Starting an X Space
You start an X Space in the mobile X app for iPhone or Android. On your home timeline, press and hold the button for a new post and choose the Spaces icon. You can also open the Spaces tab. Give the conversation a clear name, choose recording or scheduling if needed, and tap Start your Space.
An X Space is a public live audio conversation. Anyone can listen, including people who do not follow you. According to X’s current official help, X.com supports listening, but not starting a regular Space. You need the mobile app for that.
Prepare more than just a title. Decide who speaks, how long the conversation lasts, which rules apply, and whether the recording may remain public. Below you will find the full step-by-step guide and an explanation of the most important settings.
What is an X Space?
An X Space is a live audio conversation. The host opens the room, invites speakers, and manages the discussion. Listeners can follow along and request speaking time.
A Space is like a public digital stage:
- the host leads the conversation;
- up to two other people can be co-hosts;
- up to thirteen people can speak at the same time, including the host;
- according to X, there is no fixed limit for listeners;
- anyone can find and listen to a public Space;
- the host can mute, remove, block, or report participants;
- a recording can remain publicly available after the session ends.
A Space is not a normal video stream. The core is live audio. Profile photos, names, reactions, and shared posts provide extra context during the conversation.
Who can start a Space?
According to X, people with X on iOS or Android can start a Space. An account with protected posts cannot create a Space. That account can still join another Space and speak there when the host allows it.
X Spaces are public by default. If you only want to talk with approved followers, a private account does not automatically turn a regular Space into a closed room. Decide in advance whether Spaces really fit your topic.
Some features, such as conversations for paying subscribers, may be tied to special creator features. This guide covers a regular public Space.
Where do you find the button to create a Space?
On iPhone and Android, X usually uses this path:
- Open the home timeline.
- Press and hold the new post button.
- Tap the Spaces icon with multiple circles.
You can also open the Spaces tab at the bottom of the timeline if it is visible in your app.
Do you not see the feature? Update the app, check whether your posts are protected, and try again. The app layout can differ by account, device, and version.
How do you start an X Space directly?
Follow these steps to start an X Space right away:
- Open the official X app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Go to your home timeline.
- Press and hold the new post button.
- Choose Spaces.
- Give the Space a short and clear name.
- Add topics if the app shows that option.
- Choose whether you want to record the Space.
- Check the clip settings if they are available.
- Tap Start your Space.
- Allow X access to your microphone if asked.
- Wait for the connection to finish.
- Turn on your own microphone when you are ready to begin.
- Share the link through a post, direct message, or another channel.
You enter as the host on mute first. That gives you time to review participants and check the technical setup. Start speaking only when you are sure your microphone is on.
Which title works well for a Space?
The title is public and helps people decide whether they want to listen. Make it specific and easy to understand.
A good title includes:
- the real topic;
- the intended audience;
- optionally the name of the main guest;
- a clear result or benefit;
- no vague clickbait that you cannot deliver on.
Vague: Talking about marketing
Clear: How local stores get more customers with short video
Keep the title easy to read. Do not use sensitive or misleading words just to attract attention. The title of your Space must also follow X’s rules.
How do you invite listeners and speakers?
After launch, you can share the Space in several ways:
- through a public post;
- through a direct message;
- through a copied link;
- through a newsletter or website;
- through another social platform.
Followers can see at the top of their timeline that you are hosting a Space or speaking in one. Because a Space is public, people without an X account can also listen through a shared link.
If you want to build a larger base audience in advance, you can strategically buy Twitter followers. For extra reach during a broadcast, you can also buy Twitter livestream views. Treat this as support for your promotion. A clear topic and a strong conversation remain the most important parts.
Here is how to make someone a speaker:
- open the participant list;
- choose the right person;
- invite that person as a speaker;
- wait for the invitation to be accepted;
- explain the microphone setup if needed.
Listeners can request speaking time themselves. You do not have to accept every request. Choose people who fit the topic and understand the conversation rules.
What can a co-host do?
You can add up to two co-hosts. They help with moderation and keep the conversation moving.
According to X, a co-host can among other things:
- invite new speakers;
- manage speaking requests;
- remove participants;
- change the name of the Space;
- manage shared posts;
- mute speakers.
A co-host cannot add or remove another co-host. A co-host also cannot end the Space on their own. The main host can hand over important management tasks. If the original host drops off, the first co-host added can become the main administrator.
