It turns out size really does matter, at least when it comes to social.

According to a recent report on The Next Web there's an ideal length for almost every social platform and online tool. Here are the highlights.

Keep It Simple, Seriously

If you've got something to say on Facebook, keep it snappy. The ideal length of a Facebook post is 40 characters or less, which garner 86 per cent higher engagement rates.

However if you can't quite contain your posts to 40 characters don't despair – Facebook posts with 80 characters or less still account for 66 per cent higher engagement rates than average.

Tweet all about it

Just because you have 140 characters on Twitter doesn't mean you should use all of them.

According to Buddy Media the ideal length of a tweet is 100 characters, which attracts a 17 per cent higher engagement rate. If in doubt less it more – tweets between 71 – 100 characters fared best overall.

Headline news

When it comes to article headlines, keep culling. Research shows users typically only scan the first and final three words of a headline, making the ideal headline length six words or less.

Email headlines are a bit more forgiving, allowing between 28 – 39 characters before cutting you off. 

If you enjoyed this article then subscribe FREE to the twice weekly SMK Digital Bulletin, click here now or visit www.smk.net.au/subscribe.

Also, click here download a FREE Social Media Policy Research Paper – worth $495. This FREE in-depth 17 page paper features insights from both communications and legal experts at the likes of: National Australia Bank (NAB), Edelman, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Social@Ogilvy, SMK – Social Media Knowledge, The Victorian Electoral Commission. Or visit www.smk.net.au/downloads for details.