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Social Media Image Sizes Guide 2026: Every Platform

Updated February 27, 2026 · 16 min read

Using the wrong image size on social media means cropped photos, blurry thumbnails, and wasted reach. Every platform has specific pixel dimensions for profile pictures, cover images, feed posts, stories, and ads. Get them wrong and the algorithm buries your content. Get them right and your posts look sharp on every device.

This is the definitive reference for every social media image size in 2026. We cover X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest with exact pixel dimensions, aspect ratios, file format recommendations, and maximum file sizes.

Table of Contents 1. X (Twitter) Image Sizes 2. Instagram Image Sizes 3. Facebook Image Sizes 4. LinkedIn Image Sizes 5. TikTok Image & Video Sizes 6. YouTube Image Sizes 7. Pinterest Image Sizes 8. Threads Image Sizes 9. Quick Reference Table (All Platforms) 10. Free Templates and Tools 11. Pro Tips for Social Media Images 12. FAQ

1. X (Twitter) Image Sizes

X compresses images aggressively, so uploading at the correct dimensions prevents quality loss. The platform supports JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP formats.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Max File Size
Profile photo	400 x 400	1:1	2 MB
Header/banner	1500 x 500	3:1	5 MB
In-feed image (single)	1600 x 900	16:9	5 MB (JPG), 15 MB (GIF)
In-feed image (two images)	700 x 800 each	7:8	5 MB each
In-feed image (three images)	700 x 800 (left), 700 x 400 (right x2)	Mixed	5 MB each
In-feed image (four images)	700 x 400 each	16:9	5 MB each
Card image (link preview)	800 x 418	1.91:1	5 MB
DM image	No specific limit	Any	5 MB

X pro tip: Upload PNG for graphics with text and flat colors. Upload JPG for photographs. X compresses JPGs less aggressively, but PNGs preserve sharp text and edges better. For maximum quality, export JPGs at 95% quality and PNGs at full quality.

X profile photo notes

Your profile photo displays as a circle on X, but the uploaded file is square. Design with the circular crop in mind: keep important elements (face, logo) centered and away from the edges. The image displays at different sizes depending on context (48 px in timelines, 400 px on profile pages), so ensure your image is recognizable at small sizes.

X header image notes

The header image is partially covered by your profile photo and display name on mobile. Keep important content in the center and upper portion of the 1500 x 500 space. Test on both desktop and mobile before publishing.

2. Instagram Image Sizes

Instagram is an image-first platform, so getting dimensions right is critical. The platform supports JPG and PNG, and automatically compresses uploads. Higher resolution uploads result in better final quality after compression.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Max File Size
Profile photo	320 x 320	1:1	N/A
Feed post (square)	1080 x 1080	1:1	30 MB
Feed post (portrait)	1080 x 1350	4:5	30 MB
Feed post (landscape)	1080 x 566	1.91:1	30 MB
Story / Reel	1080 x 1920	9:16	30 MB (image), 4 GB (video)
Carousel post	1080 x 1080 or 1080 x 1350	1:1 or 4:5	30 MB per image
Reel cover photo	1080 x 1920	9:16	30 MB
IGTV cover	420 x 654	1:1.55	N/A

Instagram pro tip: The 4:5 portrait ratio (1080 x 1350) takes up the most vertical screen space in the feed, which means more visibility per post. Use portrait orientation for maximum engagement. Square (1:1) is the safe default for carousel posts because all images in a carousel must share the same aspect ratio.

Instagram Story safe zones

Stories are 1080 x 1920 px, but the top and bottom 250 px are partially covered by the username bar and reply/message bar. Keep important text and interactive elements (polls, questions, links) in the center 1080 x 1420 px area. Critical content should never be in the top 14% or bottom 14% of the story.

Instagram Reels dimensions

Reels use 9:16 vertical video (1080 x 1920). When a Reel appears in the grid, Instagram crops it to a 9:16 thumbnail. When it appears in the feed, the lower portion may be covered by the caption. Design Reel cover photos with the central area emphasized.

