Social Media Graphics

Posts, Stories, and Thumbnails That Perform

Social media demands constant visual content. AI helps you create more, faster, better.

Platform Dimensions

Instagram

  • Feed post: 1080 × 1080 (square) or 1080 × 1350 (portrait)
  • Stories/Reels: 1080 × 1920 (9:16)
  • Carousel: 1080 × 1080 per slide
  • Profile picture: 320 × 320

Facebook

  • Feed post: 1200 × 630
  • Stories: 1080 × 1920
  • Cover photo: 820 × 312
  • Event cover: 1920 × 1005

LinkedIn

  • Feed post: 1200 × 1200 (square) or 1200 × 627
  • Cover photo: 1584 × 396
  • Article thumbnail: 1200 × 644

Twitter/X

  • Post image: 1600 × 900 (16:9)
  • Header: 1500 × 500

YouTube

  • Thumbnail: 1280 × 720
  • Channel banner: 2560 × 1440

TikTok

  • Video/image: 1080 × 1920 (9:16)

Social Media Design Principles

Stop the Scroll

You have 1-2 seconds. Grab attention immediately.

Techniques:

  • Bold colors
  • High contrast
  • Clear focal point
  • Faces (humans notice faces)
  • Unusual or unexpected imagery

Readable at Small Sizes

Mobile screens are small. Text must be large enough.

Rules:

  • Minimal text
  • Large, bold fonts
  • High contrast
  • Test at actual display size

Brand Consistency

Every post should feel like it belongs to you.

Consistency elements:

  • Color palette
  • Fonts
  • Logo placement
  • Visual style

Platform-Native Feel

Each platform has a culture. Adapt to fit.

Instagram: Aesthetic, curated LinkedIn: Professional, polished TikTok: Raw, authentic Twitter/X: Fast, punchy

Content Types

Quote Graphics

Text-focused graphics sharing quotes, tips, or statements.

Tips:

  • Large, readable text
  • Simple background
  • One idea per graphic
  • Attribution when quoting others

Carousel Posts

Multiple slides telling a story or teaching.

Tips:

  • Hook on first slide
  • Consistent design across slides
  • Clear progression
  • CTA on final slide

Before/After

Show transformation. Universal engagement.

Infographics

Data or information visualized.

Tips:

  • Simple data visualization
  • Limit to key points
  • Branded colors
  • Easy to scan

YouTube Thumbnails

The most important image for video success.

Tips:

  • Faces with expression
  • Large text (3-5 words max)
  • Contrasting colors
  • Curiosity gap
  • Test at small size

AI Prompt: Social Media Graphic

Help me create a social media graphic.

Platform: [Where it will be posted]
Purpose: [What it should achieve]
Content/message: [What it should say]
Brand colors: [If you have them]
Style: [Modern, playful, professional, etc.]

Please provide:
1. Design concept
2. Text to include
3. Color suggestions
4. Image/graphic elements
5. Layout recommendation

Batch Creation

Template Approach

Create one template. Swap content for variations.

Magic Resize

Design once in Canva. Resize to all platforms instantly.

Content Calendar

Plan ahead. Batch create when inspired.

Common Mistakes

Too Much Text

Social media is visual. Minimize words.

Unreadable Fonts

Fancy fonts fail at small sizes.

Ignoring Safe Zones

Platforms crop differently. Keep important elements centered.

Generic Stock Photos

Overused images feel inauthentic.

No Clear CTA

What should they do? Make it obvious.

What's Next

Slides that don't bore.

Next chapter: Presentation design.

AI Design ToolsPresentation Design