Three Best Ways to Indicate Your Image is Interactive

Andrew Beelitz September 3, 2015

Solution 1: Use a visual prompt

via Motor.ru, The Laws of Levitation

In this captivating article from Motor Russia they use their own custom logo to indicate interactivity. Edited into their images before tagging, the small yellow hand simply indicates that viewers should hover over the image in order to interact with the additional content. On the live image, you’ll notice that they are using pinned icons. This means that the icons show on the image whether readers mouse over or not, so users are more likely to notice the tags and therefore interact with them.

Solution 2: Just tell them!

via Europa Press, Imágenes del nuevo billete de 20 euros con ‘portrait window’

Europa Press takes the indication one step further! Not only do they have a their own icon to suggest interactivity, they spell it out for their readers. “Pasa por los iconos para conocer las novedades” or, “go through the icons for updates.” With an inconspicuous note, readers know exactly what to do and get the full ThingLink experience. This color coordinated image explains the security features of the upcoming new 20 euro bill.

Solution 3: Use an actionable icon

via JensonUSA, Road Trip to Moab: Part 2

JensonUSA takes what is perhaps the easiest route to implement. They use a mouse icon in the upper left of their image that has text instructing their users to click/hover for more information. This method requires no custom graphics, just an additional tag! English readers will naturally look to the upper left at first, so this is a great way to get their attention and teach them how to interact with the media you’ve created.  

How to do this with your own images

Adding a custom logo or instructional text can easily be accomplished by any of our users! Before uploading, use your favorite image editing platform (Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity, etc.) to add a simple text box or hand icon. Or if you have our Pro, Whitelabel, or Premium plans, upload a custom icon to do the job and pin it on your images. Upload custom icons here. They can be up to 140 x 64 pixels.

Pinned icons are also available to any of our paid users. Find the option under tag styling in the image editor. Just check the ‘pinned icon’ box before saving your tag.  

To create an instructional tag like Jenson’s choose whichever icon you think works best (the mouse icon is available with any of our paid plans) and include a short sentence to indicate interactivity. ex: “Click/hover on on the image for information on _______”

If you’re not yet familiar with image interactivity (or ThingLink), click here to request a demo and discover how you can harness the true power of interactive images in your marketing, branding, and content.