3. Facebook Image Sizes

Facebook compresses images significantly, especially on mobile. Upload at the recommended sizes to minimize quality loss.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Profile photo	170 x 170 (desktop), 128 x 128 (mobile)	1:1	Displays as circle
Cover photo (personal)	820 x 312 (desktop), 640 x 360 (mobile)	2.63:1	Safe area: 820 x 312
Cover photo (page)	1200 x 674	16:9	Recommended minimum
Feed post image	1200 x 630	1.91:1	Landscape default
Feed post (square)	1080 x 1080	1:1	Works well for engagement
Story	1080 x 1920	9:16	Same as Instagram Stories
Event cover	1200 x 628	1.91:1	Top/bottom may crop on mobile
Group cover	1640 x 856	1.91:1	Center important content
Link preview (shared link)	1200 x 630	1.91:1	Set via og:image meta tag
Ad image	1080 x 1080	1:1	Recommended for most ad types

Facebook pro tip: For link previews (og:image), always use 1200 x 630 px. This is the most widely compatible size across Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, and most other platforms that read Open Graph tags. Design one image at this size and it works everywhere.

Facebook cover photo safe zone

The cover photo displays at different sizes on desktop (820 x 312) and mobile (640 x 360). The safe zone where content is visible on both is approximately 820 x 312 centered in the image. Upload at 1200 x 674 or larger, and keep critical content in the center.

4. LinkedIn Image Sizes

LinkedIn is the primary platform for B2B content, job seekers, and professional branding. Professional-looking images matter here more than on any other platform.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Profile photo	400 x 400	1:1	Displays as circle, min 200 x 200
Background/banner	1584 x 396	4:1	Partially covered by profile photo
Feed post image	1200 x 627	1.91:1	Landscape, most common
Feed post (square)	1080 x 1080	1:1	Good for carousels
Feed post (portrait)	1080 x 1350	4:5	Maximum feed visibility
Company logo	300 x 300	1:1	Minimum recommended
Company cover image	1128 x 191	~6:1	Wide banner format
Article cover image	1200 x 644	1.86:1	For LinkedIn articles/newsletters
Link preview	1200 x 627	1.91:1	Pulled from og:image
Carousel (PDF)	1080 x 1080 or 1080 x 1350	1:1 or 4:5	Upload PDF, displays as slides

LinkedIn pro tip: LinkedIn carousels (uploaded as PDFs) get significantly higher engagement than single images. Design each slide at 1080 x 1350 (portrait) for maximum feed real estate. Keep text large (24px+) and limit each slide to one key point.

5. TikTok Image & Video Sizes

TikTok is video-first, but image sizes matter for your profile, video thumbnails, and TikTok's photo carousel feature.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Profile photo	200 x 200	1:1	Minimum; upload larger for quality
Video	1080 x 1920	9:16	Vertical full-screen
Photo carousel	1080 x 1920	9:16	Up to 35 photos per post
Video thumbnail	1080 x 1920	9:16	Custom or auto-generated
Ad image	1200 x 628 or 1080 x 1920	1.91:1 or 9:16	Depends on ad placement

TikTok pro tip: The bottom 15% of TikTok videos is covered by the caption, music info, and interaction buttons. Never place important text, faces, or products in the bottom 288 px of your 1080 x 1920 frame.

TikTok safe zones

The safe zone for TikTok content is approximately 1080 x 1420 px in the center of the 1080 x 1920 frame. The top is partially covered by the "Following | For You" tabs and time/battery indicators. The bottom is covered by the username, caption, and sound info. The right edge has like, comment, share, and bookmark buttons. Keep all critical content centered.

6. YouTube Image Sizes

YouTube thumbnails are arguably the most important images in social media marketing. A great thumbnail can double or triple your click-through rate.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Max File Size
Channel profile picture	800 x 800	1:1	Displays as circle
Channel banner	2560 x 1440	16:9	6 MB
Video thumbnail	1280 x 720	16:9	2 MB
Community post image	1200 x 675	16:9	16 MB
Watermark/branding	150 x 150	1:1	1 MB
End screen elements	Varies	16:9	Part of video frame

Thumbnail pro tip: Always design thumbnails at exactly 1280 x 720 px. YouTube requires a minimum width of 640 px, but 1280 x 720 provides maximum quality across all devices. Use JPG, GIF, or PNG format, under 2 MB.

