Facebook has rules in place to ensure that content shared on the platform is high-quality and does not violate their policies. One of these rules is the text overlay rule, which limits the amount of text that can be overlaid on top of images or videos.
What is a text overlay?
A text overlay is text that is placed on top of an image or video. This text typically contains captions, headlines, or other descriptive information about the visual content. On Facebook, text overlays are commonly used to add context, commentary, or citations to shared images and videos.
What is Facebook’s text overlay rule?
Facebook’s text overlay rule states that no more than 20% of an image or video’s pixels can be covered by overlaid text. This means that text overlays must be translucent or short enough that they do not excessively obstruct the underlying visual content.
The 20% limit applies to both user-generated content and content from news publishers. It includes text overlays added through Facebook’s built-in tools as well as text overlays added before uploading media to Facebook.
Why does Facebook have this rule?
There are a few reasons why Facebook instituted the 20% text overlay limit:
- To improve the visual experience – Heavy text overlays can be visually unappealing and obstruct too much of the underlying image/video.
- To encourage proper attribution – Text overlays are often used without attribution. The limit encourages posters to properly credit creators rather than plastering text on others’ content.
- To reduce spam/abuse – Text overlays are sometimes abused to add promotional text or spammy captions. The overlay limit helps curb this behavior.
Essentially, the rule aims to keep the platform visually clean and prevent abuse of text overlays. Facebook wants images and videos shared on their platform to be visually engaging.
What happens if you violate the text overlay rule?
If Facebook detects that a post violates the 20% text overlay limit, the following may happen:
- The post may be removed and the poster notified that it violated Facebook’s policies.
- Overlay text may be automatically stripped from the image or video when it is shared.
- The poster’s account may be restricted or disabled if they repeatedly violate this rule.
In most cases, the violating content will simply be taken down. But repeated violations could lead to account-level actions against a serial abuser of the text overlay policy.
How is the 20% limit calculated?
Facebook’s automated systems calculate the percentage of pixels in an image or video that are occupied by overlaid text. According to Facebook, the system:
- Analyzes the number of pixels that have colored text overlays.
- Compares this to the total number of pixels in the image/video.
- Calculates the percentage of pixels with text overlays.
- Flags posts exceeding 20% text pixels for policy review/removal.
The company has not provided the exact mathematical formula their systems use for this pixel analysis. But the general approach looks at the proportional area of the image/video covered by colored text overlays.
What types of text overlays are counted?
Any colored text added on top of an image or video is counted as part of the 20% overlay limit calculation. This includes:
- Text boxes/frames with backgrounds
- Text with partially opaque backgrounds
- Solid color text overlays
- Drop shadows or outlines behind text
- Watermarks with text or logos
Transparent/translucent text without a colored background is not counted in the overlay percentage. But solid colored text, including white or black text, always counts.
Does the rule apply to live videos?
Facebook’s published guidelines on the text overlay rule only reference images and videos. Some users have reported that the 20% limit does not seem to apply to text overlays on live videos.
However, live videos do appear to be subject to Facebook’s general rules against adding excessive text that disrupts the video experience. So while the specific 20% threshold may not apply, users should still avoid overusing text overlays in live videos.
What about text added off-platform?
The 20% limit applies regardless of whether text overlays were added using Facebook’s on-platform tools or prior to uploading. Even if text is burned into the image/video file before uploading, Facebook will still count it towards the overlay limit.
Trying to circumvent the policy by adding overlays off-platform does not exempt you from complying with the text overlay rules.
Are there any exceptions?
Facebook makes a few exceptions for situations where heavy text overlaying provides important context that is unlikely to be abused:
- Subtitles/Captions: Subtitles and captions for spoken audio do not count towards the overlay limit, as they provide important accessibility.
- Public Interest Notices: Public interest notices, such as masks worn due to COVID-19, do not count as they provide important health/public notices.
- Branding/Logo Watermarks: Minor brand watermarks are exempt, though overt advertising overlays still violate policies.
However, these types of overlays should still aim to minimize obstruction of the underlying media as much as possible.
How can you comply with the text overlay rule?
