Brief Overview

ShoutOuts are attention-grabbing balloons used to highlight important information or guide users at key moments. This article covers best practices for using ShoutOuts effectively once you are familiar with the basics.

There are two main ShoutOut types, each with different usage guidelines:

1. Essential
2. Non-Disruptive

Avoid mixing these types within the same use case. Each should be used intentionally and contextually, based on the urgency of the message.

ShoutOuts: Getting Started Guide

Essential ShoutOuts

Use Essential ShoutOuts when you need to immediately capture the user's attention and ensure the message is seen.

Best practices

• Turn on Spotlight to focus the user's attention
• Prevent users from clicking outside the ShoutOut
• Use concise, action-oriented text that clearly communicates the message
• Treat this ShoutOut like an interruption—users are more likely to close it
• Trigger the ShoutOut when a new page loads, rather than appearing mid-action

Use cases

• Mandatory steps or acknowledgments
• Critical announcements or changes
• Blocking issues that require immediate attention

Non-Disruptive ShoutOuts

Use Non-Disruptive ShoutOuts to provide helpful context without interrupting the user's flow.

Best practices

• Keep Spotlight turned off
• Allow users to continue interacting with the page
• Position the ShoutOut so it does not block key UI elements
• Use smaller indicators than Mission Critical ShoutOuts
• Keep the message short, clear, and informational
• Delay launch slightly to allow users to orient themselves on the page

Use cases

• Tips and hints
• Feature highlights
• Optional guidance or reminders

General ShoutOut Guidelines

• Always place ShoutOuts where their appearance is relevant to the current page or task
• Avoid overusing ShoutOuts, as frequent interruptions reduce effectiveness
• Use consistent language and tone across related ShoutOuts
• Test placement and timing to ensure the ShoutOut enhances, rather than disrupts, the user experience

Tip Tuesday Videos

ShoutOut Background Images, Carousels, and Delays

Elevate your ShoutOut with Lottie Animations

How to Keep ShoutOuts Open During Training!