What Makes People Scroll Past Social Media Content?

Social media is one of the most effective tools to engage your audience—but let’s be honest, not all content lands well. Some posts get likes, comments, and shares, while others get… a quick scroll. So, what makes users switch off?

Here are six common turn-offs in social media content, backed by insights from recent studies, and some tips on how to avoid them.

Overusing Emojis

Emojis can add personality to your posts, but there’s a fine line between fun and overkill. Too many can make your content look unprofessional or hard to read. A few well-placed emojis are fine, but make sure they enhance, not distract from, your message.

Hard-to-Read Text

Small fonts or overly fancy scripts may look stylish, but if your audience struggles to read your content, they’ll move on. Optimise for readability by keeping fonts clear and text sizes large enough for mobile users. TOP TIP: Always remember that when you’re designing in Canva the font may look readable or large enough but once it’s scaled down on a phone it may be too small!

Cluttered Visuals

Less is more when it comes to design. Overloading a post with images, text, and graphics can overwhelm viewers and bury your message. Stick to clean, minimalistic layouts that draw attention to your key points.

Low-Quality Images or Videos

Grainy photos or poorly edited videos can make your brand appear careless. High-quality visuals don’t just look better, they show you’ve put thought and effort into your content. Another pitfall to avoid is using screen shots as images for your socials. They will render as blurry!

Irrelevant or Clickbait Content

Your audience follows you for a reason—because they’re interested in what you offer. Posting irrelevant or clickbait-style content might grab attention temporarily, but it erodes trust in the long run. Always deliver value that aligns with your audience’s interests.

Inconsistent Posting

Consistency is key. Posting too much can bombard overwhelm your audience, while long gaps between updates can make them forget about you. Develop a balanced posting schedule to keep your audience engaged without overloading their feed.

The Bottom Line

Creating content that resonates isn’t just about avoiding these pitfalls, it’s about understanding what your audience values and delivering it in an authentic, engaging way.

If you’re finding it tricky to nail your social media game, let’s chat. Whether you need guidance or a complete content strategy, we’re here to help you create posts that your audience loves and actually engages with!