Free tool · runs in your browser
X advanced search query builder
Describe what you want to watch for on X. The builder writes the search query, shows it as you type, and gives you a link that opens it on X's Latest tab. Save that search once and checking it becomes a two-second habit.
From query to routine in three steps
Write it once
Fill in only the fields you need. A good monitoring query is usually short: a name or domain, a few words people use when something is wrong, and your own account excluded.
Save it on X
Open the query on X, then pick Save search from the menu beside the search box. It now appears every time you tap search, on your phone too.
Check on a schedule
Look at the Latest tab at fixed times. Reply where a reply helps, note patterns, and adjust the query when junk keeps coming through.
What the operators mean
| Operator | Finds | Example |
|---|---|---|
"..." | The exact phrase | "is down" |
OR | Either term (must be uppercase) | (outage OR offline) |
- | Leaves a word or filter out | -giveaway |
from: to: @ | Posts by, replies to, or mentions of an account | to:acmehelp |
min_replies: min_faves: min_retweets: | At least that many replies, likes or reposts | min_faves:100 |
since: until: | Date range (YYYY-MM-DD; until is exclusive) | since:2026-10-01 |
filter:links filter:images | Only posts with links or images | -filter:links |
filter:replies | Only replies; with a minus, no replies | -filter:replies |
lang: | Posts X detected in that language | lang:en |
The full list, with the quirks we have run into, is in the X search operators cheat sheet.
Guides for watching X
- 01How to Monitor Brand Mentions on X for FreeSaved searches, private lists and notifications: a free setup that catches untagged mentions too.5 min
- 02Track Outage Reports and Status Pages for a WebsiteFree uptime checks, a status page, and the X searches that catch users reporting your site is down.5 min
- 03X Search Operators Cheat SheetThe operators that work on X today, with examples and the quirks that make searches fail.4 min
- 04How to Set Up Keyword Alerts on XWhat X does natively, what needs a paid plan or a third-party tool, and the rules to keep in mind.4 min
- 05A Social Listening Routine for Small TeamsFifteen minutes, twice a day: who checks what, how to sort posts, and a weekly review.4 min
Questions
Do I need an account to use this query builder?
No. The builder runs in your browser and sends nothing anywhere. To see the results on X you need to be signed in to X, because X only shows search results to logged-in users.
Why does the Open on X link use the Latest tab?
The link adds f=live, which opens the Latest tab sorted by time. Monitoring is about catching new posts as they appear, and the Top tab mixes in older posts that X ranks by engagement. You can switch the tab in the builder.
Can I save a search so I don't have to rebuild it?
Yes. Open the query on X, then use the menu next to the search box to save the search. Saved searches show up when you tap the search box, on the web and in the apps. You can also bookmark the Open on X link in your browser.
Do min_faves and min_retweets still work on X?
Yes, they are still the operator names X accepts for minimum likes and minimum reposts, even though the buttons were renamed. Counts above a few thousand are approximate, so treat them as rough thresholds.
Is MoniTwitter part of X?
No. MoniTwitter is an independent site and is not affiliated with X Corp. The builder only writes a search string; X does the searching.