Standout examples of listicle examples for social media platforms that actually get clicks

Quick-hit examples of listicle examples for social media platforms

Let’s start where your audience lives: inside their feeds. Here are several examples of listicle examples for social media platforms you can swipe and adapt today.

Think of each one as a fill‑in‑the‑blank template, not a rigid script.

1. Instagram carousel: “7 hooks that doubled my Reels views”

On Instagram, carousels still perform well because people swipe, save, and share them. A strong example of a listicle here is a hook‑driven carousel like:

Slide 1: “7 hooks that doubled my Reels views in 30 days”
Slides 2–8: Each slide = one hook, with a short example and a visual cue.

Why it works:

• It promises a specific result (more views) in a short timeframe.
• Each slide is a mini tip, which fits the listicle format perfectly.
• It’s easy for users to save and reuse later.

How to adapt this example of a listicle:

• Fitness coach: “5 warm‑up moves that stopped my clients’ knee pain” (each slide shows 1 move).
• Local café: “6 customer‑favorite drinks to try this fall” (each slide = 1 drink, with ingredients).
• Nonprofit: “5 small actions that support our mission this week.”

This is one of the best examples of listicle content for Instagram because it’s bite‑sized, visual, and highly shareable.

2. TikTok “rapid-fire list” video: “10 things I’d never do as a…”

On TikTok, fast‑paced list videos continue to trend. You’ve probably seen viral posts like:

“10 things I’d never do as a dermatologist”
“5 money mistakes I’d never make again in my 20s”

These are real examples of listicle examples for social media platforms that lean on curiosity and authority. The creator speaks directly to the camera, cuts quickly between points, and overlays text for each item.

Why it works:

• The “I’d never do” framing taps into fear of missing out and trust in expert judgment.
• The list structure keeps viewers watching to hear every item.
• It’s easy to repurpose as a series.

How to adapt this example:

• Teacher: “7 study habits I’d never skip before exams.”
• Chef: “6 kitchen tools I’d never waste money on.”
• Therapist: “5 relationship patterns I’d never ignore.”

If you share health or wellness information, always double‑check facts against reputable sources such as Mayo Clinic or NIH before posting.

3. LinkedIn text post: “5 mistakes killing your…”

On LinkedIn, clean text posts and simple document posts behave like mini blog listicles. A strong example of a listicle for this platform might start like:

“5 mistakes killing your Q4 sales pipeline (and how to fix them)”

Then you break the body into short, skimmable lines:

• Mistake 1: One sentence explanation, one sentence fix.
• Mistake 2: Same pattern.
• And so on.

This is one of the best examples of listicle examples for social media platforms aimed at professionals because:

• It respects time with scannable formatting.
• It pairs each problem with a solution, which boosts saves and comments.
• It positions you as a helpful peer, not a lecture‑style expert.

Variations you can try:

• “7 resume lines hiring managers ignore.”
• “5 onboarding steps that cut new‑hire turnover in half.”
• “6 Zoom habits that make you look unprepared.”

For workplace or leadership topics, you can pull supporting stats from sites like Harvard Business Review or Bureau of Labor Statistics, then summarize them in plain language.

4. X (Twitter) thread: “9 tiny habits that changed my…”

Threads on X are perfect real examples of listicle examples for social media platforms because each tweet becomes one list item.

A classic format looks like this:

Tweet 1 (hook): “9 tiny writing habits that got me from 0 to 50k followers.”
Tweets 2–10: Each tweet explains one habit with a quick how‑to.

Why it works:

• The number promises value; the word “tiny” makes it feel doable.
• Each habit is self‑contained, but the whole thread tells a story of transformation.
• People quote‑tweet individual items, which amplifies reach.

How to adapt this example of a listicle:

• “7 tiny budgeting habits that saved me $500/month.”
• “8 tiny productivity rules that cut my screen time in half.”
• “10 tiny habits that made my remote team feel close again.”

If you share health or medical habits, cross‑check with reliable resources such as CDC or WebMD so you’re not spreading misinformation.

5. Facebook post + comments: “Ask for your audience’s list”

Facebook’s strength is conversation. One of the best examples of listicle content here is when you invite your audience to build the list with you.

Example post:

“I’ve got 5 ways to stretch $50 at the grocery store. What would you add? Let’s build the ultimate list in the comments.”

You share your 5 tips in the caption, then encourage people to reply with their own. Over time, the comment section becomes a living listicle.

Why this example works:

• It increases comments, which boosts reach in the algorithm.
• Your audience feels ownership over the content.
• You can later turn the best examples into a blog post or email.

You can use this pattern for:

• Parenting tips: “What are your 3 must‑have hacks for traveling with kids?”
• Local business: “Share 1 hidden‑gem restaurant in our city. I’ll compile the best examples into a guide.”

This is a subtle but powerful example of a listicle that grows over time instead of being fixed the moment you hit publish.

6. Instagram Reels or TikTok: “POV list” storytelling

POV (point of view) videos are everywhere in 2024–2025, especially on TikTok and Instagram Reels. You can turn them into narrative listicles without looking like a traditional list.

Example:

“POV: You’re finally fixing your sleep schedule”
Clip 1: Scrolling at 2 a.m.
Clip 2: Setting a bedtime alarm.
Clip 3: Laying out pajamas.
Clip 4: Reading instead of scrolling.
Clip 5: Waking up rested.

Each clip is an item in the list, even if you never say “1, 2, 3.” This format works well for:

• Morning or night routines.
• Behind‑the‑scenes workflows.
• Step‑by‑step transformations (fitness, skincare, home organization).

If your topic touches on health or sleep, you can pull safe, general guidance from NIH’s sleep resources and adapt it in simple, non‑medical language.

