The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Image Sizes: Get It Right Every Time
In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a platform for sharing updates—it’s a visual playground. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, using the right image sizes is crucial for making a lasting impression. After all, nobody wants their profile picture to look pixelated or their post to be cropped awkwardly.
But with so many platforms and constantly changing guidelines, keeping up with the correct image sizes can feel like a never-ending task. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through the optimal image sizes for all major social media platforms, ensuring your visuals always look sharp and professional.
Why Image Size Matters
Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about why getting the right image size is so important.
- First Impressions Count: Your profile picture or cover photo is often the first thing people see. A blurry or poorly cropped image can make your brand look unprofessional.
- Platform Algorithms: Social media platforms prioritise high-quality visuals. Using the correct dimensions ensures your posts are displayed correctly and may even boost engagement.
- Consistency Across Devices: With users accessing social media on everything from smartphones to desktops, the right image size ensures your content looks great on every screen.
The Complete Social Media Image Size Guide
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended image sizes for each platform, so you can create visuals that stand out.
1. Facebook
Facebook is one of the most versatile platforms, with different image requirements for profiles, posts, and ads.
- Profile Picture: 180 x 180 pixels (displays as 170 x 170 on desktop).
- Cover Photo: 820 x 312 pixels (displays differently on mobile and desktop).
- Post Image: 1200 x 630 pixels (ideal for link previews and shared content).
- Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical format).
Pro Tip: Keep your logo or key visuals centred in your profile picture, as it may be cropped into a circle on some devices.
2. Instagram
Instagram is all about visuals, so getting the sizing right is non-negotiable.
- Profile Picture: 110 x 110 pixels (displays as a circle).
- Square Post: 1080 x 1080 pixels (perfect for grid consistency).
- Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical format).
- Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical format, same as Stories).
Pro Tip: Use high-resolution images to maintain quality, especially since Instagram is a highly visual platform.
3. Twitter (X)
Twitter’s fast-paced nature means your visuals need to grab attention quickly.
- Profile Picture: 400 x 400 pixels (displays as a circle).
- Header Image: 1500 x 500 pixels (keep text and logos centred).
- Tweet Image: 1600 x 900 pixels (ideal for in-feed posts).
Pro Tip: Avoid placing important elements near the edges of your header image, as they may get cut off on different devices.
4. YouTube
As the second-largest search engine, YouTube relies heavily on visuals to attract viewers.
- Profile Picture: 800 x 800 pixels (displays as a circle).
- Channel Cover: 2560 x 1440 pixels (ensure key content is within the safe area).
- Video Thumbnail: 1280 x 720 pixels (use bold text and vibrant colours).
Pro Tip: Thumbnails are your first chance to grab a viewer’s attention—make them eye-catching!
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals, so your visuals need to reflect your brand’s credibility.
- Profile Picture: 400 x 400 pixels (displays as a circle).
- Banner Image: 1584 x 396 pixels (great for showcasing your brand or achievements).
- Post Image: 1200 x 628 pixels (ideal for articles and updates).
Pro Tip: Use your banner image to highlight your expertise or promote your latest project.
6. Pinterest
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform, so high-quality images are a must.
- Profile Picture: 165 x 165 pixels (displays as a circle).
- Pin Image: 1000 x 1500 pixels (vertical format works best).
Pro Tip: Vertical pins perform better on Pinterest, so aim for a 2:3 aspect ratio.
7. Google Display Ads
If you’re running ads, Google Display Network has specific requirements.
- Display Ads: Various sizes, but common ones include 300 x 250 pixels (medium rectangle) and 728 x 90 pixels (leaderboard).
Pro Tip: Use Google’s responsive ad feature to automatically adjust your ad size for different placements.
8. Emails and Blogs
Even outside social media, visuals play a key role in communication.
- Email Header: 600 x 200 pixels (keep it simple and impactful).
- Blog Featured Image: 1200 x 628 pixels (ideal for social sharing).
- Inline Blog Image: 800 x auto pixels (adjust height as needed).
Pro Tip: Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality, ensuring faster load times.
Final Thoughts
Getting your social media image sizes right might seem like a small detail, but it can make a world of difference in how your brand is perceived. Whether you’re updating your profile, posting content, or running ads, using the correct dimensions ensures your visuals look polished and professional.
Remember, social media is constantly evolving, so it’s a good idea to stay updated with the latest guidelines. Bookmark this guide, and you’ll never have to second-guess your image sizes again.
Now, go ahead and create stunning visuals that captivate your audience—your social media presence will thank you for it!