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.

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

Instagram Visual Language:

• Bold, vibrant colors
• High contrast
• Clean compositions
• Scroll-stopping first frame
• Text minimal (algorithm prefers)

YouTube

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

LinkedIn Visual Language:

• Professional but not boring
• Clean, sophisticated aesthetics
• Thought leadership positioning
• Data visualization performs well
• Avoid overly casual/meme-y

Twitter/X

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

TikTok Visual Language:

• Native, not polished
• "Shot on phone" aesthetic often wins
• Bold text overlays
• Faces perform
• Trend-aware styling

Pinterest

Pinterest Visual Language:

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

Facebook

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:

Color Psychology for Thumbnails:

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:

Extract Principles Template

Once winner is identified, document:

## 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

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

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

## 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

Receive:
  platform: "Instagram"
  placement: "Feed"
  content_type: "Product announcement"
  subject: "[what to show]"
  brand_colors: "[if specified]"
  text_needed: true/false

Returning

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.