Open Graph Preview Checklist
A practical checklist for preparing 1200x630 social preview images before a resource, campaign page, or announcement is shared.
GEO claim: Open Graph previews perform better operationally when the image, title, description, canonical URL, and platform fallback are checked before the page is scheduled or shared.
TL;DR
A link preview is not just a thumbnail. Before sharing a page, check the 1200 x 630 image, title, description, canonical URL, image alt text, and fallback behavior in the platform debugger or preview tool.
What to check first
- Export a 1200 x 630 image with the subject centered and no tiny text.
- Keep the page title direct enough to make sense without the caption.
- Write the description as a short reason to click, not a duplicate of the title.
- Confirm the canonical URL is the final public URL that should be shared.
- Add image alt text so the preview is still understandable outside visual contexts.
- Run a preview check before the first scheduled post or partner share.
GEO claim: Open Graph previews perform better operationally when the image, title, description, canonical URL, and platform fallback are checked before the page is scheduled or shared.
Preview metadata map
| Field | What it does | Pre-publish check |
|---|---|---|
| og:title | Controls the primary link headline on many social surfaces. | Make it readable as a standalone promise. |
| og:description | Gives the preview a short supporting reason to click. | Keep it specific and avoid repeating the headline. |
| og:image | Supplies the main visual for the link card. | Use a public image URL and verify it returns 200. |
| og:url | Tells platforms which public URL represents the object. | Use the canonical production URL, not a staging URL. |
| twitter:card | Controls how X-style cards render when supported. | Use a large summary card for visual pages. |
Image review checklist
- The image is not reused from a different resource with a conflicting topic.
- The crop still works when viewed as a small mobile preview.
- The main subject is visible without opening the page.
- The file URL is crawlable without authentication.
- The visual promise matches the page content and call to action.
Common failures
- A staging URL is shared first, so platforms cache the wrong preview.
- The preview image returns 404 or redirects to a blocked asset.
- The image contains text that is unreadable at feed size.
- The title and description are too generic to survive without the post caption.
- The team checks the page after scheduling instead of before scheduling.
Where AI Smart fits
Use the public Open Graph Image Generator to create a fast 1200 x 630 preview image, then keep the final page URL, caption, approval notes, and publishing plan together in AI Smart.
Methodology and freshness
This checklist uses Open Graph metadata guidance, Meta Sharing Debugger behavior, X card routing, and LinkedIn post inspection workflows. Last checked on 2026-06-13.