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Link Preview (Social Media Preview)

Learn how to customize social media previews for your links using Open Graph tags.

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Overview

Link Preview, also known as social media preview or Open Graph (OG) customization, allows you to control how your link appears when shared on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack.

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Benefits

Brand Control
  • Consistent brand presentation across platforms
  • Professional appearance in social shares
  • Custom messaging for different audiences
Increased Click-Through Rates
  • Eye-catching images attract attention
  • Compelling titles and descriptions drive clicks
  • Better engagement on social media
Better User Experience
  • Users know what to expect before clicking
  • Clear, informative previews build trust
  • Reduces confusion and bounce rates
Tracking & Analytics
  • Measure social sharing effectiveness
  • Track which preview versions perform best
  • Optimize based on engagement data

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What Users See When Sharing

When your link is shared on social media, platforms fetch metadata to display:
  1. Title: Bold headline text (50-60 characters)
  2. Description: Summary text below title (150-160 characters)
  3. Image: Eye-catching visual (recommended: 1200x630px)
  4. URL: Your shortened or full link

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Supported Platforms

Link previews work on:
  • Facebook & Instagram
  • Twitter / X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Slack & Microsoft Teams
  • Discord
  • Pinterest
  • iMessage
  • Most messaging and social platforms
  1. Create or edit a link
  2. Scroll to Social Media Preview or Open Graph Settings
  3. Toggle Custom Preview ON
  4. Configure preview elements:
    • OG Title
    • OG Description
    • OG Image
  5. Save your link

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Preview Elements

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OG Title

What it is:
  • The headline that appears when link is shared
  • First thing users see
  • Most prominent text element
Best Practices:
  • Keep it concise (50-60 characters)
  • Make it compelling and action-oriented
  • Include key value proposition
  • Front-load important words
Examples:
  • ✅ Good: “Get 50% Off Summer Collection - Limited Time”
  • ✅ Good: “Free Webinar: Master Digital Marketing in 2024”
  • ❌ Too long: “Amazing incredible super sale event with huge discounts…”
  • ❌ Too vague: “Check this out”

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OG Description

What it is:
  • Supporting text that appears below the title
  • Provides additional context
  • Expands on the title’s promise
Best Practices:
  • 150-160 characters optimal
  • Complement the title, don’t repeat it
  • Include call-to-action
  • Highlight key benefits
Examples:
  • ✅ Good: “Join 10,000+ marketers learning proven strategies. Register now for our live session on May 15th.”
  • ✅ Good: “Save big on summer essentials. Shop dresses, accessories, and more. Free shipping on orders over $50.”
  • ❌ Too short: “Learn more”
  • ❌ Duplicate title: “Get 50% Off Summer Collection”

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OG Image

What it is:
  • Visual thumbnail displayed with your link
  • Most eye-catching element
  • Drives engagement and clicks
Recommended Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1200 x 630 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
  • File Format: JPG or PNG
  • File Size: Under 8 MB (ideally under 1 MB)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 for best results
Best Practices:
  • Use high-quality, relevant images
  • Include text overlay (if appropriate)
  • Ensure mobile readability
  • Keep important content centered
  • Use brand colors and fonts
  • Avoid small or hard-to-read text
Image Types:
  • Product photos
  • Branded graphics
  • Event promotional images
  • Blog post featured images
  • Custom campaign artwork

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Using Unsplash Integration

linkutm includes Unsplash integration for quick image selection:
  1. In the OG Image section
  2. Click Search Unsplash or Browse Images
  3. Search for relevant images
  4. Click to select
  5. Image URL automatically added
  6. Preview how it will appear
Benefits:
  • Free, high-quality images
  • No copyright issues
  • Instant access to millions of photos
  • Professional photography
Tips:
  • Search for campaign-relevant keywords
  • Choose images that complement your message
  • Consider your brand aesthetic
  • Test different image styles

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Custom Image Upload

Upload your own branded images:
  1. Click Upload Image
  2. Select file from computer (JPG or PNG)
  3. Image is uploaded and optimized
  4. Preview appears automatically
When to Use Custom:
  • Branded promotional graphics
  • Specific product photos
  • Event-specific imagery
  • Custom designs with text overlays

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Preview Examples

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Example 1: E-commerce Sale

OG Title: 50% Off Summer Dresses - Shop Now
OG Description: Refresh your wardrobe with our summer collection. Limited time offer on 500+ styles. Free shipping over $50.
OG Image: [Bright, colorful image of summer dresses]

Best for: Social media ads, email campaigns
Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

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Example 2: Webinar Registration

OG Title: Free Webinar: SEO Strategies for 2024
OG Description: Join industry experts as they share proven techniques to boost your rankings. May 15, 2PM EST. Register free today.
OG Image: [Professional graphic with webinar title, date, and speaker photos]

Best for: LinkedIn posts, professional networks
Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Email

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Example 3: Blog Post

OG Title: 10 Marketing Trends You Can't Ignore in 2024
OG Description: Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive guide to this year's biggest marketing shifts and opportunities.
OG Image: [Blog featured image: modern, colorful infographic]

Best for: Content marketing, thought leadership
Platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook

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Example 4: Product Launch

OG Title: Introducing the New SmartWidget Pro
OG Description: Faster, smarter, better. Our most advanced widget yet. Pre-order now and save 20% at launch.
OG Image: [Sleek product photo on gradient background]

Best for: Product announcements, launch campaigns
Platforms: All social platforms

