X Spaces is one of the most under-used features of X (formerly Twitter) that can actually help you reach target audiences more easily than you think.

Spaces are audio discussions featuring a limitless number of people, with the host able to select 13 other users to speak. This keeps things under control and means conversations stay on topic.

Now, we're not talking about a live video channel like the ones found on Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, or Facebook. An X Space is more like the live conversations users enjoy on Clubhouse. X Spaces are all about audio discussions, and they are the perfect forum for brands who want to build connections with their user base.

What is X Spaces and why it exists?

X Spaces lets you create, schedule, and join live audio chats on X. It's pretty simple, and many brands overlook its potential. After all, it offers a new way to connect with others and share ideas in real time using just your voice. No branding material is needed here.

Introduction to X Spaces

X Spaces are live audio rooms where users can host and join conversations. You can find them by clicking on your profile icon and hitting the "Spaces" tab.

To start a Space, simply press and hold the purple Spaces icon that looks like a microphone at the bottom of your screen.

Spaces are public. You can invite specific people to speak or join, but the idea is that anyone can join. Once the conversation is live, then the door is open.

As a host, you control who speaks and can add up to 13 other speakers.

Listeners can react with emojis, send posts, or request to speak. This creates an interactive experience that’s different from regular posting on X.

Benefits of X Spaces for businesses and creators

X Spaces has become a place where small businesses and individual brands can really shine through. You're able to nurture a brand community by facilitating real-time interactions with followers. This is probably the closest you'll get to truly interacting with X followers because you can let them speak too.

You can host live audio conversations such as Q&As, launch products, or casually chat to engage followers directly.

Perhaps the most valuable thing about X Spaces for brands is the opportunity to show their human side. Whether you allow your CEO behind the mic or ask some employees to speak their minds, each X Space is an opportunity to humanize your brand.

Of course, it's also a destination for creatives and influencers. Creators can use X Spaces to grow their fanbase and make more personal connections. That's sometimes hard to do on X's main feed.

In this guide:

This guide takes you through the art of hosting X Spaces, so you can fully understand how the feature works.

How to create and customize an X Space

Let's start with the basics. X Spaces lets you host live audio chats with anyone who wants to join. You can set up and personalize your Space in just a few steps.

Setting up a Space

You can launch X Spaces on your iOS or Android device or via your desktop.

To start your own X Space, tap your profile image and select the Spaces tab. Give your Space a title (you could incorporate your company or personal branding here to make it stand out) and choose a topic to focus on. You can add up to three topics. Click to agree to record the conversation, and click if you want to use video too.

Screenshot showing how to create an X Space

You can invite up to 13 speakers. Tap “Start Now” when you’re ready to go live.

You can schedule a Space up to 14 days in advance. This gives you time to promote it and build an audience.

To schedule, tap the calendar icon next to the "Start Now" button. Pick a date, time, and add a description.

A quick tip: remember to test your mic before going live. You can also turn on captions to make your Space more accessible.

Customizing your Space

There are ways to make your own Space feel on-brand through various customization options. Tap the settings icon and select "Edit Space" to:

  • Set your background.
  • Set an image for the Space.
  • Set the Speaker permissions to control who can talk.
  • Pin posts to your Space to share key information or visuals.
  • You can also add polls and Q&A features when hosting Spaces to make it more personal and start engaging with your listeners.

Strategies to maximize engagement in live audio conversations on X Spaces

X Spaces offers unique ways to connect with your audience in real time, but you need your audience to know you're there. This is the difficult part because users scrolling on their phones might not see your Space appear on their timeline.

However, by using smart tactics, you can attract listeners, boost engagement, and create meaningful interactions with your followers.

Use X Spaces for live events

An X Space is a great place to create live sessions that align with trending topics or current events. You can launch a new Space in no time and welcome panel discussions or invite industry influencers to the conversation.

For example, a financial magazine might host an X Space after a government releases its budget, to discuss the reaction to the new policies. Not only does the magazine attract its audiences, but it can share insights with others, which boosts its own reputation.

Keep the conversation flowing by addressing comments and questions from listeners. A Space that sounds like a TED Talk isn't going to keep users engaged for long. People need to feel heard and valued on a social media platform like X. After all, there are other platforms they can go to if you don't interact with them.

Enhance accessibility and reach with scheduled Spaces

Scheduling your Spaces in advance gives you a wider reach because followers can plan ahead and set reminders. It's easy to do via the X app, and you can then begin attracting your target audience to the pace ahead of time.

You can do this by promoting your scheduled Space via your X profile and other social media platforms. Post teasers and use relevant hashtags to draw attention, pin a post about your upcoming Space to your profile, and publicly invite speakers to join you.

