Live checker
Test a URL in the WhatsApp Link Preview Checker
Use LinkPeek as a WhatsApp link preview checker when a URL shows as plain text, uses the wrong image, or keeps showing stale metadata after a fix. WhatsApp relies heavily on Open Graph tags and can be strict about image size, format, HTTPS access, and caching. LinkPeek shows the WhatsApp-style card near the top of the page and pairs it with a metadata audit so you can fix the root cause before sending the link to a chat, group, or campaign audience.
Diagnose missing WhatsApp preview images
WhatsApp preview failures usually come from one of a few metadata problems: no og:image, a relative image URL, unsupported media, blocked crawler access, or stale cache. A raw tag checker can confirm that a tag exists, but it cannot show whether the card actually looks useful inside a chat thread.
- Check whether og:image is present, absolute, and reachable over HTTPS
- Confirm the title and description are short enough for WhatsApp cards
- Review image dimensions and file size risks before the link is shared
Handle WhatsApp cache issues without guessing
WhatsApp can keep showing old titles or images after a page is fixed. LinkPeek helps you compare the canonical URL with a versioned URL so you can separate a metadata problem from a cache problem.
- Retest the fixed page before sending it again
- Use a cache-busted query string when WhatsApp still shows an old card
- Document the current title, description, image, and crawler status for handoff
Protect private-channel launches
WhatsApp shares often happen in private communities, customer chats, founder groups, and partner channels where there is no easy public correction after a broken card appears. Checking the preview first protects the first impression.
- Test launch pages before sending them to private groups
- Catch plain-text fallback links before campaign traffic starts
- Make social card QA part of the release checklist for important pages
How to use this whatsapp link preview checker
- 1Paste the page URL into LinkPeek.
- 2Switch to the WhatsApp preview card in the app selector.
- 3Check the title, description, image crop, and destination URL.
- 4Fix Open Graph tags, image access, or cache-busting issues from the audit.
- 5Retest before sending the link in a WhatsApp chat or group.
Common issues this page helps debug
WhatsApp shows no image
Check for a missing og:image, unsupported format, blocked image URL, tiny image, oversized image, or insecure HTTP asset.
WhatsApp shows the old image
The page may be fixed but WhatsApp may still have cached the old metadata. Retest a versioned URL such as ?v=2 after confirming the tags are correct.
WhatsApp shows only a tiny thumbnail
Images that are too small or awkwardly cropped can produce weak cards. Use a 1200 by 630 image for broad compatibility.
The preview works elsewhere but not WhatsApp
WhatsApp is often stricter than other platforms about image access, file size, and Open Graph quality.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my WhatsApp link preview image not showing?
Common causes include a missing og:image tag, a relative image URL, unsupported image format, blocked crawler access, image size problems, or stale WhatsApp cache.
What image size should I use for WhatsApp link previews?
Use a 1200 by 630 image for broad social-card compatibility, and keep the file compressed so crawlers can fetch it reliably.
Does WhatsApp use Twitter Card tags?
WhatsApp primarily reads Open Graph tags such as og:title, og:description, and og:image. Twitter Card tags are mainly for X.
Can LinkPeek clear WhatsApp cache?
LinkPeek cannot directly clear WhatsApp cache, but it helps verify fixed metadata and test cache-busted URLs so you know what changed.