How to customize social share preview (meta tags)?

What is a social media preview card (meta tags)?

A social media preview card, which includes meta tags such as Open Graph and Twitter Card, is a compact visual snippet displayed when a link is shared on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.

When a social sharing preview is already configured for a link, social media platforms will display a snippet card for the shared link regardless of whether it is a shortened URL or a long URL (unshortened).

However, if the link does not already have meta tags set up, or if you wish to add a custom meta tag just for social sharing preview, you can do it without any effort or technical guidance.


How to set up social media preview?

Follow the below steps for adding custom meta tags for your short links.

  1. Login to your Linko account,

  2. Paste your long URL,

  3. Click on the advanced icon,

  4. Again, click on the advanced button,

  5. Navigate to the Meta tags section and add the following details,

    • Meta title: Input the title that will show on social media platforms.

    • Meta description: Write a brief, engaging description.

    • Meta image: Upload your image file here.

  6. Then, click on the shorten button.


How to upload a GIF to meta tags for social sharing (open graph)?

Uploading a GIF as a social sharing preview, also known as an open graph image, is a powerful way to make your link more engaging and attention-grabbing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this with Linko, which supports the use of GIFs for link previews.

  1. Log in to your Linko account.

  2. Paste your long URL.

  3. Click on the advanced icon.

  4. Click on the advanced button again.

  5. Navigate to the Meta tags section and add the following details.

    • Meta title: Input the title that will show on social media platforms.

    • Meta description: Write a brief, engaging description.

    • Meta image: Upload your GIF file here.

  6. Shorten your link.

Check this short link ( pq.is/GIF-preview ) by posting it on social media or sending it to someone via iMessage to see how the GIF previews.


FAQs

Is it possible to upload a GIF to social sharing preview?

Yes, with Linko, you can upload a GIF to use as a social sharing preview or meta image.

This feature allows marketers and content creators to make their posts stand out, as animated previews often capture more attention than static images.


Does a GIF preview work on all social media platforms?

No, GIF previews do not always work consistently across all platforms. For example:

  • Facebook: GIFs may only animate in certain parts of the platform, such as in comments on iOS or main posts on Android. The behavior varies based on device and whether you’re using a browser or an app.

  • LinkedIn: Generally supports GIFs as previews but may revert to a static image depending on file size and length.

  • iMessage: GIF previews work well and animate smoothly.

    Note: If you share the short link with someone via SMS or iMessage, the GIF will preview for the receiver, not for you (the sender).


What are the challenges of using GIF previews?

  • Platform limitations: Some platforms may only display a static snapshot of the GIF.

  • Device behavior: On Facebook, GIFs may animate in posts on Android but appear static in comments or iOS browsers.

  • Performance issues: Large GIFs may load slowly or play choppily, especially on mobile devices.


Why is my GIF not animating on Facebook?

Facebook’s handling of GIFs can be inconsistent. While a GIF preview might animate in a main post on Android, it could appear static on other devices or in comments. The Facebook app and mobile browsers also display GIFs differently.


How can I improve the performance of my GIF preview?

To optimize your GIF:

  • Compress and shorten the GIF to reduce file size and loading time.

  • Test the preview on different devices and browsers to identify any potential playback issues.


Tips for using GIFs in open graph previews

  1. Ensure compatibility: Test your GIF preview across various devices and apps (e.g., Facebook, iMessage) to confirm it animates properly.

  2. Mind the file size: Large GIFs may not load quickly, leading to laggy playback. Aim for a reasonable balance between quality and file size.

  3. Use a reliable link shortener: Choose a tool like Linko that supports GIFs as meta images for consistent performance.


What meta tags options are available at Linko for social media preview?

Three meta tag options are available at Linko for customization.

  1. Meta title,

  2. Meta description,

  3. Meta image.


Does Linko automatically pull meta tags from a long URL?

Yes, when you paste a long URL into Linko’s link shortener, it automatically pulls the Open Graph meta tags from the destination URL.

Note: However, be sure to wait at least 5 seconds for Linko to retrieve all the meta tag details before proceeding to shorten the link.


How to check if social sharing preview is working?

There are official and free tools from Facebook and X (Twitter) to check or validate social media preview cards.

Facebook sharing debugger

After customizing the open graph metadata, copy your short-link and paste it into the Facebook sharing debugger to check the appearance of your sharing preview.

X (Twitter) card validator

After setting up your custom meta tags, copy your short link and paste it into the Twitter card validator to check the appearance of your sharing preview.

Minitools open graph checker

The Open Graph Checker from MiniTools is a free online tool that allows you to check your link sharing or preview meta tags.


Can I customize social media preview cards for different networks?

Yes, you have complete control over your links, and you can customize your sharing preview for each and every link you shorten.

You can change or add a custom meta title along with a meta description and choose a desired or custom image/banner for every shortened link you want to share on social media.