---
"@context": https://schema.org
"@type": TechArticle
"@id": https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/13330#article
headline: "13330: Gather: Invalid hints value"
url: https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/13330
inLanguage: en
dateModified: 2026-03-20T20:33:25.000Z
author:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio Developer Education Team
publisher:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio
---

# 13330: Gather: Invalid hints value

Log Level: WARNING

## Description

This warning appears when the `hints` value on `<Gather>` does not match the accepted format, size limits, or provider-specific token syntax. `hints` must be a comma-separated list of up to 500 entries, each entry can be 100 characters or fewer, and each word in a phrase must be separated by a space. Use only the tokens and keywords supported by the selected STT provider.

### Possible causes

* The `hints` value is not formatted as a comma-separated list of up to 500 entries.
* One or more hint entries exceed 100 characters, or a phrase is not written as words separated by spaces.
* The hint uses a token or keyword that the selected STT provider does not support.

### Possible solutions

* Reformat `hints` as a comma-separated list with no more than 500 entries.
* Keep each entry at 100 characters or fewer, and separate every word in a phrase with a space.
* Use only the token or keyword syntax supported by your selected STT provider, and check the provider tab in the `<Gather>` docs before you deploy.

#### Additional resources

* [Error and Warning Dictionary](/docs/api/errors)
* [TwiML Voice: `<Gather>`](/docs/voice/twiml/gather)