Ai Social Graphics

---
name: ai-social-graphics
description: "Specialized skill for social media graphics and thumbnails. Use when you need Instagram posts, YouTube thumbnails, LinkedIn graphics, Twitter images, or ad creatives. Triggers on: social graphic, Instagram post, YouTube thumbnail, LinkedIn image. Outputs platform-optimized graphics."
---

# AI Social Graphics

This skill creates platform-optimized graphics for social media. Not generic images that happen to be the right size — graphics engineered for each platform's specific algorithm, user behavior, and visual language.

**Use this skill when:** You need graphics for specific social platforms or ads.
**Route here from:** ai-creative-workflow when platform is specified.

---

## Why This Skill Exists

**The problem:** Every platform has different:
- Aspect ratios and safe zones
- Visual languages that perform
- Algorithm preferences
- User attention patterns
- Text overlay requirements

Generic "social media graphics" underperform because they ignore these differences.

**The solution:** Platform-specific knowledge built into prompt construction, so every graphic is optimized for where it will live.

---

## Model

**ALWAYS use Nano Banana Pro via Glif.**

| Model | Glif ID | Speed |
|-------|---------|-------|
| **🍌 Nano Banana Pro Text 2 Image** | `cmi7ne4p40000kz04yup2nxgh` | ~20sec |

**Exception:** For text-heavy graphics (quote cards, announcement graphics), route to ai-typography which uses Recraft v3 or Ideogram v3 for superior text rendering.

---

## Platform Specifications

### Instagram

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Feed (Square) | 1:1 | 1080×1080 | Full frame |
| Feed (Portrait) | 4:5 | 1080×1350 | Best engagement |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Avoid top 250px, bottom 200px |
| Reels Cover | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Center content |
| Carousel | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1080×1080/1350 | Consistent across slides |

**Instagram Visual Language:**
- Bold, vibrant colors
- High contrast
- Clean compositions
- Scroll-stopping first frame
- Text minimal (algorithm prefers)

---

### YouTube

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Thumbnail | 16:9 | 1280×720 | Right 1/3 for timestamp overlay |
| Channel Banner | 16:9 | 2560×1440 | Safe area: 1546×423 center |
| Community Post | 1:1 | 1080×1080 | Full frame |

**YouTube Thumbnail Formula:**
```
FACE + EMOTION + BRIGHT COLOR + CONTRAST + TEXT SPACE
```

Thumbnails compete against dozens of others. Survival requires:
- Human face with exaggerated expression (if relevant)
- 3 or fewer colors, extremely bold
- Text readable at phone size
- Contrast that pops in sidebar

---

### LinkedIn

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Feed Post | 1.91:1 | 1200×627 | Full frame |
| Article Header | 1.91:1 | 1200×627 | Full frame |
| Profile Banner | 4:1 | 1584×396 | Center focal point |
| Square Post | 1:1 | 1080×1080 | Works well too |

**LinkedIn Visual Language:**
- Professional but not boring
- Clean, sophisticated aesthetics
- Thought leadership positioning
- Data visualization performs well
- Avoid overly casual/meme-y

---

### Twitter/X

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Feed Image | 16:9 | 1200×675 | Optimal |
| Feed Image | 1.91:1 | 1200×628 | Also works |
| Feed Image | 1:1 | 1080×1080 | Square option |
| Header | 3:1 | 1500×500 | Safe area centered |

**Twitter Visual Language:**
- High contrast (dark mode dominant)
- Bold, shareable visuals
- Meme-adjacent aesthetics OK
- Hot takes benefit from visual punch
- Screenshots of text perform well

---

### TikTok

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Video Cover | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Avoid bottom 150px (UI) |
| Profile | 1:1 | 200×200 | Keep simple |

**TikTok Visual Language:**
- Native, not polished
- "Shot on phone" aesthetic often wins
- Bold text overlays
- Faces perform
- Trend-aware styling

---

### Pinterest

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Standard Pin | 2:3 | 1000×1500 | Optimal |
| Long Pin | 1:2.1 | 1000×2100 | More real estate |
| Square Pin | 1:1 | 1000×1000 | Works but less optimal |