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Example 5: Event Promotion

OG Title: TechConf 2024 - Early Bird Tickets Available
OG Description: 3 days of innovation, networking, and learning. 50+ speakers, 100+ sessions. Save $200 with early registration.
OG Image: [Event branding with venue photo and conference logo]

Best for: Event marketing, ticket sales
Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

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Preview Before Sharing

Built-in Preview:
  • linkutm shows preview as you edit
  • See how it will appear on social media
  • Adjust in real-time
  • No need to share publicly to test

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Platform-Specific Testing Tools

Facebook Sharing Debugger: Twitter Card Validator: LinkedIn Post Inspector:

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What to Check

✅ Verification Checklist:
  • Title displays completely (not cut off)
  • Description is readable and compelling
  • Image loads properly
  • Image is crisp and clear on mobile
  • No missing or broken elements
  • Correct URL shows
  • Branded and professional appearance

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Advanced Open Graph Features

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Platform-Specific Customization

Twitter Cards:
  • Different format from Facebook/OG
  • Summary or Summary with Large Image
  • linkutm may support Twitter-specific tags
LinkedIn Rich Media:
  • Optimized for professional context
  • May have different character limits

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Dynamic OG Tags

Personalization (Advanced):
  • Different previews for different audiences
  • Based on UTM parameters
  • A/B test preview variations

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Fallback Handling

If OG Tags Not Set:
  • Platform scrapes page <title> tag
  • Uses first found image
  • Generates description from page content
  • Results may be inconsistent
Why Set Custom OG:
  • Full control over appearance
  • Consistent branding
  • Optimized for engagement

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Best Practices

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Title Optimization

DO:
  • ✅ Front-load keywords
  • ✅ Include numbers (e.g., “10 Tips”, “50% Off”)
  • ✅ Use power words (Free, New, Limited, Exclusive)
  • ✅ Be specific and clear
  • ✅ Test different versions
DON’T:
  • ❌ Use clickbait or misleading titles
  • ❌ Write all caps (LOOKS LIKE SPAM)
  • ❌ Exceed 60 characters
  • ❌ Use generic titles
  • ❌ Include excessive punctuation!!!

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Description Optimization

DO:
  • ✅ Expand on the title
  • ✅ Include call-to-action
  • ✅ Highlight benefits, not features
  • ✅ Create urgency when appropriate
  • ✅ Be conversational and engaging
DON’T:
  • ❌ Repeat the title exactly
  • ❌ Be too vague or generic
  • ❌ Exceed 160 characters
  • ❌ Use jargon or complex language
  • ❌ Forget the call-to-action

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Image Optimization

DO:
  • ✅ Use 1200x630px dimensions
  • ✅ Optimize file size (under 1 MB)
  • ✅ Include brand elements
  • ✅ Use high-contrast colors
  • ✅ Keep text minimal and readable
  • ✅ Center important elements
  • ✅ Test on mobile devices
DON’T:
  • ❌ Use low-resolution images
  • ❌ Include tiny, unreadable text
  • ❌ Use too many colors or busy designs
  • ❌ Crop important elements
  • ❌ Forget to test mobile appearance
  • ❌ Use images with excessive text (Facebook may limit reach)

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Mobile Considerations

Remember:
  • 70%+ of social media usage is mobile
  • Images appear smaller on mobile
  • Titles may truncate differently
  • Test on actual mobile devices
Mobile-First Tips:
  • Larger, bolder text in images
  • Simpler compositions
  • High contrast
  • Central focus point

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Troubleshooting

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Preview Not Showing

Problem: OG tags not appearing on social media Solutions:
  1. Clear platform cache:
    • Use Facebook Sharing Debugger
    • Use LinkedIn Post Inspector
    • Force re-scrape
  2. Verify OG tags:
    • Check link settings in linkutm
    • Ensure custom preview is enabled
    • Confirm all fields are filled
  3. Wait for propagation:
    • Changes may take a few minutes
    • Some platforms cache for longer
    • Try sharing in private message first

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Image Not Loading

Problem: OG image doesn’t display Solutions:
  • Verify image URL is accessible
  • Check image file size (under 8 MB)
  • Ensure correct file format (JPG or PNG)
  • Try different image
  • Use Unsplash image for testing

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Title or Description Cut Off

Problem: Text appears truncated Solutions:
  • Reduce character count
  • Front-load important information
  • Check platform-specific limits
  • Test on mobile view

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Different Preview on Different Platforms

Problem: Link looks different on Facebook vs Twitter Possible Reasons:
  • Platforms use different specs
  • Character limits vary
  • Image ratios differ
  • Caching differences
Solutions:
  • Design for most important platform
  • Test on all major platforms
  • Use dimensions that work universally (1200x630)
  • Accept minor variations
Track how social previews perform: Metrics to Monitor:
  • Click-through rate from social shares
  • Engagement by platform
  • Image performance (test different images)
  • Title/description variations
Optimization:

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Platform-Specific Guidelines

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Facebook

  • Title: 60-90 characters
  • Description: 200 characters
  • Image: 1200x630px minimum
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1

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Twitter

  • Title: 70 characters
  • Description: 200 characters
  • Image: 1200x628px (or 1:1 for summary card)

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LinkedIn

  • Title: 200 characters (but shorter is better)
  • Description: 256 characters
  • Image: 1200x627px minimum

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WhatsApp & iMessage

  • Uses OG tags like Facebook
  • Image often more prominent
  • Description may be shorter

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Need Help?

For questions about link previews or Open Graph optimization, contact our support team or explore our guides.