Facebook’s protocol, Open Graph, allows web pages to become rich objects in social media. Sharing a link on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter (X) helps control how that link looks, including its title, image, description, and URL.
When a webpage implements an Open Graph meta tag, its link appears social media-friendly when shared on any social media network. Websites use OG tags to control how links appear.
When you share a link, platforms like Facebook or Twitter read these tags to create a clean, clickable preview. This simple trick makes eye-catching content and boosts clicks.
Purpose of Open Graph
This graph ensures the link appears attractive and informative on social media, encouraging more people to click and engage.
Key Open Graph Tags
| Tag | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
og:title | Sets the title of the shared content | “10 Best Travel Tips for 2024” |
og:description | Sets a brief description | “Learn how to make the most of your travels.” |
og:image | Sets the image shown with the link | URL of the image (e.g., a product photo) |
og:url | Specifies the exact URL to be shared | “https://example.com/travel-tips“ |
og:type | Defines the type of content (article, video) | “article” |
Why Open Graph Is Important
- Controls appearance of shared links (better visuals = more clicks)
- Improves engagement (people are more likely to click well-presented links)
- Boosts brand consistency across platforms
- Helps with social SEO — how your content looks and ranks on social media