**Pinterest Visual Language:**
- Aspirational aesthetic
- Warm, inviting tones
- Clear text overlay (Pinterest users read)
- Step-by-step works well
- Lifestyle context

---

### Facebook

| Placement | Ratio | Pixels | Safe Zone |
|-----------|-------|--------|-----------|
| Feed Post | 1.91:1 | 1200×630 | Standard |
| Square Post | 1:1 | 1080×1080 | Also works |
| Story | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | Same as Instagram |
| Cover Photo | 16:9 | 820×312 (desktop display) | Safe area center |

**Facebook Visual Language:**
- Broader demographic appeal
- Less edgy than Twitter
- Community/family vibes
- Video thumbnails important
- Event graphics common

---

## Platform-Specific Prompt Templates

### Instagram Feed (4:5 Portrait)

```
[Subject] for Instagram feed, bold vibrant colors,
clean minimal composition, scroll-stopping visual impact,
high contrast, lifestyle aesthetic, modern photography style,
portrait 4:5 composition, subject centered with breathing room,
professional quality, engaging immediate appeal
```

**What makes it work:**
- "Bold vibrant colors" → Algorithm favors engagement
- "Scroll-stopping" → Primes for thumb-pausing moment
- "4:5 composition" → Optimal feed real estate
- "Breathing room" → Space for engagement UI elements

---

### Instagram Stories (9:16)

```
[Subject] for Instagram Stories, vertical 9:16 composition,
subject centered in middle third (avoiding top and bottom),
bold engaging visual, bright colors, clean composition,
space for text overlay or sticker placement,
story-native aesthetic, immediate visual impact
```

**What makes it work:**
- "Middle third" → Avoids UI overlay zones
- "Space for text/sticker" → Interactive element room
- "Story-native" → Matches platform expectation

---

### YouTube Thumbnail

```
YouTube thumbnail style, [subject/person] with [emotion] expression,
high contrast dramatic lighting, bold vibrant colors,
clean background for text overlay on [left/right] side,
click-worthy composition, face prominent in frame,
professional thumbnail aesthetic, extreme visual clarity
```

**Emotion Modifiers:**
| Emotion | Prompt Addition |
|---------|-----------------|
| Surprise | "shocked expression, wide eyes, raised eyebrows, open mouth" |
| Excitement | "excited expression, big genuine smile, enthusiastic energy" |
| Curiosity | "intrigued expression, raised eyebrow, knowing look" |
| Confidence | "confident expression, slight smirk, assured posture" |
| Concern | "concerned expression, worried face, serious" |

**Color Psychology for Thumbnails:**
| Color | Best For | Why |
|-------|----------|-----|
| Yellow | Most click-worthy | Highest attention in sidebar |
| Red | Urgency, drama | Hot takes, breaking news |
| Blue | Tech, education | Trust, authority |
| Green | Money, success | Finance, growth |
| Orange | Entertainment | Warm, inviting |
| Purple | Creative, unique | Stands out from typical |

---

### LinkedIn Professional

```
Professional LinkedIn graphic, [subject/concept],
clean sophisticated aesthetic, corporate-appropriate colors,
thought leadership positioning, business context,
modern professional photography style, confident tone,
1.91:1 landscape composition, space for headline overlay,
high-end professional quality
```

**LinkedIn Variations:**
- **Data/Insight:** Add "data visualization style, clean infographic aesthetic"
- **Personal Brand:** Add "executive portrait style, approachable authority"
- **Company:** Add "brand-aligned color palette, corporate identity"

---

### Twitter/X Post

```
Twitter-optimized graphic, [subject], high contrast for dark mode,
bold simple composition, shareable visual impact,
16:9 landscape, punchy immediate appeal,
conversation-starter aesthetic, timeline scroll-stopping,
clean professional quality with edge
```

**Twitter Variations:**
- **Hot Take:** Add "provocative visual tension, bold statement energy"
- **Thread Intro:** Add "curiosity-inducing, incomplete story visual"
- **Data/Stat:** Add "stark data visualization, number prominent"

