What are X lists?

X lists (formerly known as Twitter lists) are curated groups of X (Twitter) accounts that you can organize into personalized feeds. Instead of seeing everything in your main timeline, you get a separate stream—like “Tech News” or “Close Friends.” You can create up to 1,000 lists and add up to 5,000 accounts per list. Lists can be public (others can follow) or private (just you can see them).

Why should you use X lists?

X lists help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Whether you’re tracking industry updates, following clients, or just keeping tabs on your best friends, lists give you control. They keep things chronological—no algorithm messing with what you see.

How do you create and manage X lists?

It’s easy! On desktop, click on “Lists” in the menu, then “Create new list.” Choose a name, add a description, and pick “public” or “private.” From your profile on mobile it’s similar. Once created, add accounts by visiting their profile and selecting “Add/remove from Lists”.

What’s the difference between public and private lists?

  • Public lists are visible to others and can be followed. They’re great for sharing curated content (e.g., “Top UX Designers”).
  • Private lists are for your eyes only—perfect for organizing without notifying anyone.

What are some smart ways to use X lists?

  1. Spot your customers or clients
    Keep tabs on conversations that matter—without cluttering your timeline.
  2. Track competitors or industry news
    One list for news outlets, another for niche influencers. Easy to monitor trends.
  3. Curate content
    Follow thought leaders and publishers to find content worth sharing—without getting lost in general noise.
  4. Follow events
    Create a list for speakers or attendees at a conference. Get a focused view on-topic conversations.

Can you subscribe to lists created by others?

Absolutely. You can follow any public list by going to someone’s profile, selecting their “Lists” tab, and hitting “Subscribe.” It’s a great way to tap into curated feeds without building from scratch.

Do people know when you add them to a list?

  • If it’s public, they might notice—especially if they look at their “Lists” tab.
  • If it’s private, they won’t get any notification.

Tips for using X lists like a pro

  • Keep it tidy: Regularly review who’s in each list—people move on or interests change.
  • Pin your favorites: You can pin up to 10 lists for quick access on mobile or desktop.
  • Mix public and private: Public lists work well for showcasing expertise or networking; private ones are great for personal tracking.
  • Use clear names and descriptions: That makes it easier to find the right list fast.
  • Stay organized: Use lists to segment clients, competitors, press, influencers—whatever matters to you.

Bottom line

X lists are a super-powered way to customize your social media experience. They help you filter, focus, and follow the conversations that matter most—without distraction. Whether you’re using them for work, personal interests, or event tracking, lists are a simple but powerful tool. So go ahead: create your first list and see how much more manageable X can feel.