# s= on X (Twitter) — the share-source identifier

- Canonical: https://linkclean.app/trackers/s-twitter/
- Updated: 2026-07-20
- Author: Ken Tominaga (https://ken0nek.com)
- Get the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linkclean/id6758604043

Parameter: `s` · Category: Referral & source · Vendor: X (formerly Twitter)

> X (formerly Twitter) adds two share-tracking parameters to outbound links: t= (the per-share session token) and s= (which surface the share came from — iOS app = 20, web client = 19, third-party = 46, etc). Both are host-scoped to x.com / twitter.com in LinkClean and stripped by default.

## What s= encodes

A numeric code identifying *where* the share originated. Known values include s=20 (iOS app), s=19 (web client), s=46 (third-party / API context). X uses it to slice share volume by surface in their internal dashboards. It doesn't identify you directly, but it narrows the cohort.

## s= vs t=

t= is the per-share session token — closer to a unique fingerprint of the share. s= is the categorical surface code. Together they say “this share, from this surface.” LinkClean strips both as a pair; one without the other still leaks attribution.

## Why host-scoped

`s` is a very short, generic parameter name. A blog might use ?s= for search. LinkClean's catalog scopes the strip to x.com / twitter.com — s= elsewhere is preserved.

## How LinkClean removes it

Default-on in the referral catalog, paired with the same host-scoped t rule. Same architecture as the YouTube si cleanup.

## Example

Looks like this in a URL: `https://x.com/handle/status/1234567890?t=AbCdEf-12345_xyz&s=20`

After LinkClean: `https://x.com/handle/status/1234567890`

## Frequently asked

**Does removing s= break the tweet?**

No. The path (/handle/status/<id>) is the only part X needs to resolve the tweet.

**What's the difference between t= and s= on X?**

t= is per-share (a session-bound token, ~20 characters). s= is per-surface (which app or surface initiated the share, a small integer). Strip both.

**Why is this host-scoped?**

Because s= is a common functional parameter name on other sites (search queries on many blogs). LinkClean limits the X strip rule to x.com / twitter.com only.

**Does X use s= elsewhere on its site?**

No — it only appears on outbound share URLs. Internal X navigation doesn't carry it.


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LinkClean removes tracking parameters from links on-device — free to clean, one-time Pro. https://linkclean.app/ · Cite freely with attribution.