Quote Post
Also known as: Quote tweet, Quote retweet, QRT
Quick definition
A quote post (originally 'quote tweet' on Twitter) is a repost that adds the user's own commentary above the original — preserving the original post embedded as a card while letting the quoting user comment, agree, disagree, or extend the conversation. Available on X, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn (as 'repost with thoughts'), and Mastodon.
Contents
What is a quote post?
A quote post (the format originally called 'quote tweet' on Twitter, introduced 2015) is a repost that adds the quoting user's own commentary above the original post. The original post is preserved as an embedded card — readers see the original content + the quoter's added context. Quote posts differ from plain reposts (which broadcast the original verbatim with no comment) and from replies (which appear in the original's thread but not in the quoter's own feed).
The format is now standard across most discussion-style platforms: X (formerly Twitter), Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn (called 'repost with thoughts'), Mastodon. Each platform has slightly different mechanics around whether the quoter's followers see the quote in their feed (yes on most), whether the original poster gets notified (yes on most), and whether quotes count toward engagement metrics on the original (yes on most).
How quote posts function differently from replies
Three structural differences. (1) Visibility — replies appear inside the original post's thread, visible only to readers who scroll into that thread. Quote posts appear in the quoter's own feed, broadcasting to the quoter's followers. (2) Engagement signal — replies signal 'I want to converse with the original poster.' Quote posts signal 'I want my followers to see this and hear my take.' Different intents, different signal to the algorithm. (3) Discoverability — quote posts surface in trending / search / discovery far more than replies, because they're standalone posts with their own engagement.
The practical implication: a thoughtful quote post on someone else's viral content can drive 10-100x the reach of a thoughtful reply to the same content. Quote posts are one of the highest-leverage low-effort tactics on X / Threads / Bluesky for creators trying to grow.
Quote post strategy — additive vs subtractive uses
Two healthy patterns and one toxic one. (1) Additive quote — adding insight, context, or counterpoint that extends the conversation productively. Original poster typically appreciates this; quote-poster grows by adding value. (2) Endorsement quote — sharing with brief framing ('This is the best summary of X I've read this week') to amplify the original. Original poster benefits from extra reach; quote-poster builds curator credibility.
The toxic pattern: the 'dunk quote' — quoting someone's bad take to mock them in front of your followers. Dunk quotes generate huge engagement but corrode the quoter's reputation over time, generate mob harassment of the original poster, and contribute to platform negativity. Most platforms have added anti-harassment friction (limited engagement on dunk quotes after thresholds) to discourage the pattern. Avoid dunk-quoting as a regular tactic; it makes you the kind of account audiences mute.
Quote post mechanics per platform
| Platform | Quote post feature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Native 'Quote' button | Original embedded as card. Counts as engagement on original. |
| Threads | Native 'Quote' button | Embedded original. Threads-native equivalent of X quote tweet. |
| Bluesky | Native quote post | Quote button in repost menu. Decentralized — propagates via AT Protocol. |
| 'Repost with your thoughts' | Same mechanic, professional framing. Heavily used in industry commentary. | |
| Mastodon | Quote (instance-dependent) | Officially limited; some Mastodon instances enable quote posts, others don't. |
| Instagram / TikTok | Not natively supported | Workaround: screenshot + tag, or repost via Stories with sticker. |
Common pitfalls
- ×Dunk-quoting as a regular tactic — high engagement short-term, reputation cost long-term
- ×Quote-posting without reading the full original — you'll miss context and look uninformed
- ×Quote-posting to disagree without explaining why — looks like a hostile drive-by
- ×Quote-posting paywall content — your followers can't read the original card if it's behind a paywall
- ×Quote-posting your own content to bump it — viewers see through it, looks desperate
Tips
- ✓Add genuine insight or extension — 'This but also X' or 'The implication missing here is Y'
- ✓Quote endorsements feel best when sincere — 'I learned X from this thread' converts to credibility
- ✓Use quote posts to inject your own follower base into a high-engagement conversation
- ✓Quote-post your favorite creators' best content — builds relationship + curates value for your audience
- ✓Track quote-post performance separately from regular posts — they typically convert higher on engagement-rate
Frequently asked questions
Does the original poster see a notification when I quote post?+
Yes on most platforms (X, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn). Some users mute notifications for quote posts because dunk-quoting generates harassment notifications.
Do quote posts count as engagement on the original?+
Yes — quote posts increment the original's engagement metrics on most platforms. This is partly why dunk-quoting is controversial: it boosts the original's reach even when the quote is hostile.
What's the difference between a quote post and a reply?+
Replies appear inside the original's thread, visible to thread readers. Quote posts appear in the quoter's own feed, visible to the quoter's followers. Different audiences, different reach mechanics.
Can I quote post on Instagram or TikTok?+
Not natively. Workarounds: screenshot the post and tag the creator, or repost via Stories with the original-post sticker. Both lose the embedded-card structure of true quote posts.
Should brands quote-post competitors?+
Usually no. Brand-vs-brand quote posts almost always look petty regardless of intent. Exceptions: friendly competitive banter between brands with established rapport, or genuine industry-discussion quotes that don't read as competitive.
Schedule X / Threads / Bluesky posts that get quoted
CodivUpload's content calendar lets you plan high-engagement posts that drive discussion and quote posts. Track engagement across all your text-feed platforms.
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