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The Facebook Text Overlay Tool Explained

Have you ever wondered why Facebook only allows 20% of text on your Timeline cover?

You are here: Home / Golden Nuggets / The Facebook Text Overlay Tool Explained
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Do you have a Facebook fan page? Have you ever wondered why Facebook only allows 20% of text on your Timeline cover?
I’ve read Facebook’s advertising guidelines regarding the 20% rule. Though, the guidelines fail to reveal if the highly popular quotation graphics fall under the same scrutiny.
According to Facebook, “Ads and sponsored stories in a News Feed may not include images comprised of more than 20% text.” Guess what? This includes Timeline covers because they’re shown in the News Feed after a LIKE.

Why Should Facebook Care?

They believe images are more engaging if they’re high quality with minimal text. They go on to state that you should use the text field for text messages.
There’s been controversy surrounding this issue. You’ll find people arguing over what’s acceptable and what’s not. Most of it is theory. Just take a look at Facebook’s text in images guidelines to be sure you’re in compliance.

Acceptable 20% Text
Acceptable 20% Text

Facebook’s Text Overlay Tool

Better still, use the Facebook Text Overlay Tool to decipher if your Timeline images are acceptable. The tool will measure the amount of text placed on a Timeline cover.
Here’s how to use it:

  1. Click the upload button.
  2. Choose an image from your hard drive.
  3. If more than 20% of text is present, the image may not be compliant. You’ll need to edit your image.

Facebook will return a message letting you know if your advertisement passes approval. If not, you’ll receive a message letting you know. Check out the following advertisements that will either pass or fail according to the Facebook Guidelines.
https://www.facebook.com/business/help/980593475366490
I’m amazed at the amount of discussions that take place over the 20% rule when Facebook defines what is acceptable and what is not. If you’re ever in doubt, visit the text overlay tool and check your images there.
Your turn! Do your Timeline covers pass the 20% text rule? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Thanks for reading,
– Bonnie
P.S. Did you enjoy this message? If so, please share it with your friends so they can benefit from schmoozing. Then, if you want to get more messages like this one, connect with me via my social links below or hop aboard my notification list. I would like to keep in touch.

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About Bonnie Gean

Bonnie Gean is a full-time writer, marketer, and entrepreneur with over 33 years of experience. She shares the goods on building community and helps you overcome technical challenges associated with operating an online business.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Navas

    November 7, 2016 at 1:38 am

    sorry i can’t find the “show grid”

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      December 14, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Facebook changed how the text overlay tool works since I wrote this blog post. Now, all you need to do is upload your advertisement image and Facebook returns a message letting you know if the image passes their approval.

      Reply
  2. Erica Ardali

    July 2, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    I never knew about this, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 3, 2013 at 9:54 am

      It will surely come in handy for you Erica!

      Reply
  3. Terrye

    July 2, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    Very useful, thank you for this! Showing the comment love from UBC. 😀

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 4:03 pm

      Hey Terrye, you’re welcome! I appreciate the comment love, too! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Shawn

    July 2, 2013 at 7:35 am

    What a cool tool. Before I was guessing and now I know if I’m within the guidelines. I am. Thanks Bonnie.

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 10:59 am

      I’m so glad this is going to help you get clarity Shawn!

      Reply
  5. Dannie (A Dose of Dannie)

    July 2, 2013 at 7:26 am

    oops i think my cover photo may be over the 20% mark someone else did it but i have never got any complaints at all ~ now i’m thinking i should change it *sigh*

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 10:59 am

      No time like the present. 🙂 Good luck with your changes Dannie!

      Reply
  6. Tamsin

    July 2, 2013 at 4:09 am

    I had a pro design my timeline cover (thanks Bonnie :)) so I know that mine meets the guidelines!

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 6:12 am

      LMAO, yes dear it is!
      Your Timeline cover is comprised of only 12% text. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Angie Schaffer

    July 2, 2013 at 3:20 am

    I just checked and my cover photo(s) comply. I read about the dumb text rule a while back and started adjusting my photos to what I think would be around 20 percent or lower. But I didn’t know about the overlay tool until now. Great tip, Bonnie Gean.

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 6:17 am

      Awesome Angie! I’m glad to hear about your images passing the grid. 🙂
      You go girl! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Linda Ursin

    July 2, 2013 at 2:33 am

    As my cover image is all image, I’m within the guidelines. I should probably add some text to it, but I’ve got enough things to think about this month 😀

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 2:42 am

      Then you’re all set (you’re savvy)… and no worries!

      Reply
      • Linda Ursin

        July 2, 2013 at 2:42 am

        Thanks 🙂 That’s good to know

        Reply
        • Bonnie Gean

          July 2, 2013 at 6:44 am

          LOL, you’re welcome Linda.

          Reply
  9. Brenda

    July 2, 2013 at 2:31 am

    I mostly use facebook for entertainment & visiting with family & friends. I am not a very technical person and am a bit confused (my fault, not yours!) I can see that I would need to spend more time than I have right now to really grasp what this means to me.

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 6:42 am

      I didn’t mean to confuse you Brenda. Sorry if that was the case!

      Reply
  10. Vidya Sury

    July 2, 2013 at 2:25 am

    This is useful to know, Bonnie. I wasn’t much of a Facebook user but have had to 🙂 since I share a lot of posts there. I am going to check out that tool now.
    I am here via the Ultimate Blog Challenge thread on Facebook!

    Reply
    • Bonnie Gean

      July 2, 2013 at 6:41 am

      Awesome Vidya. The tool does come in handy! 🙂

      Reply

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