smartphones, typically around 30-40 characters.
Use Abbreviations Wisely
When space is tight, use common abbreviations (e.g., '&' instead of 'and', 'w/' instead of 'with'). However, maintain readability and avoid over-abbreviating to the point of confusion.
SEO Character Limit Guidelines
Keep important keywords at the beginning. Google displays 50-60 characters before truncating with ellipsis.
Include a compelling call-to-action. Google shows 150-160 characters before truncation.
Keep H1 tags concise and keyword-rich. Longer headings may be truncated in search results.
Social Media Tips
- Twitter: Use the full 280 characters for maximum engagement. Include 1-2 hashtags and mentions strategically.
- Instagram: Front-load your caption with the key message. Use line breaks and emojis for visual appeal.
- LinkedIn: Keep the first 210 characters compelling to avoid truncation. Use professional tone and industry keywords.
Email & Messaging
- Subject Lines: Keep under 50 characters for mobile display. Use action words and create urgency.
- SMS: Standard SMS limit is 160 characters. Messages longer than 160 characters are split into multiple messages.
- Push Notifications: Keep under 50 characters for mobile. Be concise and action-oriented.
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