--- 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.