[2024] A Comprehensive Guide to Social Media Image & Video Sizes
Visual content is incredibly important for engaging users on social media. But with so many platforms out there, how do you keep track of the specific image sizes and formats required across each one?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the ideal image dimensions you need to create eye-catching and effective visual content across major social platforms in 2023.
Why Image Size Matters for Your Social Media Strategy
Posting images that are sized and optimized for each platform is crucial for several reasons:
- Better User Experience: Images sized properly will display correctly on desktop and mobile without awkward cropping or stretching. This provides a seamless viewing experience for your followers.
- Increased Engagement: Photos and videos optimized for feeds and profiles garner more likes, comments, and shares versus incorrect sizes.
- Enhanced Branding: Consistent image sizes allow your brand visuals and assets to be presented in the best possible way across all platforms.
- Algorithm Favorability: Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn favor content with properly sized and formatted images in their news feeds.
As social platforms frequently update size guidelines, it’s essential to stay up-to-date. Use this guide as a reference when creating visual assets to ensure they’ll look fantastic regardless of where they’re seen.
Facebook Image Sizes and Specifications
With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, mastering visual content for Facebook is key. The platform boasts several options for images throughout profiles and feeds.
Facebook Feed Post Photos Size
- Size: 1200 x 630 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape rectangle)
Horizontal photos in this size will display nicely in Facebook feeds without awkward cropping issues. Landscape images tend to garner more engagement as they preview better on desktop and mobile.
When sharing photos directly to your feed, use Canva or photo editing tools to customize images to these exact dimensions. Avoid simply resizing a large photo, which can reduce quality.
Facebook Stories Size
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Like Instagram and Snapchat stories, Facebook stories are vertical, full-screen images and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Create engaging content optimized for mobile viewers using the 9:16 ratio.
Facebook Thumbnails Size
- Size: 470 x 246 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape rectangle)
Whenever you post a link on Facebook with an accompanying image, this is the image size that will display in the thumbnail preview. Ensure brand consistency by providing custom thumbnails sized for maximum visibility.
Facebook Reels Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical rectangle)
- Length: Max 60 seconds
Facebook Events, Ads and Other Images Sizes
Additional images you may need for Facebook include:
- Event Covers: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 widescreen)
- Advertisements: 1200 x 628 pixels (1.91:1 landscape)
- App Icons: 512 x 512 pixels (square)
Tips for Creating Engaging Facebook Images
- Show faces and eyes to foster connections.
- Use minimal text overlaid on photos.
- Leverage bright colors that grab attention.
- Highlight your product or service in context.
- Share user-generated content when possible.
- Test various image layouts and styles.
By posting relevant, high-quality images sized specifically for Facebook, you can align with News Feed priorities and stand out in your audience’s feeds.
Instagram Image Size Specifications
Instagram is the platform to be on for photo sharing and visual branding. Here are the current image size requirements.
Instagram Feed Posts Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)
Instagram feed photos display as perfect squares. For ideal results, always upload images already cropped to 1080×1080. Avoid landscape or portrait orientations.
Instagram Stories Size
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Like Facebook, Instagram Stories are full-screen, vertical images and 15-second videos. Tailor your visual content to this mobile-friendly ratio.
Instagram Reels Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical rectangle)
- Length: Max 60 seconds (30s reels works better)
Instagram Thumbnails Size
- Size: 161 x 161 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)
This small square thumbnail represents your brand throughout the Instagram app interface. Use your logo or another consistent brand image sized to 161×161.
Tools and Apps for Instagram Image Creation
Some helpful options for crafting properly sized Instagram content:
- Canva: Provides templates for feed posts, stories, and thumbnails.
- Later: Allows you to schedule multi-format posts in advance.
- Preview: Lets you preview how feed posts will look before publishing.
- Adobe Lightroom: Offers robust photo editing tools and preset ratios.
Follow Instagram’s latest requirements when editing and exporting final images for uploading. Maintaining visual consistency is key for strong branding.
Ideal Image Sizes for X (f.k.a. Twitter)
On Twitter, landscape images that span the feed perform best, along with recognizable profile pictures.
X (f.k.a. Twitter) In-Feed Photos Size
- Size: 1024 x 512 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 2:1 (landscape rectangle)
Use horizontal photos in this rectangular shape for a nice in-stream fit and preview.
X (f.k.a. Twitter) Picture Size
- Size: 400 x 400 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)
Have a distinctive, square Twitter profile photo that represents your brand or personality.
X (f.k.a. Twitter) Header Image
- Size: 1500 x 500 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 3:1 (landscape rectangle)
The Twitter header photo provides prime real estate for visual branding. Use a vibrant, customized banner that complements your profile picture.
X (f.k.a. Twitter) Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical rectangle)
- Length: Max 140 seconds
Tips for Great Twitter Images
- Overlay minimal text on photos.
