Welcome to the ultimate guide on social media image sizes for different platforms. In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial for businesses, influencers, and individuals alike. One of the key factors in maintaining a professional and visually appealing online presence is using the right image dimensions for each platform.
In this guide, I will cover the most popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok. I will provide you with detailed information on image sizes for profile pictures, cover photos, shared images, and other essential visual elements for each platform.
As I go through each platform, I will suggest images that can complement your content and help you create an engaging and memorable experience for your audience. This guide will serve as a comprehensive resource that you can refer to whenever you need to optimize your images for any social media platform.
Facebook Image Sizes
Facebook is the largest social media platform, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users. It’s crucial to make sure your images are optimized for this platform to create a professional and visually appealing presence. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for profile pictures, cover photos, shared images, event covers, group covers, and page covers.
Facebook Profile Picture
The profile picture on Facebook represents your personal or business identity. It’s displayed in various locations, such as next to your posts, comments, and in searches. The ideal size for a Facebook profile picture is 180 x 180 pixels. Keep in mind that your profile picture will be displayed as a circle, so make sure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
Facebook Cover Photo
Your cover photo appears at the top of your profile or page and serves as a visual introduction to your content. The recommended dimensions for a Facebook cover photo are 820 x 312 pixels on desktop and 640 x 360 pixels on mobile devices. Keep the important content (such as text or logos) within the safe area (the central part of the image) to ensure it’s visible on both desktop and mobile devices.
Facebook Shared Image
When you share a link or an image on Facebook, the platform automatically generates a thumbnail preview. The ideal size for a shared image is 1200 x 630 pixels. This size ensures that the image appears clear and crisp when viewed on various devices and screen resolutions. Using high-quality images with bold colors and simple compositions can help your content stand out in users’ news feeds.
Facebook Event Cover
Event covers are used to promote events created on Facebook. The recommended size for an event cover photo is 1920 x 1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This size ensures that the image looks great on both desktop and mobile devices. Make sure to include essential information about the event, such as the title, date, and location, in the cover image.
Facebook Group Cover
A group cover photo represents the theme or purpose of a Facebook group. The ideal dimensions for a Facebook group cover photo are 1640 x 856 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1. This size ensures that the cover photo appears well on both desktop and mobile devices. Use an image that reflects the group’s topic or interests, and consider adding text or a logo to make it more engaging.
Facebook Page Cover
A page cover photo is similar to a profile cover photo but is designed for businesses, organizations, or public figures. The recommended dimensions for a Facebook page cover photo are 820 x 312 pixels on desktop and 640 x 360 pixels on mobile devices. As with profile cover photos, keep important content within the safe area to ensure it’s visible on all devices.
Facebook Image Sizes
Facebook allows a maximum file size of 10 MB for profile pictures and cover photos. For shared images and event cover photos, the maximum file size is 15 MB for JPEGs and 25 MB for PNGs. In the case of video uploads, Facebook supports files up to 4 GB with a maximum duration of 240 minutes.
In conclusion, using the correct image sizes for your Facebook presence is essential to create a visually appealing and professional online presence. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your images look great on all devices and help you stand out in the crowded world of social media.
Instagram Image Sizes
Instagram is a visually-driven social media platform with over 1 billion monthly active users. It’s essential to use the right image sizes on Instagram to create a cohesive and visually appealing feed. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for profile pictures, square posts, portrait posts, landscape posts, stories, and IGTV thumbnails.
Instagram Profile Picture
Your Instagram profile picture represents your personal or business identity and appears next to your username in search results and comments. The ideal size for an Instagram profile picture is 180 x 180 pixels. Just like Facebook, Instagram displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
Instagram Square Post
Square posts are the most common format on Instagram, and they provide a clean, balanced look for your feed. The recommended size for a square post is 1080 x 1080 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1. Using high-quality images with vibrant colors and engaging compositions can help your content stand out in users’ feeds.
Instagram Portrait Post
Portrait posts are taller than square posts and can be used to showcase vertical images more effectively. The ideal size for a portrait post is 1080 x 1350 pixels with an aspect ratio of 4:5. This format is perfect for showcasing fashion, full-body shots, or any content that benefits from a taller display.
Instagram Landscape Post
Landscape posts are wider than square posts and are suitable for displaying horizontal images, such as scenic landscapes or group photos. The recommended size for a landscape post is 1080 x 566 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1. Keep in mind that landscape images may appear smaller in users’ feeds compared to square or portrait posts.
Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a popular feature that allows users to share fleeting moments with their followers. The ideal size for Instagram Stories is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This size ensures that the story appears full-screen on most mobile devices. Use engaging visuals, text overlays, and stickers to make your stories more interactive and entertaining.
IGTV Thumbnail
IGTV is Instagram’s platform for sharing long-form vertical videos. When you upload a video to IGTV, a thumbnail image is generated for your followers to see in their feed. The recommended size for an IGTV thumbnail is 420 x 654 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1:1.55. Make sure the thumbnail accurately represents the content of your video and is visually appealing to encourage users to watch.
Instagram File Size
For Instagram profile pictures, the maximum file size is 5 MB. When it comes to posts (square, portrait, and landscape), Instagram accepts image files up to 30 MB. For Instagram Stories, the maximum file size is 30 MB for images and 4 GB for videos. IGTV videos can be up to 3.6 GB in size and have a maximum duration of 60 minutes.
In conclusion, optimizing your images for Instagram is crucial for maintaining a visually cohesive and appealing feed. By using the correct image sizes for different post formats and features, you’ll create a better user experience and improve your chances of gaining followers and engagement on this popular platform.
Twitter Image Sizes
Twitter is a fast-paced social media platform with over 330 million monthly active users. Images play a significant role in capturing users’ attention and increasing engagement on this text-heavy platform. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for profile pictures, header photos, and in-stream photos.
Twitter Profile Picture
Your Twitter profile picture represents your personal or business identity and appears next to your tweets and in search results. The ideal size for a Twitter profile picture is 400 x 400 pixels. Just like Facebook and Instagram, Twitter displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
Twitter Header Photo
The header photo appears at the top of your Twitter profile and serves as a visual introduction to your content. The recommended dimensions for a Twitter header photo are 1500 x 500 pixels. This size ensures that the header photo looks great on various devices and screen resolutions. Use an image that reflects your brand or interests and consider adding text or a logo to make it more engaging.
Twitter In-stream Photo
In-stream photos are images that appear within your tweets and can significantly increase engagement and visibility. The ideal size for an in-stream photo is 1024 x 512 pixels with an aspect ratio of 2:1. Keep in mind that Twitter may crop the image to fit within the tweet, so place essential elements (such as text or logos) in the center of the image to ensure they’re visible.
When sharing multiple images in a single tweet, Twitter will automatically generate a collage preview. The platform supports up to four images per tweet, with various display options depending on the number of images shared. Ensure that all images are high-quality and visually appealing to encourage users to engage with your content.
Twitter File Size
The maximum file size for Twitter profile pictures and header photos is 2 MB. For in-stream photos, Twitter allows a maximum file size of 5 MB for images and 15 MB for GIFs. Videos uploaded to Twitter can be up to 512 MB in size and have a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
In conclusion, using the correct image sizes on Twitter is essential for capturing users’ attention and increasing engagement on this fast-paced platform. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your images look great on all devices and help your content stand out in the ever-updating stream of tweets.
LinkedIn Image Sizes
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform with over 774 million users. It’s essential to use the right image sizes on LinkedIn to create a polished and professional presence that reflects your personal or business brand. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for profile pictures, background images, company logos, banner images, and shared images.
LinkedIn Profile Picture
Your LinkedIn profile picture represents your personal identity and appears next to your name in search results, comments, and connection requests. The ideal size for a LinkedIn profile picture is 400 x 400 pixels. As with other social media platforms, LinkedIn displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
LinkedIn Background Image
The background image appears at the top of your LinkedIn profile and serves as a visual introduction to your professional brand. The recommended dimensions for a LinkedIn background image are 1584 x 396 pixels. This size ensures that the background image looks great on various devices and screen resolutions. Use an image that reflects your industry, interests, or expertise, and consider adding text or a logo to make it more engaging.
LinkedIn Company Logo
A company logo represents your business identity on LinkedIn and appears next to your company name in search results, posts, and on your company page. The ideal size for a LinkedIn company logo is 300 x 300 pixels. Using a high-quality, square version of your logo ensures that it looks sharp and professional on the platform.
LinkedIn Banner Image
The banner image appears at the top of your company page and serves as a visual representation of your brand. The recommended dimensions for a LinkedIn banner image are 1128 x 191 pixels. This size ensures that the banner image looks great on various devices and screen resolutions. Use an image that reflects your brand values, products, or services, and consider adding text or a logo to make it more engaging.
LinkedIn Shared Image
When you share a link or an image on LinkedIn, the platform automatically generates a thumbnail preview. The ideal size for a shared image is 1200 x 627 pixels with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1. This size ensures that the image appears clear and crisp when viewed on various devices and screen resolutions. Using high-quality images with simple compositions and bold colors can help your content stand out in users’ feeds.