Choose someone you trust and who knows the rules. Agree in advance who selects questions, who reviews speaking requests, and who steps in when behavior becomes disruptive.
How do you schedule an X Space for later?
When creating the Space, choose Schedule for later and select a date and time. X then creates a public card that you can share. Interested people can set a reminder.
X’s official help pages currently mention different limits. The general Spaces page says up to 30 days in advance and up to ten scheduled Spaces. The separate hosting page says up to 14 days and one scheduled Space. The options shown in the app on your account are therefore the ones that matter.
In practical terms, do not plan too far ahead. One to two weeks usually gives you enough time to inform guests and your audience without the topic going stale.
Check these items shortly before the start:
- the time zone;
- the title;
- the guests;
- the microphone;
- the internet connection;
- whether recording is enabled;
- the sharing message;
- the moderation plan.
Can you start an X Space on desktop?
No, according to X’s current official help, you cannot do that through the regular web function. On X.com, you can find and listen to a Space. Starting and hosting happen through the app for iOS or Android.
| Device | Start | Listen | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Yes | Yes | Microphone permissions are required |
| Android | Yes | Yes | The app must be up to date |
| Desktop via X.com | No | Yes | There is no regular start button |
| Without an X account | No | Sometimes via a public link | Your name does not appear as a normal participant |
Use a charged phone and a stable connection. You can also use a computer for your notes and to follow shared posts.
How do you set who can speak?
By default, a new Space is set according to X to only people you invite. During the Space, you can change speaking access to:
- everyone;
- people you follow;
- invited people only.
For a first Space, invite-only is usually the safest choice. It keeps the conversation manageable. You can open speaking requests later if the atmosphere is good and you have enough help with moderation.
Up to thirteen people can speak at the same time, including the host and two co-hosts. More people can listen or wait for permission.
How do you record a Space?
Turn on Record Space before the start. Participants will see that the conversation is being recorded. After it ends, the recording can become publicly available right away for replay.
Keep these points in mind:
- tell guests in advance that you are recording;
- do not discuss private information;
- check local rules about recordings;
- trim silent time at the beginning if needed;
- remove the recording if it should not remain public;
- X may temporarily keep audio copies to check for violations.
A recording makes the conversation easier to find later. That is good for reach, but less suitable for sensitive topics.
X also mentions 30-second clips as a feature that is becoming available gradually. If clips are enabled, short snippets can be shared through posts. Check before starting whether you want to allow this.
Is an X Space really public?
Yes. A regular Space is public and can be listened to by anyone. People can even listen through the internet without being signed in. Because of that, the participant list does not always show every listener.
Your identity as host is public. The Space name and status, the hosts, and the speakers can also be visible through shared links and technical interfaces.
The anonymous listening feature hides the identity from other participants, but X still processes that someone listened. An anonymous listener cannot speak or send emoji reactions without joining again in the normal way.
So do not treat it like a closed team meeting. Use a suitable private channel for confidential information.
How do you moderate a Space without stress?
Start with three rules
For example, say that everyone should keep answers short, avoid personal attacks, and not share private data. Repeat the rules when many new listeners join later.
Use a co-host
Let one person handle speaking requests and disruptive behavior. That way you can focus on the content of the conversation.
Work with a simple agenda
Divide one hour into an opening, main topics, audience questions, and a closing. Announce each transition clearly so listeners know what the conversation is about.
Intervene calmly
You can mute a speaker, remove speaking rights, remove someone, block them, or report them. Briefly explain why you are stepping in and then continue the conversation.
Only share checked posts
Hosts and speakers can share a post in the Space and pin it. Check the source and content first. If useful, save important posts as a Bookmark first.
If a shared post does not open, check why X messages are not showing up.
How do you create a strong content program?
Use this simple structure for a 45-minute Space:
- 0 to 5 minutes: welcome everyone and explain the topic and rules.
- 5 to 15 minutes: give a short explanation of the problem.
- 15 to 30 minutes: talk with one or two guests.
- 30 to 40 minutes: answer questions from listeners.
- 40 to 45 minutes: summarize the key lessons and the next step.
Plan fewer speakers than the platform technically allows. Four good voices are often clearer than thirteen people talking over one another.