---

### Pinterest Pin

```
Pinterest pin style, [subject] in aspirational setting,
vertical 2:3 composition, rich warm aesthetic,
inspirational lifestyle photography, save-worthy visual,
clear space at top for text overlay, beautiful staging,
high-quality editorial feel, dreamy aspirational mood
```

**Pinterest Performs Best With:**
- Step-by-step previews
- Before/after concepts
- Lifestyle aspiration
- How-to previews
- Collection/roundup style

---

### TikTok Cover

```
TikTok cover image, [subject/scene], vertical 9:16,
native authentic aesthetic (not over-produced),
bold engaging composition, face-forward if person,
content centered above bottom navigation area,
trend-aware styling, scroll-stopping thumbnail,
high contrast, clear at small size
```

---

## Content Type Templates

### Quote Graphics

**Route to ai-typography for best results** (text rendering critical)

If generating here:
```
Minimalist quote graphic for [platform], clean background,
space for text overlay center frame, sophisticated aesthetic,
[color palette], modern design, professional typography space,
[aspect ratio for platform]
```

---

### Product Announcement

```
Product announcement graphic for [platform],
[product] hero shot, celebration/launch energy,
bold attention-grabbing composition, premium aesthetic,
space for headline and details, excitement visual,
[platform-specific aspect ratio], commercial quality
```

---

### Event Promotion

```
Event promotion graphic for [platform], [event type] theme,
engaging inviting composition, date/time visual priority,
exciting anticipation mood, bold readable design,
[platform aspect ratio], event marketing aesthetic
```

---

### Behind-the-Scenes

```
Behind-the-scenes content for [platform],
authentic candid aesthetic, real moment capture,
[subject/scene], genuine unpolished feel,
personality-forward composition, relatable vibe,
[platform aspect ratio], native platform aesthetic
```

---

### Testimonial/Social Proof

```
Testimonial graphic for [platform], clean professional design,
space for quote text, trustworthy aesthetic,
person placeholder or abstract human element,
credibility-building composition, [brand colors],
[platform aspect ratio]
```

---

## Style Exploration (Before Execution)

**Critical insight from ai-creative-strategist:** Don't lock into one style early. Generate multiple genuinely DIFFERENT visual directions first.

### Why This Matters for Social Graphics

Social graphics live in noisy feeds. The "right" style isn't obvious — it depends on:
- Platform visual language
- Audience expectations
- Competitive landscape
- Brand positioning

**One style = hope. Multiple styles = informed choice.**

### The Style Exploration Process

```
1. GENERATE 4-5 DIFFERENT STYLES
   → Not variations of one style
   → Genuinely different visual languages
   → Same subject, different aesthetic approaches

2. IDENTIFY WINNER
   → Which stops the scroll?
   → Which matches platform vibe?
   → Which feels most "brand"?

3. EXTRACT PRINCIPLES
   → What makes this style work?
   → Color palette?
   → Composition approach?
   → Lighting mood?

4. APPLY TO FORMATS
   → Same principles, different platforms
   → Build content SYSTEM
   → Repeatable, not one-off
```

### Style Exploration Prompt Template

For any new social graphics project, generate these 5 directions:

```
Style 1 - Clean Minimal:
[Subject] for [platform], clean minimal aesthetic, white space,
single focal point, modern typography space, sophisticated restraint

Style 2 - Bold Vibrant:
[Subject] for [platform], bold vibrant colors, high contrast,
dynamic composition, energetic attention-grabbing

Style 3 - Warm Lifestyle:
[Subject] for [platform], warm lifestyle aesthetic, natural tones,
authentic feeling, relatable human-centered

Style 4 - Dark & Premium:
[Subject] for [platform], dark moody aesthetic, premium feel,
sophisticated lighting, luxury positioning

Style 5 - Playful Creative:
[Subject] for [platform], playful creative aesthetic, unexpected angles,
personality-forward, memorable differentiation
```

