Why is “You won’t believe what happened!” a weak headline?
The short answer
Facebook says it may show posts less often when their headlines hide essential information or exaggerate the content.
What this answer is based onWhat to do
Name the article’s subject and the real benefit for the reader.
- Check whether readers know the subject before clicking.
- Remove a dramatic promise the article doesn’t deliver.
- For this example: “Choosing a pot for basil: why drainage holes matter.” The article should genuinely answer that question.
The situation
You share an article about repotting basil: “Gardeners are hiding THIS. One item will change your life forever!” It contains ordinary advice about choosing a pot with drainage holes.
The situation and an improvement
Gardeners are hiding THIS. One item will change your life forever!
Choosing a pot for basil: why drainage holes matter.
What this answer is based on
Meta · Reducing Clickbait Headlinesabout.fb.comGuide based on Meta’s materialReview details
Source reviewed:
We read the official source listed for this topic. Other Meta rules are reviewed separately.
Primary source reread: . This does not mean every supplementary source, translation or app screen was rechecked.
Material published: May 17, 2017
Material updated: June 22, 2020
Include the guide link, language and wording that needs checking. Add an official source link if you have one. Do not send passwords, login codes or photos of identity documents.
Examples are made up to explain the guidance. Meta decides individual account and content cases.
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