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Q. I’ve been seeing colorful new Facebook posts but I’m confused about how they work. I like seeing them on my Facebook and I want to use them too. But sometimes they work for me and sometimes they don’t.
Can you do an article about how to use them?
Also, I’ve been seeing people use rainbow flags to Like posts on Facebook, but I don’t seem to have that choice. Is there a special app for that?
Thanks so much for helping us understand this Facebook stuff!
A. Thank you for your question to The Wonder of Tech. Readers’ questions help me know what people want to learn.
Adding Color to the Background of Your Facebook Posts
Yes, Facebook users around the world can now add color to their posts. The update began at the end of last year for the Facebook Android app and now has come to the iPhone/iPad app as well as to the Facebook website.
By using a colored background to your post, you can help your status update stand out amongst the clutter in your friends’ feeds.
You can add a background to your Facebook post in either a solid or gradient color. Facebook currently gives you a choice of different colors for the background of your post.
No matter what color you choose for your background, the words will be white and the text will be bold.
How to Add Color
Facebook Website
To add a colored background to your Facebook post on your computer, begin typing your message where it says, ” What’s on your mind?“. You will see an artist’s palette of colors below your message.
Click or tap on one to change the color of your post.
Try different colors until you find one you like. You can change your mind until you publish the post. You may like a solid color or you may prefer a background that has a variety of colors.
If you decide you don’t want to use any color after you’ve tried some, choose the white option and your post will go back to the traditional background. If you don’t want to see the palette, tap the arrow on the left and the color options will disappear.
Facebook App
If you don’t see the color palette when you post a status update using the Facebook app, swipe down to see the palette.
You may see color choices you don’t have when posting from your computer.
When You Can’t Add Color to Your Facebook Posts
With some kinds of posts you may not be able to add color to the background. For example, Facebook does not let you add color when you add a link, photo or video to your posts.
You are also limited to 130 characters in colored Facebook posts. You may pick out a lovely color, begin typing your message, but then find the background turns to white. Your color options disappear.
If that happens, delete characters until your color options return.
Fewer than 130 characters:
More than 130 characters:
Which one do you think is more noticeable?
Rainbow Flag Reactions on Facebook
Note to readers: the rainbow flag emoji is no longer available on Facebook.
Facebook has added an option for a rainbow flag reaction in honor of Pride Month. You don’t need to add an app, but you do need to Like the LGBTQ@Facebook page to get the rainbow flag reaction.
If you’d like to get the rainbow flag reaction, go to the LGBTQ@Facebook Page and Like it.
Go back to your Facebook Home page and you will see the Rainbow flag as an option in your choices of reactions.
[note] To learn more about Facebook reactions, check out => Facebook Reactions — What’s Your Reaction? [/note]
Your Thoughts
Have you noticed colored backgrounds on Facebook posts? Have you been wondering how to use them? Do you think they make a difference in how your posts get noticed? Have you used or seen the rainbow flag reaction on Facebook?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Voice of America Learning English
If you’re interested in learning English as you learn about tech, check out my personal technology column at Voice of America Learning English. The column includes a podcast to help you learn spoken English.
This week’s article is: Apple Announces New Tech.
Hi,
Nice post!! By adding colours to our Facebook posts we can easily grab the attention of visitors…Thanks for the useful information….
Hi Rakesh, Yes, by using a colored background we can make our posts stand out more and be noticed. But we need to make our posts short and avoid including links, photos and videos if we want to colorize our posts.
Hi Carolyn Nicander Mohr,
Thats absolutely true Carolyn Nicander Mohr…..Thanks
You’re welcome, Rakesh. No fake news here, only the truth!
Hi Carolyn,
it’s very nice that we can add Color to our Facebook Posts.before reading this post I don’t know about that but I will definitely try this.this became my post very attractive.thank u.
ruby singh
Hi Ruby, Yes, when you add color to your posts on Facebook, they will be noticed more. I hope you enjoy using this new feature on Facebook, Ruby.
Sorry, please tell me how do I write the rainbow flag reaction emoji . Can you help me?
Hello kí, Sorry, that emoji on Facebook appears to have been only available during Pride Month. I will update the article to reflect that information.