Text and Captions That Suit Facebook

Write for readers

Facebook gives captions more room than most short video platforms, and the audience tends to read them. That is an advantage, so use the space to add context rather than repeating the clip.

Keep the first line sharp. It is the only part shown before the more link, so it has to earn the tap on its own.

On screen text should be short and placed away from the edges. Facebook crops and overlays in ways that can hide a caption sitting too close to the bottom.

Use one idea per line. A wall of text inside the frame reads as clutter and pushes viewers to scroll past.

The caption adds, it does not repeat.

Match the reading level to your audience. Plain words travel further because they are understood on the first pass.

Check how the text looks on a phone, since that is where most of the views happen.

Key takeaways

• Use caption room to add context, not repeat the clip.
• Lead with a first line that earns the tap.
• Keep on screen text short and away from edges.
• One idea per line reads faster.
• Preview every clip on a phone before posting.