YouTube channel banner safe zone

The channel banner displays at dramatically different sizes across devices. The full 2560 x 1440 image is only visible on TVs. Desktop shows approximately 2560 x 423 (center strip). Mobile shows approximately 1546 x 423 (center strip, narrower). Tablets fall in between. Keep your channel name, logo, and upload schedule in the center 1546 x 423 area to ensure visibility everywhere.

Thumbnail design principles

Use large, readable text. Thumbnails display at 320 x 180 px in search results. Text must be legible at that size. Use 3-5 words maximum.
Include a face with emotion. Thumbnails with expressive human faces get higher click-through rates. Close-up shots with clear emotions (surprise, excitement, curiosity) outperform neutral expressions.
Use high contrast. Bright colors on dark backgrounds (or vice versa) stand out in the feed. Avoid muted tones that blend into YouTube's white interface.
Be consistent. Use a recognizable style across all thumbnails so returning viewers identify your content instantly. This means consistent fonts, color palette, and layout patterns.
Avoid the bottom-right corner. YouTube places the video duration badge in the bottom-right corner, covering approximately 60 x 20 px. Never put important content there.

7. Pinterest Image Sizes

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where image quality and size directly impact reach. Vertical pins dominate the feed because they occupy more screen space.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Profile photo	165 x 165	1:1	Upload larger, Pinterest crops
Standard pin	1000 x 1500	2:3	Optimal feed ratio
Long pin	1000 x 2100	1:2.1	Maximum height before truncation
Square pin	1000 x 1000	1:1	Less feed space than vertical
Infographic pin	1000 x 3000	1:3	May truncate in feed, expands on click
Story pin / Idea pin	1080 x 1920	9:16	Full-screen vertical
Board cover	600 x 600	1:1	Selected from existing pins
Pin ad	1000 x 1500	2:3	Same as standard pin

Pinterest pro tip: The 2:3 ratio (1000 x 1500) is the sweet spot. It gets maximum feed visibility without being truncated. Pins taller than 2:3 are cut off in the feed and require a click to see the full image, which reduces engagement. Always design at 2:3 unless you have a specific reason for a taller format.

Pinterest text overlay guidelines

Pinterest is a search engine as much as a social platform. Text overlays on pins should include your primary keyword, be readable at the pin's display size (roughly 236 px wide in the feed), and contrast strongly with the background. Use bold, sans-serif fonts at a minimum of 24 px on the 1000 px wide canvas.

8. Threads Image Sizes

Threads by Meta launched as a text-first platform but images play an important role in engagement. Threads image specs follow Instagram closely.

Image Type	Dimensions (px)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Profile photo	320 x 320	1:1	Synced from Instagram
Feed image (landscape)	1200 x 675	16:9	Standard landscape
Feed image (square)	1080 x 1080	1:1	Works well
Feed image (portrait)	1080 x 1350	4:5	Maximum feed visibility
Carousel (up to 10)	1080 x 1080 or 1080 x 1350	1:1 or 4:5	Mixed ratios supported

9. Quick Reference Table (All Platforms)

Bookmark this table. It covers the single most important image size for each platform.

Platform	Profile Photo	Feed Post	Story/Reel	Cover/Banner
X (Twitter)	400 x 400	1600 x 900	N/A	1500 x 500
Instagram	320 x 320	1080 x 1350	1080 x 1920	N/A
Facebook	170 x 170	1200 x 630	1080 x 1920	820 x 312
LinkedIn	400 x 400	1200 x 627	N/A	1584 x 396
TikTok	200 x 200	1080 x 1920	1080 x 1920	N/A
YouTube	800 x 800	1280 x 720	N/A	2560 x 1440
Pinterest	165 x 165	1000 x 1500	1080 x 1920	N/A
Threads	320 x 320	1080 x 1350	N/A	N/A

10. Free Templates and Tools

You do not need to memorize these dimensions. Use templates and tools that handle sizing automatically.

