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In the dynamic world of social media, presenting your content with the right visual appeal is crucial for engagement and reach. The correct image sizes play a pivotal role in ensuring your visuals look professional and are displayed as intended across various platforms. This cheat sheet is an up-to-date guide for individuals and businesses to navigate the often confusing world of social media image dimensions. From profile pictures to post images, each platform has its unique specifications. Staying informed about these requirements is essential for effective social media marketing and personal branding in 2024. This guide offers easy-to-follow size specifications for major social media platforms, ensuring your images stand out and communicate your message effectively.
Table of contents:
Key image size guidelines at a glance - Get information about social media images size and social media video sizes
This concise overview presents a snapshot of popular social media platforms' essential image size guidelines. Designed as a quick reference guide, it highlights the crucial dimensions for profile pictures, cover photos, post images, and more across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok. This at-a-glance resource is perfect for busy marketers, social media managers, and anyone looking to ensure their content is visually optimized for each platform's unique specifications. Whether updating your profile, posting new content, or revamping your social media strategy, this short overview picture is invaluable for keeping your visuals sharp, engaging, and perfectly sized.
General tips for optimizing social media images
1. Prioritize High-Resolution Images
Quality Matters: Always use the highest resolution possible within the size limits of each platform. High-resolution images appear more professional and engaging.
Avoid Pixelation: Low-resolution images can become pixelated when uploaded, especially on platforms that compress images, like Facebook and Instagram.
2. Understand Aspect Ratios
Aspect Ratio Basics: The aspect ratio is the width-to-height ratio of an image. Common ratios include 1:1 (square), 16:9 (wide rectangle), and 4:5 (vertical rectangle).
Match Platform Requirements: Each social media platform has preferred aspect ratios for different types of content. Adhering to these ensures your images display correctly without unwanted cropping.
3. Stay Updated on Size Specifications
Regular Checks: Social media platforms frequently update their image size guidelines. Regularly check official resources for the latest information.
Responsive Design: Consider how your images will look on different devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
4. Use the Right File Format
Popular Formats: JPEG is widely used for its balance of quality and file size, while PNG is preferred for higher quality and transparency features.
Platform Preferences: Some platforms have specific recommendations or limitations on file formats, so adhering to these for optimal display is essential.
5. Leverage Image Editing Tools
Editing Software: Utilize image editing software or online tools to resize, crop, and adjust your images to meet specific platform requirements.
Templates and Presets: Many tools offer pre-set social media templates to the correct dimensions, simplifying the image preparation process.
6. Consider Mobile Users
Mobile Optimization: With most social media users accessing platforms via mobile devices, ensure your images look good on smaller screens.
Load Times: Larger file sizes can lead to longer load times on mobile, so balance image quality with file size.
7. Test Your Images
Preview Before Posting: If possible, preview how your image will look on the platform before making it live.
Feedback and Adjustments: Pay attention to how your audience interacts with your images and adjust based on their feedback and engagement.
General tips for optimizing social media video
Optimizing videos for social media is essential for ensuring maximum engagement and reach. Here are general tips for creating compelling social media videos across various platforms:
1. Understand Platform Specifications
Aspect Ratio and Resolution: Each platform has preferred aspect ratios (e.g., square, vertical, horizontal) and resolution standards. Tailor your videos to these specifications for optimal viewing.
Length Constraints: Be aware of the maximum video length allowed on each platform (e.g., Instagram Stories are limited to 15 seconds per segment).
2. Focus on the First Few Seconds
Capture Attention Quickly: The opening seconds of your video are crucial to grab viewers' attention. Make them engaging and relevant to prompt viewers to keep watching.
Strong Start: Start your video with visually striking images, intriguing questions, or impactful statements.
3. Optimize for Silent Viewing
Subtitles and Captions: Many users watch videos without sound, so include subtitles or captions to convey your message effectively.
Visual Storytelling: Ensure your video can be understood and enjoyed without audio.
4. Consistent Branding
Visual Style: Maintain a consistent visual style, including colors, logos, and fonts, to strengthen brand recognition.
Intro/Outro: Consider using a standard intro and outro for your videos to create a professional and cohesive look.
5. Engage with Storytelling
Narrative Flow: Create a clear and compelling narrative to keep viewers engaged throughout the video.
Emotional Connection: Use storytelling to connect emotionally with your audience, making your content more memorable.
6. Mobile Optimization
Mobile-First Design: Since most social media users access content on mobile, ensure your videos look good on smaller screens.
