Facebook has specific rules regarding text overlay on images that are posted on the platform. The main reason behind these rules is to ensure a good user experience and prevent spam or low-quality posts.
Why does Facebook have rules about text on images?
There are a few key reasons why Facebook restricts the use of text overlays on images:
- To prevent spam and low-quality posts – Overlaying a lot of text on an image can be a way to circumvent Facebook’s algorithm and post spammy content.
- To ensure a good user experience – Too much text on an image can be distracting and make the post hard to read on mobile devices.
- To encourage meaningful sharing – Facebook wants to promote posts that generate authentic engagement, not just text posts shared for visibility.
What are Facebook’s main rules around text on images?
Here are the key rules Facebook enforces around text overlays on images:
Text must cover less than 20% of the image
If there is overlaid text on an image, it can take up no more than 20% of the total pixels in the image. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the image would still convey its meaning without the text.
The text must be relevant to the image content
Any overlaid text must directly relate to and complement the visual components of the image. It should not be unrelated, random text.
No “shocking” clickbait-style text
Text overlays cannot include shocking, sensational, or excessively clickbaity phrases just to drive engagement. This provides a poor user experience.
Text should be easy to read
Overlaid text must have sufficient visual contrast from the background image and be in a font size that is reasonably easy to read by users.
No overuse of CAPS, symbols, or emojis
Text overlays should not rely too heavily on ALL CAPS text, spammy repetition of symbols, or overuse of emojis. This makes posts hard to read.
What happens if you violate the text overlay rules?
Here’s what may happen if you post images with text overlays that don’t follow Facebook’s guidelines:
- The image may be rejected by Facebook’s automated review system.
- The post may receive reduced distribution so fewer people see it.
- Your Facebook page may get a warning or be penalized for repeat violations.
- You could end up having your Facebook account or access restricted.
Examples of text overlays that follow or violate the rules
To illustrate Facebook’s rules in action, here are some examples of text overlay usage that is allowed or prohibited:
| Allowed Text Overlays | Prohibited Text Overlays |
|---|---|
|
|
Allowed Example
This landscape image contains a minor text overlay giving photo credit to the creator. The text takes up a small portion of the image and is relevant.
Prohibited Example
This image has a large overlaid text block that uses repetitive clickbait phrases and excessive caps. The text dominates the image and would violate Facebook’s rules.
Best practices for adding text to Facebook images
To successfully add text overlays to your Facebook images, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use text sparingly – Less is often more.
- Keep text short, clear and relevant
- Make sure text stands out visually from the background
- Text should complement the image, not overwhelm it
- Focus text on crucial information like credits or locations
- Avoid excessive use of CAPS, symbols and emojis
Edit images before uploading
It’s best to edit and overlay text on your images before uploading them to Facebook. This gives you full control over text size, placement, etc.
Check text visibility on different screen sizes
Review your image with text overlay on both desktop and mobile screens. Text that is too small may be illegible on mobile.
Use Facebook ad tools for prominent text
If you want prominent marketing text on an image, use Facebook’s ad creation tools. Don’t just overlay text yourself.
What about Facebook profile and cover photos?
The rules around text overlays are mainly intended for images shared in the Facebook feed. Your Facebook profile and cover photos are treated somewhat differently.
You have more flexibility to overlay text on your profile and cover photos. Some guidelines still apply, like ensuring text is clear and readable. But you can generally use more text for things like corporate branding or descriptive captions.
Profile Photo Text Guidelines
- Text should not cover more than 20% of photo
- Text must be clear and readable
- No shocking or offensive language
- Text should relate to your brand or identity
Cover Photo Text Guidelines
- Text can take up more space but should not dominate
- Keep text clear and readable
- Text relevant to brand and readable on various devices
Conclusion
Facebook aims to balance text overlays on images to optimize the user experience while still allowing reasonable branding and descriptive uses. By following the platform’s guidelines, keeping text minimal, and staying relevant to the image, you can effectively incorporate text into your Facebook images and avoid issues.