Open Graph protocol
The Open Graph Protocol is a specialized web page protocol used between client devices (computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc.). The protocol was initially designed for Facebook to enable developers to integrate their pages into Facebook's global mapping/tracking tool Social Graph. These pages gain the functionality of other graph objects including profile links and stream updates for connected users. In recent years the protocol gained wide spread use and also was integrated into functionality in major messaging apps. The protocol utilized in messaging apps such as iMessage adds the functionality whereby if a user shares a URL, the corresponding Open Graph metadata of the URL will allow for the display of the thumbnail or assigned image as part of the link.
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| Open Graph protocol | |
|---|---|
 Open Graph protocol logo | |
| Status | Active |
| First published | 2010 |
| Related standards | Hypertext Transfer Protocol |
The Open Graph Protocol is a specialized web page protocol used between client devices (computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc.). The protocol was initially designed for Facebook to enable developers to integrate their pages into Facebook's global mapping/tracking tool Social Graph. These pages gain the functionality of other graph objects including profile links and stream updates for connected users.[1]
In recent years the protocol gained wide spread use and also was integrated into functionality in major messaging apps. [2]The protocol utilized in messaging apps such as iMessage adds the functionality whereby if a user shares a URL, the corresponding Open Graph metadata of the URL will allow for the display of the thumbnail or assigned image as part of the link.[3]
History
[edit]The protocol was initially published in 2010 as part of Facebook.[4] Starting in 2016 it became integrated with iMessage in a functionality Apple initially called Rich Link.[5] Later on it was also integrated with Whatsapp messaging.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Open Graph protocol". ogp.me. Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ scottbartell (2019-03-05). "Implementing iMessage Link Previews with Open Graph". Scott Bartell. Retrieved 2026-04-16.
- ^ "TN3156: Create rich previews for Messages". Apple Developer Documentation. Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ "Metadata". web.dev. Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ "Apple Previews iOS 10, the Biggest iOS Release Ever". Apple Newsroom (Guinea-Bissau). Retrieved 2026-03-15.
- ^ "WhatsApp Link Preview & Open Graph Tags Guide (2026)". OpenGraph+. Retrieved 2026-03-15.