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:

## 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

## 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.