A subject lifted off its background can be layered over bold type, gradients and brand colours — the look behind most high-performing thumbnails.
Break the frame
Let part of the subject overlap the text or spill past a coloured panel. It reads as depth and grabs attention.
Add an outline or glow
A thin outline separates a subject from a busy background. A soft glow does the same thing more gently.
Respect the safe areas
Stories and reels cover the top and bottom of the frame with interface. Keep faces and text in the middle.
Outline, glow and shadow controls are covered on the features overview