LinkedIn File Size
LinkedIn allows a maximum file size of 8 MB for profile pictures and background images. For company logos and banner images, the maximum file size is 4 MB. Shared images should not exceed 5 MB in size. LinkedIn supports video uploads up to 5 GB in size and with a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
In conclusion, using the correct Linkedin image sizes for your LinkedIn presence is essential to create a polished and professional online presence. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your images look great on all devices and help you stand out in the competitive world of professional networking.
Pinterest Image Sizes
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform with over 478 million monthly active users. It’s essential to use the right image sizes on Pinterest to create an engaging and visually appealing presence that captures users’ attention and drives traffic to your content. In this section, I will cover the Pinterest image sizes for profile pictures, board covers, and pin sizes.
Pinterest Profile Picture
Your Pinterest profile picture represents your personal or business identity and appears next to your username in search results, comments, and pins. The ideal size for a Pinterest profile picture is 180 x 180 pixels. Just like other social media platforms, Pinterest displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
Pinterest Board Cover
A board cover is the image that represents a specific Pinterest board and serves as a visual introduction to the board’s content. The recommended dimensions for a Pinterest board cover are 600 x 600 pixels. This size ensures that the board cover looks great on various devices and screen resolutions. Use an image that reflects the theme or topic of the board and consider adding text or a logo to make it more engaging.
Pinterest Pin Size
Pins are the primary content format on Pinterest, and their size can significantly impact their visibility and engagement. The ideal size for a Pinterest pin is 1000 x 1500 pixels with an aspect ratio of 2:3. This size ensures that the pin appears clear and crisp when viewed on various devices and screen resolutions. Pins with longer vertical images tend to perform better on Pinterest, as they take up more space in the feed and are easier to view on mobile devices.
It’s also worth noting that Pinterest supports various pin formats, such as video pins and carousel pins. Video pins should have an aspect ratio between 1:1 (square) and 16:9 (widescreen). Carousel pins can have up to five images, each with an aspect ratio of 2:3 or 1:1.
Pinterest File Size
Pinterest has a maximum file size limit of 20 MB for profile pictures, board covers, and pin images. For video pins, the maximum file size is 2 GB.
In conclusion, using the correct Pinterest image sizes for your Pinterest presence is essential to create a visually appealing and engaging experience for users. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your Pinterest images look great on all devices and help your content stand out in the visually-driven world of Pinterest.
YouTube Image Sizes
YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform with over 2 billion monthly active users. It’s essential to use the right image sizes on YouTube to create a visually appealing and professional presence that captures users’ attention and drives engagement with your content. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for profile pictures, channel art, video thumbnails, and end screen elements.
YouTube Profile Picture
Your YouTube profile picture represents your personal or business identity and appears next to your channel name in search results, comments, and video descriptions. The ideal size for a YouTube profile picture is 800 x 800 pixels. Just like other social media platforms, YouTube displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
YouTube Channel Art
Channel art is the banner image that appears at the top of your YouTube channel and serves as a visual introduction to your content. The recommended channel cover photo dimensions for YouTube channel art are 2560 x 1440 pixels. This channel cover photo size ensures that the channel art looks great on various devices and screen resolutions. Keep important content (such as text or logos) within the safe area (the central part of the image) to ensure it’s visible on all devices.
Suggested Image Sizes for Different Devices:
- Desktop: 2560 x 423 pixels (safe area)
- Tablet: 1855 x 423 pixels
- Mobile: 1546 x 423 pixels
- TV: 2560 x 1440 pixels
YouTube Video Thumbnails
Video thumbnails are the images that represent your videos in search results, recommendations, and on your channel page. The ideal size for a YouTube video thumbnail is 1280 x 720 pixels with a minimum width of 640 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. This size ensures that the thumbnail appears clear and crisp when viewed on various devices and screen resolutions. Use high-quality images with bold colors, engaging compositions, and clear text to encourage users to click on your videos.
YouTube End Screen Elements
End screens are interactive elements that appear at the end of your videos and can include links to other videos, playlists, channels, or external websites. The ideal size for YouTube end screen elements varies depending on the type of element, but generally, you should use images with a minimum resolution of 300 x 300 pixels. Ensure that the images are clear, visually appealing, and accurately represent the content they link to.
YouTube File Size
YouTube’s maximum file size for profile pictures is 2 MB. Channel art should not exceed 6 MB in size. For video uploads, YouTube supports files up to 128 GB or 12 hours in duration, whichever is less.