Canva (canva.com)

Canva has pre-sized templates for every social media platform. Click "Create a design" and search for "Instagram Post," "YouTube Thumbnail," "Facebook Cover," or any other format. The canvas is automatically set to the correct dimensions. Canva updates these templates when platforms change their specs.

Figma (figma.com)

Search the Figma Community for "social media template" to find free template packs. These include pre-built frames at the correct dimensions for every platform. Duplicate the file and customize with your brand colors and content.

Adobe Express (express.adobe.com)

Adobe Express (formerly Spark) offers free social media templates with correct dimensions. Similar to Canva but with tighter integration with Adobe Creative Cloud if you use Photoshop or Illustrator.

Kapwing (kapwing.com)

Kapwing specializes in video and image resizing for social media. Upload one image or video and export it at multiple platform-specific sizes instantly. The free tier includes basic resizing and cropping tools.

11. Pro Tips for Social Media Images

Design at 2x resolution. If the recommended size is 1080 x 1080, design at 2160 x 2160 and export at 1080. This ensures your image looks sharp on high-DPI (Retina) displays.
Keep file sizes reasonable. Large files take longer to upload and may be compressed more aggressively by the platform. For JPGs, export at 80-90% quality. For PNGs, run them through a compressor like TinyPNG before uploading.
Test on mobile first. Over 80% of social media usage is on mobile devices. Always preview your images on a phone screen before posting. Text that looks great on a desktop monitor may be unreadable on a 6-inch screen.
Use a consistent visual identity. Colors, fonts, and layout styles should be recognizable across all your posts. This builds brand recognition over time. Create templates for your recurring content types.
Account for dark mode. Many users browse social media in dark mode. Ensure your images have enough contrast and do not rely on a white background for visual structure. Add a subtle border or background color to prevent images from blending into dark interfaces.
Batch create content. Design multiple posts in one session using the same template with varied content. This is faster, more consistent, and ensures you always have content ready to publish.
Save originals at max quality. Always keep your source files (PSD, Figma, Canva project) and high-resolution exports. You will need them for future resizing, re-cropping, or re-purposing across platforms.

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FAQ

What is the best image format for social media?

JPG for photographs (smaller file size, good quality). PNG for graphics with text, logos, or transparency (crisp edges, no compression artifacts). WebP is supported by most platforms and offers better compression than both JPG and PNG, but compatibility varies. When in doubt, use JPG for photos and PNG for everything else.

Why do my images look blurry after uploading?

Social media platforms compress images to reduce bandwidth. To minimize quality loss: upload at the exact recommended dimensions (not larger or smaller), use the correct file format (JPG for photos, PNG for graphics), keep file sizes under the platform's limit, and avoid re-saving JPGs multiple times (each save adds compression artifacts).

Can I use the same image on every platform?

You can, but it will not look optimal anywhere. A 1080 x 1350 Instagram post will be cropped on X (which prefers 16:9) and under-sized on Pinterest (which prefers 2:3 vertical). For best results, create platform-specific versions of each image. At minimum, create a square version (1:1), a landscape version (16:9), and a portrait version (9:16).

How often do social media image sizes change?

Platforms update their specs 1-3 times per year, usually with new features. Major changes (like Instagram adding Reels or X increasing image resolution) happen less frequently. This guide is updated whenever platforms announce changes. Bookmark it and check back before major campaigns.

What is a safe zone and why does it matter?

A safe zone is the area of an image or video that is always visible, regardless of device, UI overlays, or cropping. Platform interfaces cover parts of your image with buttons, captions, and navigation. Keeping important content (text, faces, products) inside the safe zone ensures it is never hidden.

Should I use vertical or horizontal images?

Vertical (portrait) images get more visibility on mobile-first platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest because they occupy more screen space. Horizontal (landscape) images work better on X, YouTube thumbnails, and Facebook link previews. When in doubt for mobile-first platforms, go vertical.