Here are some tips for keeping text overlays within Facebook’s 20% limit:
- Use minimal, translucent/transparent text without backgrounds whenever possible.
- Place text strategically in areas with simpler backgrounds.
- Reduce font sizes and condense/abbreviate overlay text.
- Limit text box sizes and use narrow columns.
- Stick to brief subtitles rather than excessive captions.
- Watermark softly in a corner/edge rather than across a central area.
In summary, aim for legible but non-obstructive overlays that do not excessively clutter up images and videos. Test out overlays before posting to ensure they comply with the 20% limit.
What are some examples of compliant vs non-compliant overlays?
Compliant:
- Small, transparent subtitles along the bottom edges of a video.
- A lightly watermarked logo in one corner of a photo.
- Photo captions condensed into narrow side columns.
Non-Compliant:
- Solid color text boxes covering a central area of a video.
- Large, opaque subtitles scrolling across the middle of a video.
- Watermarks spanning the full width and height of images.
Can you request review if text removal impacts context?
If Facebook removes text that you believe is crucial context, you can request another review:
- Click “Request Review” on the content take-down notice.
- Explain how the removed text significantly impacts context and comprehension.
- Emphasize that you have made the text as unobstructive as possible while retaining meaning.
However, keep in mind removed text may remain banned if it is not deemed essential context by reviewers.
Conclusion
Facebook’s text overlay rule limits overlays to 20% of pixels to ensure media remains visually appealing. Overlaying excessive text can lead to removal of posts and possible account restrictions. When adding text, aim for minimal, transparent overlays that do not obstruct key visuals. Prioritize concise text or captions that convey meaning without dominating the image or video itself. With mindful design, it is possible to enhance media while complying with Facebook’s policies on text overlays.
| Type of Text Overlay | Counts Towards Limit? |
|---|---|
| Solid color text | Yes |
| Outlined/drop shadow text | Yes |
| Subtitles/captions | No |
| Watermarks with logos | Yes |
| Transparent/translucent text | No |
This table summarizes some common types of text overlays and whether they count towards Facebook’s 20% limit calculation. Solid color and outlined text is always counted, while transparent or caption text is exempt. Understanding what contributes to the overlay percentage can help you design compliant visual posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 20% limit apply to photos and videos equally?
Yes, the same 20% text overlay limit applies regardless of whether the media is a still image or video.
Can I request a review if I believe Facebook’s automated calculation was incorrect?
Yes, you can use the “Request Review” option on the take-down notice to ask human reviewers to double check the calculation. Make sure to clearly explain why you believe the initial assessment was inaccurate.
What happens if only parts of my overlay violate the limit?
If certain portions of your overlay exceed 20% while other parts are compliant, Facebook may strip out only the non-compliant sections of text. The rest of the overlay and post may remain untouched.
Could I be banned from Facebook for repeated text overlay violations?
While unlikely for minor first offenses, it is possible to be banned if you intentionally and persistently violate the text overlay policy across multiple posts. Serious or repeated abuse of any Facebook policy can potentially warrant disabling an account.
Does Facebook offer any tools to help create compliant overlays?
Yes, Facebook’s own design tools limit text overlay options to fonts/sizes/placements that follow the 20% policy. Third-party design apps may also automatically validate overlays based on the pixel limit. Using Facebook-approved design tools is the best way to ensure overlays comply.
What if I need more than 20% text for accessibility reasons?
If you have a strong accessibility rationale requiring heavier text overlays, you can request an exception via the review process. Explain the access needs that justify exceeding the limit in your case.
Facebook aims to balance visual quality with accessibility. But unique access needs may sometimes warrant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
How is the overlay rule enforced for Facebook Stories?
For Stories, compliance is assessed on a per-frame basis. Each individual Story frame must meet the 20% text overlay limit. Excessive overlays on some frames could lead to removal of individual offending frames.
Conclusion
Facebook’s 20% text overlay limit aims to balance meaningful text additions with quality visual experiences. While heavy text overlays may be tempting for emphasis, restraint and strategic placement are key to respecting platform policies. When used judiciously, text can supplement your images and videos with context that informs, inspires, or entertains. Just take care to overlay mindfully within Facebook’s reasonable limits.