### Style Decision Framework

After generating options:

| Question | Guides Toward |
|----------|---------------|
| Does brand feel established/premium? | Dark & Premium or Clean Minimal |
| Is brand approachable/friendly? | Warm Lifestyle or Playful Creative |
| Competing against boring competitors? | Bold Vibrant or Playful Creative |
| Professional B2B context? | Clean Minimal or Dark & Premium |
| Consumer/lifestyle product? | Warm Lifestyle or Bold Vibrant |

### Extract Principles Template

Once winner is identified, document:

```markdown
## Winning Style: [Name]

**What makes it work:**
- Color palette: [specific colors]
- Composition: [approach]
- Lighting: [mood/direction]
- Typography space: [how handled]
- Mood: [feeling it creates]

**Apply to other platforms:**
- Instagram Feed: [how to adapt]
- LinkedIn: [how to adapt]
- Twitter: [how to adapt]
- etc.
```

This creates a repeatable SYSTEM, not just one graphic.

---

## Execution Workflow

### Step 1: Platform Requirements

```
□ Which platform?
□ Which placement? (feed/stories/cover/etc.)
□ Aspect ratio confirmed?
□ Safe zones understood?
```

### Step 2: Content Type

```
□ What type of content? (announcement/quote/product/etc.)
□ Text overlay needed?
□ Brand colors required?
□ Specific elements must include?
```

### Step 3: Construct Platform-Optimized Prompt

Use templates above, customize for specific need.

### Step 4: Generate

```
Glif: 🍌 Nano Banana Pro Text 2 Image
ID: cmi7ne4p40000kz04yup2nxgh
Inputs: ["[platform-specific prompt]"]
```

### Step 5: Platform-Specific Review

Check against platform requirements:
- Correct ratio?
- Safe zones respected?
- Visual language matches platform?
- Scroll-stopping quality?
- Text space if needed?

### Step 6: Iterate or Approve

---

## Multi-Platform Scaling

When one concept needs multiple platforms:

### Strategy: Generate Primary, Then Adapt

```
1. Generate for PRIMARY platform (where it matters most)
2. Approve composition and style
3. Generate variants for other platforms
   - Adjust aspect ratio
   - Adjust composition for different safe zones
   - Maintain visual consistency
```

### Platform Adaptation Matrix

| From → To | Composition Change |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Instagram Feed → Stories | Recenter subject in middle third |
| YouTube Thumb → Twitter | Can often use as-is (both 16:9) |
| LinkedIn → Facebook | Minimal change (similar ratios) |
| Pinterest → Instagram | Square crop or reimagine |
| Any → Stories/TikTok | Full vertical recomposition needed |

### Batch Generation

```
For campaign "Product Launch":
├── Instagram Feed (4:5) - primary
├── Instagram Stories (9:16) - adapted
├── LinkedIn (1.91:1) - professional version
├── Twitter (16:9) - punchy version
└── Facebook (1.91:1) - broader appeal version
```

---

## Quality Checklist

### Technical
- [ ] Correct aspect ratio for platform
- [ ] Resolution sufficient (minimum specs met)
- [ ] Safe zones respected (no critical content in overlay areas)

### Platform Fit
- [ ] Visual language matches platform
- [ ] Would scroll-stop on this platform specifically
- [ ] Appropriate for platform's audience
- [ ] Text (if any) readable at typical view size

### Composition
- [ ] Subject clear and prominent
- [ ] Space for text overlay if needed
- [ ] Doesn't compete with platform UI elements
- [ ] Colors work on platform (dark mode consideration)

### Brand
- [ ] Consistent with brand aesthetic
- [ ] Colors appropriate
- [ ] Tone matches brand voice

---

## Common Issues & Solutions

| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Looks generic | Platform not specified | Use platform-specific template |
| Wrong vibe for platform | Cross-platform prompt | Rewrite for specific platform language |
| Content in unsafe zone | Template not followed | Specify safe zone in prompt |
| Too polished for TikTok | Wrong aesthetic | Add "native, authentic, not over-produced" |
| Too casual for LinkedIn | Wrong aesthetic | Add "professional, sophisticated, corporate-appropriate" |
| Won't scroll-stop | Lacks contrast/impact | Add "bold, high contrast, scroll-stopping" |
| Text unreadable | Bad text space | Specify "clear space for text overlay" |
| Wrong ratio | Default used | Explicitly state ratio in prompt |