In conclusion, using the correct YouTube image sizes for your YouTube presence is essential to create a visually appealing and professional online presence. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your images look great on all devices and help your content stand out in the competitive world of video sharing.
TikTok Image Sizes
TikTok is a short-form video platform with over 1 billion monthly active users, known for its creative and engaging content. To create a visually appealing and professional presence on TikTok, it’s essential to use the right image sizes for profile pictures, video dimensions, and ad formats. In this section, I will cover the image sizes for these elements.
TikTok Profile Picture
Your TikTok profile picture represents your personal or business identity and appears next to your username in search results, comments, and likes. The ideal size for a TikTok profile picture is 200 x 200 pixels. Just like other social media platforms, TikTok displays profile pictures as circles, so ensure your image is centered and fits within the circular frame.
TikTok Video Dimensions
The primary content format on TikTok is short-form vertical videos. The recommended dimensions for TikTok videos are 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This size ensures that your videos appear full-screen on most mobile devices, providing an immersive viewing experience. It’s crucial to use high-quality videos with engaging visuals and audio to capture users’ attention and encourage them to interact with your content.
TikTok Ad Formats
TikTok offers various ad formats for businesses to reach their target audience and drive engagement. Below are the recommended image and video sizes for different TikTok ad formats:
In-Feed Ads
In-feed ads appear in users’ “For You” feed and blend seamlessly with organic content. The recommended size for in-feed ad images is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. For in-feed ad videos, use the same dimensions as regular TikTok videos (1080 x 1920 pixels).
Brand Takeover Ads
Brand takeover ads are full-screen static or dynamic ads that appear when a user opens the TikTok app. The recommended size for brand takeover ad images is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. For brand takeover ad videos, use the same dimensions as regular TikTok videos (1080 x 1920 pixels).
TopView Ads
TopView ads are full-screen video ads that appear after the initial app launch and can last up to 60 seconds. The recommended dimensions for TopView ad videos are 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
Branded Hashtag Challenge
Branded hashtag challenges encourage users to create and share content using a specific hashtag, often associated with a brand or campaign. The image size for the branded hashtag challenge banner is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16.
TikTok File Size
The maximum file size for TikTok profile pictures is 5 MB. Video dimensions have a maximum file size of 287.6 MB for iOS devices and 72 MB for Android devices. For TikTok ads, the maximum file size depends on the ad format but generally falls within the range of 500 KB to 500 MB.
In conclusion, using the correct social media image sizes for your TikTok presence is essential to create a visually appealing and professional online presence. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your images and videos look great on all devices and help your content stand out in the fast-paced world of TikTok.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, social media platforms play a crucial role in personal branding, business promotion, and content sharing. To make the most of these platforms and create a visually appealing and professional online presence, it’s essential to use the correct social media image sizes for each platform.
In summary, here are the ideal social media image sizes for various social media platforms:
- Facebook: Profile picture (180 x 180 pixels), cover photo (820 x 312 pixels), shared images (1200 x 630 pixels), and event cover photo (1920 x 1080 pixels).
- Instagram: Profile picture (180 x 180 pixels), square post (1080 x 1080 pixels), portrait post (1080 x 1350 pixels), landscape post (1080 x 566 pixels), stories (1080 x 1920 pixels), and IGTV thumbnail (420 x 654 pixels).
- Twitter: Profile picture (400 x 400 pixels), header photo (1500 x 500 pixels), and in-stream photo (1024 x 512 pixels).
- LinkedIn: Profile picture (400 x 400 pixels), background image (1584 x 396 pixels), company logo (300 x 300 pixels), banner image (1128 x 191 pixels), and shared image (1200 x 627 pixels).
- Pinterest: Profile picture (180 x 180 pixels), board cover (600 x 600 pixels), and pin size (1000 x 1500 pixels).
- YouTube: Profile picture (800 x 800 pixels), channel art (2560 x 1440 pixels), video thumbnails (1280 x 720 pixels), and end screen elements (minimum resolution of 300 x 300 pixels).
- TikTok: Profile picture (200 x 200 pixels), video dimensions (1080 x 1920 pixels), and various ad formats depending on the campaign requirements.
By adhering to these guidelines and optimizing your images for each platform, edit images and you’ll ensure that your content looks great on all devices and helps you stand out in the competitive world of social media. Whether you’re promoting a personal brand, a business, or sharing creative content, using the correct image sizes will enhance user experience, increase engagement, and ultimately contribute to your online success.
