A social graphic is seen for under a second while scrolling, on a small screen, usually with the sound off. Designing for that reality changes every decision. This lesson sets the constraints before any layout work.
Design for the thumb-stop
The graphic has one job: earn a pause. One clear idea, one dominant element, high contrast. Everything else can wait for the caption or the next slide.
Assume a phone
Most viewing is on a phone held vertically. Text must be readable at that size; fine details vanish. Check every design on a phone before publishing, not just on the monitor where it was made.
Assume no context
The graphic appears between a friend’s holiday and a news story. It must make sense on its own, without the caption, and identify you at a glance through consistent colour and logo placement.
Action Step
Pull up your feed on a phone and screenshot three graphics that made you pause. Note what each did in one line on the inspiration page.
This course is educational content only. It reflects general practices and is not professional, legal, financial or medical advice. Results depend on your own effort and circumstances; adapt everything here to your situation and seek qualified help where a decision matters.