Twitter is a great medium for creativity. Just ask our own social media manager Matt Owen.
One useful tactic is embedding an image, which allow brands to grab extra space in their followers’ feeds.
You won’t have failed to notice that Twitter automatically previews a small part of embedded images, but you may not have realised that some brands are much better at making the most of this opportunity than others.
I’ve previously blogged 10 brands hijacking Twitter feeds with creative preview images, and now I’m back with more useful examples.
Not all of them fit perfectly into the preview window, which is a neat way of essentially using an embedded image as a display ad, but they are all eye-catching and worthy of praise.
So, here they are then, 16 tweets that will hopefully inspire your own social efforts…
Ted Baker
In the build up to Father’s Day this simple image from Ted Baker neatly alerts followers to a competition at one of its stores.
The world’s best Dad deserves something special this Father’s Day. Visit our Bluewater store today to win just that! pic.twitter.com/2rewYu9SLq
— Ted Baker (@ted_baker) June 13, 2014
Reiss
Fashion retailer Reiss manages to summarise this fashion blogger’s entire day in one embedded image. Some of the smaller squares are perhaps a bit too small though, particularly on a mobile screen.
Take Five: fashion Blogger @livpurvis shows us how she enjoys her downtime in London http://t.co/cGsXUcxr5V pic.twitter.com/QRjpqWiTcl
— Reiss (@REISS) June 13, 2014
M&S
This example from M&S doesn’t fit the preview window, but the contrast of the sunglasses against the white background made it stand out in my timeline.
Pick your face shape, pick your sunglasses > http://t.co/2eadqR4Px6 pic.twitter.com/ha0UNGUdFO
— M&S (@marksandspencer) June 13, 2014
American Apparel
This image gives the impression that it was a spontaneous photo taken by the social manager, though it’s equally possible that it was the result of several brainstorming meetings.
Either way, the yellow shoes look great against the bright blue sky. And if you expand it you even get a glimpse of the American Apparel logo, which is a nice touch.
Here comes the sun! Meet Firefly, our new addition to the Lattice Jelly Flat—coming soon! http://t.co/zLfZ8E3cMG pic.twitter.com/ww6OBTEW1J
— American Apparel (@americanapparel) June 13, 2014
Adidas
Adidas has really nailed the use of perfectly-formed Twitter images, and I’ve previously praised its faux agile approach.
Here’s another splendid example.
The world asks ‘is Brazil ready?’ There is only one answer… #allin or nothing #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/zGTjsylEEG
— adidas UK (@adidasUK) June 12, 2014
Waitrose
Why Waitrose, with this perfectly sized, embedded image of a treacle tart you’re really spoiling us.
A fan of treacle tart? Watch @PaulHollywood’s delicious recipe video: http://t.co/6Tjx0uYHzT pic.twitter.com/jPk0WL9ttL
— Waitrose (@waitrose) June 12, 2014
Burberry
These Burberry shoes are a bit jazzy for my taste, but they sure made an impact in my Twitter feed.
New from the @Burberry women’s shoe collection – printed peep toe ankle boots http://t.co/i99AVdlp2H pic.twitter.com/9dyt5L69PW
— Burberry (@Burberry) June 12, 2014
Louis Vuitton
This is a really eye-catching, creative product image from Louis Vuitton, which has far more impact than simply showing a picture of a wallet.
Designed to organize: #LouisVuitton‘s Small Leather Goods for Men. http://t.co/2nei8O8f8x pic.twitter.com/e3Ldc0nBh1
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) June 12, 2014
Victoria’s Secret
This tweet to celebrate Victoria Secret model Adriana Lima’s birthday was made more eye-catching by this embedded image.
You can’t argue with a combined total of 4,500 retweets and favourites.
Every Bombshell has her day… Happy Birthday, @AdrianaLima! pic.twitter.com/LciklOSEUI
— Victoria’s Secret (@VictoriasSecret) June 12, 2014
BMW Rugby
BMW chose a great action shot for this tweet, which is likely to stand out in anyone’s feed.
Last time England U20s faced their Irish counterparts, England won 33-9. Can they repeat the task on Sunday? #JWC2014 pic.twitter.com/sa85imsEyU
— BMW Rugby (@bmwrugby) June 12, 2014
Tiffany & Co.
Simple and elegant, this product photo fits perfectly with Tiffany’s brand image.
Bring brilliance to life’s great moments: http://t.co/KojCxtdJeA pic.twitter.com/P5k3uypPvn
— Tiffany & Co. (@TiffanyAndCo) June 11, 2014
Nasty Gal
I couldn’t say whether this will help to sell more bikinis, but it’s certainly very creative.
Time for MAJOR music, dancing & #NastyGal bikinis @Splashhouse this weekend http://t.co/vLoqkfI7RT @PossoUniverse pic.twitter.com/F1f9l98G5f
— NASTY GAL (@NastyGal) June 10, 2014
Under Armour
Like Adidas, Under Armour is another sports brand that frequently optimises its Twitter creatives to fit perfectly into the preview window.
#UAAlterEgo Transform Yourself: http://t.co/jCZin4xpMY pic.twitter.com/zEpD3HXBPb
— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) May 26, 2014
Threadless
T-shirt retailer Threadless frequently embeds images of its unique designs. It’s a bit hit and miss, but some of them look brilliant.
“Fantasticons” by Brandon Woodall http://t.co/uMl1Jt3nzj pic.twitter.com/nVoSpI7DYE
— Threadless (@threadless) June 8, 2014
Walgreens
A weekly update of a pharmacy’s latest deals isn’t the most exciting use of embedded images, but Walgreens proves that it’s possible to spice up even a relatively mundane tweet.
Get ready for a happy, healthy June! See a sneak peek of our weekly deals #thisweekatwalgreens http://t.co/JdZ7fH6UlI pic.twitter.com/SirCzxto0p
— Walgreens (@Walgreens) June 1, 2014
JackThreads
JackThreads is a discount fashion retailer based in New York. Personally I’ll never get bored of simple images of products lined up side-by-side.
Saturday just got a little sweeter…Score an extra 30% off Hillsboro shoes: http://t.co/LtzgbfGJjX pic.twitter.com/iw9skOxzhn
— JackThreads (@JackThreads) April 26, 2014