7. LinkedIn or Instagram “before/after” list case study

Another strong example of a listicle example for social media platforms is a mini case study that compares “before” and “after” in a list format.

For instance:

“From 5% to 18% email click‑through rate in 60 days: What changed”
Before:
– Subject lines: Generic, no curiosity
– CTAs: Same on every email
– Segmentation: None
After:
– Subject lines: 3 variants A/B tested
– CTAs: Personalized for each segment
– Segmentation: Behavior‑based

This is a listicle hiding inside a story. You’re listing the specific changes that led to a result. It works on:

• LinkedIn as a text post or document post.
• Instagram as a carousel with “Before” on the first half of slides, “After” on the second half.

This type of example of a listicle builds authority without bragging because you’re walking people through the steps, not just shouting the outcome.

8. Stories & short posts: “This or that” comparison lists

On Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, and even LinkedIn polls, comparison listicles perform well because they invite quick participation.

Examples include:

• “This or that: 5 ways to spend a slow Sunday” (each frame shows 2 options).
• “Choose one to keep: 4 productivity tools, 1 has to go.”
• “Pick your favorite: 6 cover designs for my new ebook.”

Each frame or poll option is an item in the list. This is one of the best examples of listicle examples for social media platforms when your goal is engagement, not deep education.

You can later screenshot the poll results and turn them into another listicle:

“7 things my audience loves more than I expected (poll results inside).”

How to turn these examples into your own listicle system

Seeing examples of listicle examples for social media platforms is helpful, but the real win is turning them into a simple system you can reuse.

Here’s a practical way to do that without overthinking.

Step 1: Pick one platform and one listicle style

Instead of trying to master every platform at once, choose:

• One primary platform (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, or Facebook).
• One example of a listicle format from above that fits naturally.

For example:

• Instagram creator → Hook‑based carousel.
• TikTok educator → Rapid‑fire “things I’d never do” list.
• LinkedIn consultant → “5 mistakes” text post.

Commit to that format for 4–6 posts. Repetition helps you refine your style and see clear performance trends.

Step 2: Build a “topic bank” for your lists

Open a simple document or notes app. Create three columns:

• Problems your audience has
• Small wins they want
• Questions they ask repeatedly

Then, turn each line into a potential listicle.

Examples include:

• Problem: “My morning is chaotic.”
  • Listicle: “7 tiny habits for a calmer morning before 9 a.m.”
• Win: “I want more energy without another coffee.”
  • Listicle: “5 energy boosts that don’t involve caffeine.”
• Question: “How do I stay consistent with workouts?”
  • Listicle: “6 rules that keep me working out, even on bad days.”

You’ve just created your own internal library of examples of listicle examples for social media platforms, tailored to your niche.

Step 3: Use a simple sentence formula for each item

To keep your listicles sharp and readable, give each item:

• A short headline (3–7 words).
• One or two sentences explaining what to do.
• Optional: a quick example.

For instance, instead of writing:

“Drink more water.”

Try:

“Drink water before coffee.
Before you touch your first cup of coffee, finish a full glass of water. It’s a tiny change that can help you feel more awake without overloading on caffeine.”

If you’re making health‑related claims, it’s smart to sanity‑check them against sources like Mayo Clinic or NIH, then keep your language general rather than prescriptive.

Step 4: Match the format to attention span

Different platforms give you different attention budgets:

• TikTok / Reels: 3–30 seconds per viewer. Keep items ultra short.
• Instagram carousels: People will swipe if the first slide hooks them.
• LinkedIn: Professionals may read a bit more if the topic feels relevant.
• X: Each tweet must stand alone but also work as part of the list.

Use that to decide how many list items you can realistically include. Sometimes 3 strong points outperform 15 weak ones.

Step 5: Recycle one list into multiple posts

One of the best examples of smart content strategy is turning a single list into a week of posts.

Say you wrote a LinkedIn post:

“7 habits that make remote work less exhausting.”

You can:

• Turn each habit into its own short TikTok or Reel.
• Make an Instagram carousel summarizing all 7.
• Create a Facebook post asking followers which habit they struggle with most.

Now one listicle has become several real examples of listicle examples for social media platforms, each tuned to a different audience and format.

FAQs about using listicles on social media

What are some good examples of listicle formats I can use if I’m just starting?

If you’re new, start with simple formats: “5 mistakes to avoid,” “7 tips that helped me do X faster,” or “3 things I wish I knew before Y.” These are beginner‑friendly examples of listicle structures that work on almost any platform and don’t require design skills.

How many items should an example of a social media listicle have?

There’s no magic number. On fast platforms like TikTok, 3–7 items are usually enough. On LinkedIn or in X threads, 5–10 items can work if each one is clear and useful. Focus on how long someone is willing to pay attention, not just hitting a specific number.

Are listicles still effective in 2024–2025, or are people tired of them?

People are tired of boring content, not lists. Short, structured posts still perform well because they respect limited attention. The best examples of listicle examples for social media platforms today are specific, honest, and grounded in real experience, not clickbait.

How do I avoid sounding repetitive when I post lots of listicles?

Rotate angles. One week, share “5 mistakes to avoid.” The next, try “7 habits that helped” or “3 tools I actually use daily.” You can cover similar topics but change the framing and examples so your audience sees fresh value each time.

Can I mix educational and personal content in one listicle?

Yes, and it often performs better. For instance, “5 money lessons I learned the hard way” lets you share personal stories plus practical tips. Many of the best examples of listicle content on social media blend vulnerability with useful information.

When you treat these as flexible patterns instead of rigid rules, you’ll start seeing list ideas everywhere. Save posts that catch your eye, reverse‑engineer why they worked, and add them to your own swipe file of examples of listicle examples for social media platforms. Then, tweak them until they sound unmistakably like you.