Collaborate with influencers and guests

Invite industry influencers or interesting guests to join your Spaces. There are plenty of influencers out there who would jump at the chance to have their voice heard. Their presence can draw in a broader audience and add credibility to your discussions.

Just remember to plan topics and questions with your guests in advance. This ensures a smooth flow of conversation and keeps listeners engaged.

Your guests can then use their social media profiles to advertise the event, which should draw a bigger audience.

During the Space, give your guest the spotlight but also facilitate interaction with the audience. It's often best if the host (eg., you) introduces the topic and then sits back to act as a moderator. This creates a dynamic environment where listeners feel they are a part of the conversation, not just spectators.

Quick ways to boost your X Spaces impact

X Spaces offers several extras to make your sessions more engaging and effective. These features are designed to help you interact with your audience and understand what went well and what didn't.

Here are three quick tips for hosting discussions better.

1. Use emojis and reactions for interactive engagement

You can use the purple circle icon to start a reaction and send emojis to everyone listening in to the Space. This lets listeners share their feelings without interrupting the speaker and gives the speaker some immediate feedback.

As a host, you could ask listeners to use 👍 if they agree with a point or 👎 if they don't. This creates a more lively, interactive experience without any of the noise.

Emojis also help break the ice and make your Space feel more welcoming. Try using them in your Space title or description to set the tone. Even brands who are trying to be as professional as possible on X use emojis because they know their value.

Sharing and pinning posts for additional context

The ability to share posts in your Space is really useful. You can share the link to your Space on other social media platforms to reach a wider audience, loop in more listeners, and ensure all your community members are engaged – no matter where they are.

Look for the share icon to add relevant posts to the conversation.

You can also pin posts to the top of the conversation. This lets you provide visual aids or extra information without leaving the Space. You can also pin important posts and highlight guest bios, upcoming events, or products you’re discussing. For the audience, it's a bit like having a blurb pop up when you tune into a radio show. Sometimes it takes a minute or two to understand what people are talking about, so the pinned post really helps add context.

Just remember to update pinned posts as your conversation evolves.

Recording and analyzing Spaces data

You can choose to record your Space and analyze the data afterward, including insights on your listeners, speakers, and engagement rates.

Recorded Spaces can then be shared later, extending their reach.

Use these insights to refine your strategy and pay attention to peak listener times, popular topics, and engagement rates. Your future Spaces audiences will love you for making the experience even better.

Best practices for hosting engaging X Spaces

If you haven't hosted an X Space before, then don't worry, we're here to help. It can feel daunting handling conversations related to your brand or industry, especially when you're working in a live setting.

Try these strategies below to create lively audio conversations that connect you with your audience and showcase your expertise. 

Stay calm when managing speakers and participants

Audiences are usually forgiving when you're managing co-hosts on a live feed, so don't worry if it takes a second or two to link up with the next speaker.

You'll have already chosen knowledgeable people who can keep the conversation flowing, and they might be nervous too, so it's important to stay calm.

Don't be afraid to remove disruptive users to maintain a positive atmosphere, and set out guidelines at the start of each new Space. Start listening to what the audience is doing and how it's reacting to your speaker. It might be that you can invite someone else to enter the conversation.

Driving conversation and encouraging interaction

It's one thing to monitor a chat, but another thing to propel it forward. As a host or co-host, you're the one using X Spaces to create a conversation.

So, before you launch a Space, be sure to do your research and find hot issues or burning questions in your field. Prepare thought-provoking questions to spark discussion. Have a list ready, but be flexible enough to explore interesting topics as they come up.

Then, during the chat, use polls to get quick feedback and boost engagement. Share relevant posts to provide context or talking points. Be the moderator that the chat needs, handle speaker requests as they come in, and keep the conversation flowing.

Frequently asked questions

X Spaces has many features, and the platform is constantly changing. To make a Space accessible to everyone, it's important you read through our guide above.

Meanwhile, below are answers to some common questions about using this audio chat tool.

How can I join Spaces on X?

Join a Space by tapping on your X profile icon and clicking the "Spaces" tab. Then click the purple Spaces icon on your chosen conversation. X users can also join through a link shared in a post or DM.

When you join, you’ll be able to listen in and request to speak if allowed.

Where can I find live X Spaces to listen to?

Click on the "Spaces" tab on your app and explore the latest chats.

Is X Spaces accessible on desktop computers?

Yes, you can start an X Space on desktop by clicking the "…" button and tapping "Create your Space."

Are there any costs associated with using X Spaces?

X Spaces is free to use, but X Premium users get more benefits. There are no fees to join, listen to, or host Spaces.

What should I do if I can't find the Space feature or microphone icon on my X account?

If you can't see Spaces, make sure your X app is updated to the latest version.

The feature is rolled out to most users, but if you still don't have it, you may need to wait a bit longer as X continues its gradual release.