August 28, 2025
Every social platform has a “star” content format, the one that gets the most eyes, likes, and shares. The trick? Not just posting in that format but designing it so it feels like it belongs there while still screaming your brand. Let’s break it down, platform by platform.
Instagram: Reels
Reels are Instagram’s golden child right now. They’re quick, vertical, and perfect for catching both your followers and new audiences.
Creative direction: Think bold, high-contrast text dead-centre (safe zones are your best friend), snappy cuts every second or two, and transitions that hit perfectly on the beat. Use your brand colours, but make sure to hit the right contrast so everything pops on mobile. Add captions, and your audience will thank you when they’re sneaking a watch in public.
Facebook: Native Video + Text
Facebook loves videos that feel like they’re meant to be there, not just reposted from somewhere else. Square or slightly vertical (4:5) clips are best for mobile.
Creative direction: Start with a thumbnail that feels human. Faces, warm lighting, and a smile work wonders. Layer in captions because most people are watching on mute. Hook them visually in the first three seconds, whether it’s an expressive reaction, a surprising shot, or a question that makes them stop scrolling.
LinkedIn – Text Post + PDF Carousel
If LinkedIn had a favourite, it’d be the humble carousel. It’s the perfect mix of storytelling and snackable content.
Creative direction: Go tall (4:5), keep text to a punchy 20–30 words per slide, and make headlines big enough to read without squinting. Ditch the stock photos and use clean icons, data visuals, or shots of your actual team. Keep the design consistent, but give each slide a focal point so people swipe all the way through.
TikTok: Short Video
TikTok is where speed meets personality. If your video doesn’t grab attention in the first three seconds, it’s game over.
Creative direction: Open with a bold headline or a visually curious moment (yes, even something slightly weird). Keep fonts big, playful, and paired with emojis for instant mood-setting. Lean into TikTok’s own effects; it’s like speaking the platform’s native language. And above all, make it feel personal, not polished-to-death.
@chavroux.uk No plans, just plates 🍽️ With some Chavroux of course 💁♀️ #FlatBred #ChavrouxPyramid #SnackGoals #FoodieFaves #FlatOutFabulous #CheeseAndCrackersDoneRight
♬ original sound – Chavroux.uk
YouTube: Shorts + Long-Form Video
YouTube plays a double game: Shorts to hook new viewers, long-form to turn them into subscribers.
Creative direction: For Shorts, put your key text in the top 75% of the frame, go heavy on jump cuts, and keep colours bold. For long-form, treat your thumbnail like a movie poster: bold headline, one striking image, zero clutter. Add motion graphics and branded lower thirds so your videos feel pro from start to finish.
Threads – Short Text + Image/GIF
Threads thrive on wit and authenticity. Think casual, funny, or refreshingly real.
Creative direction: Pair your copy with a meme-style image, a behind-the-scenes snap, or a GIF that makes people smirk. Use bold colours, oversized fonts, and keep layouts simple so the humour or message lands instantly.
View on Threads
Your content shouldn’t just fit the platform; it should own the feed. The right format gets you seen, but the right design makes you unforgettable. The next time you’re creating for Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok (or all of them), think about how your audience will experience it on their screen, in their scroll.
📩 Ready to turn your ideas into scroll-stopping designs? Let’s talk and create something together that feels native everywhere but uniquely yours.