Why Do Some Facebook Users See Larger Open Graph Images from Pinterest?

The display of Open Graph images on Facebook can vary from user to user due to an ongoing experiment by Facebook. This article explains why you might be seeing larger images from Pinterest, and provides insights into how to optimize your share settings on Facebook to ensure consistency across all users.

Facebook’s Experiment with Open Graph Stories

Facebook has been testing different display sizes for Open Graph stories in the News Feed to determine which format resonates most with users. This means that some users may see a larger, more eye-catching image (like the ones you're seeing from Pinterest) while others might still see the smaller thumbnails. Facebook wants to see which format drives more engagement, and these tests are helping them make that decision.

Design Consistency Across Open Graph Apps

The new design, currently visible to some users, applies to all Open Graph apps, not just Pinterest. Whether you are sharing content from Quora, SongPop, or any other platform, the larger image format might be what you're experiencing. This change is part of Facebook's effort to provide a more seamless and visually appealing user experience.

Adjusting Your Share Settings for Consistency

Even though Facebook is testing new designs, you can still control the appearance of your shared content to ensure consistency. Using the Open Graph metatags, you can define the format of your shares, including the image, to make sure it looks the same for all users. Here’s how to do it:

Defining the Format of Your Open Graph Shares

When sharing content from your app on Facebook, you can define the format of the Open Graph image that appears. This involves setting the image URL, title, and other metadata in the Open Graph meta tags. Here’s a basic example of how you can define these meta tags in your HTML:

meta propertyog:image contentmeta propertyog:image:width content800meta propertyog:image:height content600meta propertyog:title contentYour Post Title Here

By setting the correct image dimensions, you can control whether the image appears as a large share or a small thumbnail. This is especially important if you want to ensure that your content is seen and engaged with more effectively.

Post as Photos for Maximum Impact

Another way to ensure your content looks large and engaging is to post it as a photo. When you post a piece of content on Facebook and set it as a photo post, it will always display in the larger format, regardless of any changes in the Open Graph design. This is a simple fix that can help you maintain a consistent share format for your users.

Testing and Adjusting for Best Results

Since Facebook is still in the testing phase, it’s a good idea to regularly check how your content is being displayed and make adjustments as needed. Keeping an eye on user engagement and feedback can help you determine if the larger image format is working for your content. If you notice that users are engaging more with larger images, you might want to continue using this format moving forward.

By understanding and leveraging Facebook's Open Graph design and testing, you can ensure that your content is displayed in the best possible way to engage your audience and drive more interactions. Always stay informed about the latest updates and changes in Facebook's platform to keep your content sharing strategy effective and in line with user expectations.