---

## Platform-Specific Tips

### Instagram
- 4:5 gets more real estate than 1:1 — default to portrait
- Algorithm favors engagement — bold colors help
- First frame of carousel is everything
- Avoid heavy text (algorithm deprioritizes)

### YouTube
- Thumbnail is 50% of click decision
- Face + emotion dramatically increases CTR
- Test against actual competitors' thumbnails
- Yellow genuinely outperforms other colors

### LinkedIn
- Thought leadership aesthetic wins
- Data/insight graphics get shared
- Avoid anything that looks like an ad
- Professional ≠ boring

### Twitter/X
- Dark mode dominant — high contrast essential
- Memes and screenshots perform
- Hot take energy works
- Ratio-able graphics (quotes) spread

### Pinterest
- Vertical wins — 2:3 or longer
- Text on pin = good (users read)
- Aspirational + actionable
- Save-worthy > like-worthy

### TikTok
- Native aesthetic beats polished
- Face-forward works
- Match trending visual styles
- Avoid looking like an ad

---

## Output Format

```markdown
## Social Graphic Generated

**Platform:** [platform]
**Placement:** [feed/stories/thumbnail/etc.]
**Aspect Ratio:** [ratio]

**Image URL:** [URL]

**Platform Optimization:**
- ✓ Correct ratio
- ✓ Safe zones respected
- ✓ Platform visual language
- ✓ Scroll-stopping quality

**Feedback?**
- Does it match platform vibe?
- Scroll-stopping enough?
- Text space adequate?
- Ready to approve or iterate?

**Multi-Platform?**
- [ ] Generate additional platform variants
- [ ] Specify platforms needed
```

---

## Integration with Pipeline

```
SOCIAL GRAPHICS PIPELINE

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Request with platform specified        │
│  → Or route from ai-creative-workflow   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
                    │
                    ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  ai-social-graphics (THIS SKILL)        │
│  → Identify platform requirements       │
│  → Apply platform-specific template     │
│  → Generate with Nano Banana Pro/Glif   │
│  → Review against platform checklist    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
                    │
        ┌───────────┴───────────┐
        ▼                       ▼
┌──────────────────┐   ┌──────────────────┐
│  Single Platform │   │  Multi-Platform  │
│  → Deliver       │   │  → Generate      │
│                  │   │    variants      │
└──────────────────┘   └──────────────────┘
```

---

## Handoff Protocols

### Receiving from ai-creative-workflow
```yaml
Receive:
  platform: "Instagram"
  placement: "Feed"
  content_type: "Product announcement"
  subject: "[what to show]"
  brand_colors: "[if specified]"
  text_needed: true/false
```

### Returning
```yaml
Return:
  status: "complete"
  deliverables:
    - platform: "Instagram"
      placement: "Feed"
      aspect_ratio: "4:5"
      url: "[URL]"
  multi_platform_available: true
  additional_platforms_needed: "[list if requested]"
```

---

## Tips from Experience

### What Works
1. **Platform-first thinking** — Start with where it lives, not what it shows
2. **Ratio is non-negotiable** — Wrong ratio = wrong everything
3. **Safe zones matter** — Platform UI will cover content
4. **Visual language matching** — LinkedIn ≠ TikTok aesthetically
5. **Bold beats subtle** — Social is noisy, you need to pop

### What Doesn't Work
1. **One size fits all** — Generic "social media" prompts
2. **Ignoring platform culture** — Too polished for TikTok, too casual for LinkedIn
3. **Forgetting mobile** — Most viewing is phone-sized
4. **Text-heavy images** — Most platforms deprioritize
5. **Subtle visuals** — Get lost in the scroll

### The 80/20
80% of social graphic success comes from:
1. Correct aspect ratio
2. Platform-appropriate visual language
3. Scroll-stopping contrast/colors
4. Clear focal point

Get these four right and you'll outperform most content.