- Leverage contrasting colors that pop.
- Use bokeh and depth effects.
- Feature people and faces.
- Cross-post horizontal images from Instagram.
- Ensure images look great on mobile.
Post visually engaging photos to your Twitter feed regularly. Use analytics to determine which image styles resonate best with your audience.
YouTube Thumbnail and Channel Art Specs
YouTube offers capabilities for branded channel customization through thumbnails and banners.
YouTube Thumbnails Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1280 x 720 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)
Thumbnails appear next to video titles on YouTube. The 16:9 horizontal ratio matches YouTube’s video player dimensions. Craft customized thumbnails that represent each video using graphic icons, solid colors, and brief text. Intriguing thumbnails can improve click-through-rates.
Youtube Shorts Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical rectangle)
- Length: Max 60 seconds
YouTube Channel Art Size
- Size: 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)
Your Channel Art banner displayed atop your YouTube channel page enables visual branding. Use a panoramic image or graphic that represents your brand identity.
Ensure important visual elements are focused in the center, as the banner may be cropped on certain displays. Refer to YouTube’s help articles for detailed channel art specifications and policies.
Crafting Stunning Visual Content for Pinterest
Pinterest is extremely visual in nature, making properly sized and captivating images essential.
Pinterest Pin Sizes
- Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 2:3 (vertical rectangle)
Pin images to vertical boards in this tall, narrow ratio. The key is having a clean, symmetrical composition that will immediately grab attention.
Pinterest Profile Images Size and Aspect Ratio
- Profile Picture: 165 x 165 pixels (square)
- Board Display Image: 222 x 150 pixels (1.46:1 landscape rectangle)
Use consistent profile and board images to reinforce your brand identity throughout Pinterest.
Design Tips for Pinterest
- Use minimal text overlays.
- Feature your product or service prominently.
- Incorporate ample negative space.
- Leverage bright, contrasting colors.
- Maintain cohesive image and content style.
Analyze Pinterest analytics to identify popular pin content styles to inform your visual strategy.
Ideal Image Sizes for LinkedIn
Maintaining a professional brand presence on LinkedIn relies partly on properly sized and composed profile images.
LinkedIn Feed Post Images Size
- Size: 1200 x 627 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (landscape rectangle)
Share informative articles and updates with horizontal images sized to fit nicely in the LinkedIn feed.
LinkedIn Cover Images Size and Aspect Ratio
- Size: 1584 x 396 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:1 (wide landscape rectangle)
The LinkedIn cover photo is a banner along the top of your profile. Use a high-quality, branded image that conveys your professionalism.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Size
- Size: 400 x 400 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)
Have a quality headshot or logo as your LinkedIn profile picture. Consistent branding across your images fosters connections.
LinkedIn Posting Best Practices
- Share industry-relevant updates, news, and advice.
- Post consistently to stay top of mind.
- Use relevant hashtags and @mentions.
- Leverage your Company Page.
- Promote content in LinkedIn Groups.
Review LinkedIn Page analytics to optimize your content strategy over time. Maintaining your professional brand through quality images and posts is key.
Ideal Specs for Reddit, Snapchat and TikTok
Other social platforms have their own imaging needs and best practices.
- Subreddit Banner: 1920 x 384 pixels (5:1 landscape rectangle)
- Subreddit Logo: 256 x 256 pixels (square)
- Post Preview Image: Varies, under 20MB, 4:3 to 16:9 aspect ratio
Follow each subreddit’s rules when posting images. Moderating your own subreddit? Design engaging headers and graphics that reflect your community.
Snapchat
- Profile Picture: 320 x 320 pixels (square)
- Geofilter: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical)
- Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical)
Snapchat is ideal for fun, in-the-moment content. Use the platform’s capabilities for augmented reality lenses, filters, and more to enhance your snaps.
TikTok
- Profile Picture: 200 x 200 pixels (square)
- Banner: 860 x 360 pixels (2.39:1 landscape)
- Video: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical), Max 3min or 180s length
TikTok is the place for short, entertaining videos. Film vertically using the app’s built-in tools. Test different content styles to see what performs best.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Creating properly sized and engaging images is crucial for your social media success. A few key tips:
- Reference each platform’s current guidelines for ideal image sizes. Requirements evolve over time so stay updated!
- Craft images in the native sizes needed, don’t just resize images after the fact.
- Ensure visuals look great on both desktop and mobile. Take a mobile-first approach.
- Maintain brand consistency with profile pictures and banners sized correctly.
- Analyze performance data and metrics to determine what visual content resonates best on each platform.
- Use templates and tools like Canva to design quality images tailored for your brand.
By consistently posting images optimized for each social platform, you can effectively expand your reach and engagement. Your high-quality visual content will enable meaningful connections with your target audience.