Send guests three questions in advance. Also ask how their name is pronounced and which topic they would rather not discuss. That helps prevent awkward moments during the live conversation.
Why can’t you start a Space?
Your posts are protected
According to X, accounts with protected posts cannot host. You may still listen and possibly speak in someone else’s Space.
The app is outdated
Update X through the official app store and then restart your phone. After that, check whether the Spaces icon is visible.
You are using X.com
The web version supports listening, but not starting a regular Space. Use an iPhone or Android phone to host.
The microphone is blocked
Open your phone’s privacy settings and give X access to your microphone. Only grant the permission needed for the conversation.
Your account is restricted
A temporary account restriction can affect live features. Follow the instructions shown by X after logging in and check whether your account is missing other features too.
There is an outage or poor connection
Test both Wi-Fi and mobile data. Do not try to start multiple Spaces at the same time. Wait a few minutes if X itself has technical problems.
What do you do when audio does not work?
First check whether your own microphone is muted. If audio still does not work, follow these steps:
- check X’s microphone permissions;
- disconnect any Bluetooth connection that may be taking over the audio;
- use headphones to prevent echo;
- close other apps that are using the microphone;
- switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data;
- leave the Space only if a co-host can take over;
- restart the app if nothing else helps.
Test the audio fifteen minutes in advance with a second account. Do not listen on two devices placed next to each other without muting one microphone. That almost always causes echo.
What happens when the Space ends?
The host chooses End and confirms the choice. The live audio then stops for everyone.
If you recorded it, the replay can become publicly available. You can share the link and edit the start time of the recording. Without a public recording, shared posts about the Space may still remain visible.
Do you want to clean up old announcements later? Remove only what is truly no longer useful. The guide on editing a post on X Twitter explains why X does not have an official button for removing large numbers of posts at once.
According to X’s official explanation, audio may be stored temporarily to review possible violations. If there is a report or a confirmed violation, that retention period can be longer.
Does sensitive content affect a Space?
The title, the audio, and the shared posts must follow X’s rules. A Space is not a place where the normal rules disappear.
A shared post with sensitive media may appear behind a warning for listeners. Their age and settings determine whether they can open the content. The explanation for using Bookmarks on X Twitter applies to how posts are displayed. It is not permission to share prohibited audio or other prohibited material.
As host, you are responsible for a healthy conversation and for using the available moderation tools correctly.
Which checklist do you use before going live?
- Choose one clear topic.
- Write a short and understandable title.
- Invite only a few prepared speakers.
- Choose a reliable co-host.
- Test your microphone and headphones.
- Decide whether you want to record the conversation.
- Check clips and speaking permissions.
- Prepare three simple conversation rules.
- Have useful posts and sources ready.
- Share the link and start on time.
Which screenshots help the reader?
Add two annotated screenshots from a test account to this explanation:
- The pressed new post button, with the Spaces icon clearly marked.
- The screen with the name, schedule, recording choice, and Start your Space clearly marked.
Do not use real private conversations or personal data. When showing a recording example, make the recording icon clearly visible.
Frequently asked questions about starting an X Space
Can anyone start an X Space?
According to X, people with the iOS or Android app can host a Space. Accounts with protected posts cannot start a Space. Account restrictions can also affect certain features.
Can you start an X Space on desktop?
No, not through the regular web function. X.com does support listening to a Space. Use the mobile app to create and host a Space.
How many people can speak at the same time?
Up to thirteen people can speak at the same time. This includes the main host and up to two co-hosts. According to X, there is no fixed limit for listeners.
Is a regular X Space private?
No. Spaces are public. People who do not follow you, and internet users who are not signed in, can also listen through a public link.
Can you record a Space?
Yes. Turn on recording before starting. The recording can become publicly available right away after the session ends. Inform your guests and do not share private data.
Can you edit a scheduled Space?
Yes. Open your scheduled Spaces and use the menu to edit, share, or cancel the Space. The exact scheduling limits currently differ between X’s official help pages. Follow the options in your app.
Which first Space is best to create?
Start with a 30 to 45 minute conversation about one topic you know well. Invite one guest and one reliable co-host. Prepare three questions and a short closing.
Schedule or start the Space in the mobile app, share the link, and test your microphone. Turn on recording only if all speakers know about it and the conversation may remain public later. A simple and well-moderated first Space is more valuable than a large conversation without a clear structure.
