Guidelines for Moderating Images on Social Media

Social media has become a very popular channel for people who want to share their experiences and thoughts with family and friends. Popular sites such as Instagram and Flickr allow users to upload photos on their mobile devices and share them instantly. Many companies are now incorporating social media into their overall marketing strategy. Accepting user-generated images can be a very effective way of enhancing interaction with customers and prospects. However, these images should be properly moderated so as to protect the reputation of your business and brand.

Here are some tips for moderating images on social media.

1. Captions

The caption that comes with an image is as important as its subject matter. The photo might communicate one thing, while the text sends a totally different message. Therefore, you need to take time to read the words in the caption and make sure you understand its meaning. Don’t forget to check any text that appears within the photo. Images that have inappropriate wordings should not be removed.

2. Memes

Memes have become an increasingly common phenomenon on the Internet. These are basically funny images with captions that people use to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others, often in a satirical manner. However, while memes can be a humorous way of sending a message, not all of them would be appropriate for your social media audience. Check the subject matter and captions for anything that could be offensive to an individual or a group of people. Such photos should not appear on your social media profiles.

3. Copyright laws

There are images such as company logos, symbols or even photos of products that are protected by copyright laws. It is therefore illegal to use such images without permission. However, some Internet users, out of ignorance or defiance, will use such images on memes or as their profile photos. This is why it is important to consider copyright laws when moderating your images. Any photo that is protected by the law should not be allowed.

4. Small pictures

To moderate an image, you should be able to see clearly the subject matter in the photo. However, at times, people upload very small images that can be very difficult to moderate. When someone posts such a photo, you will need to resize it first so as to see the contents properly. Images that become pixilated when enlarged should be rejected. To avoid such problems in future, you need to set a minimum and maximum acceptable size for your images.

5. Watermarked images

Some people place watermarks on their images as a sign of ownership or for promotional purposes. If the watermark has a company logo or a link to a site, it would be advisable to seek permission from the owner before posting it on your site. When permission is granted, make sure the watermark appears as it should without any distortion.

6. Screenshot images

Screenshots are photos in their own right. Such images need to be moderated carefully since they might contain information of a sensitive nature. Don’€™t accept screenshots from sites where members are required to pay before accessing the content. Posting such images would be a violation of privacy agreements. You should also reject screenshots from sites that contain illegal or pornographic content.