File Size: Optimize file size for quick loading without sacrificing quality, which is especially important for mobile users.
7. Call to Action
Clear CTA: Include a clear call-to-action in your videos, guiding viewers on what to do next - liking, commenting, sharing, or visiting a website.
8. Use Analytics for Insights
Performance Tracking: Use platform analytics to understand how your videos perform. Look at metrics like view count, watch time, and engagement.
Feedback for Improvement: Use this data to refine your video strategy over time, focusing on what works best for your audience.
9. Experiment and Innovate
Test Different Formats: Experiment with various video formats (e.g., live videos, GIFs, stories) to see what resonates with your audience.
Stay Trend-Aware: Keep up with each platform's latest trends and features to keep your content fresh and engaging.
By following these tips, you can create videos that are visually appealing and tailored to the specific demands and preferences of different social media platforms.
Facebook video and images detailed guide
Facebook Images Sizes:
Facebook frequently changes its design and image size guidelines. To ensure your brand's content remains impactful, uploading the highest quality images available is wise. Adhering to Facebook's recommended file formats will yield optimal results, helping your content stay sharp and engaging despite platform updates.
Profile photo: 170 x 170 px (128 x 128 pixels on smartphones)
Landscape post: 1200 x 630 px
Portrait post: 630 x 1200 px
Square post: 1200 x 1200 px
Stories and Reels: 1080 x 1920 px. Try not to place text in the upper and bottom 250 px of the story, so your brand image will not cover your text
Cover photo: 851 x 315 px (640 x 360 pixels on smartphones). The 215 px from the left side will be covered by a profile picture; don't place important text there.
Event cover photo image: 1200 x 628 pixels
Minimal size for timeline photo: 600 x 315 pixels
Facebook image sizes for ads:
Sizes for Facebook Feed ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Minimum size 600 x 600 pixels. Ratio 1.91:1 to 1:1. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Sizes for Facebook Right Column ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Minimum size 254 x 133 pixels. Ratio 1:1. (Remember: These are a desktop-only ad format.)
Facebook image sizes for Instant Articles: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Ratio 1.91:1 to 1:1. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Image sizes for Facebook Marketplace ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Ratio 1:1. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Image sizes for Facebook Search: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Minimum size 600 x 600 pixels. Ratio 1.91:1 to 1:1. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Facebook image sizes for Sponsored Messages: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Ratio 1.91:1 to 1:1. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Sizes for Messenger inbox ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Ratio 1:1. Minimum size 254 x 133 pixels. Maximum file size of 30 MB.
Sizes for Messenger Stories ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels. Ratio 9:16. Minimum width of 500 pixels.
Facebook Video Sizes
There are video requirements directly from the platforms' guidelines. These specifications are sourced from the most recent updates provided by Meta, ensuring accuracy and relevance. By following these standards, you can confidently create content that aligns perfectly with the current official requirements.
Maximum file size: Up to 10 GB recommended. Larger file sizes may experience longer upload and processing times. The recommended video format is MP4 or MOV, but more file types are supported.
Facebook Feed | Facebook Marketplace | Facebook in-stream | Facebook stories | Facebook search results | |
Source ratio | 16:9 to 9:16 | 16:9 to 9:16 | 16:9 to 9:16 | 1.91:1 to 9:16 | 1:1 |
Video length | 240 minutes max. | 240 minutes max. | 5-120 seconds | 1-120 seconds | 240 minutes max. |
Objectives supported | All | All except App Installs, Engagement, and Page Likes | Engagement, Reach, Video Views, Brand Awareness, App Installs | All | Traffic, Conversions, and Catalogue Sales objectives |
Captions | Optional, but recommended | Not supported | Optional | Optional | Not supported |
Sound | Optional, but recommended | Optional, but recommended | Optional, but recommended | Optional | Optional, but recommended |
Horizontal 16:9 | + | + | + | + | |
Square 1:1 | + | + | + | + | + |
Vertical 4:5 | + | + | + | + | |
Full portrait 9:16 | + | + | + | + |
Instagram video and images detailed guide
Instagram Images Sizes:
To ensure optimal display on Instagram, it's best to upload images with a width of 1080 pixels. Instagram automatically downsizes images over 1080 pixels to this width. Photos with a resolution below 320 pixels will be upscaled to 320 pixels. For images with a width between 320 and 1080 pixels, Instagram maintains the original resolution if the aspect ratio falls between 1.91:1 and 4:5, translating to a height ranging from 566 to 1350 pixels at 1080 pixels width. Should your image not conform to these ratios, Instagram will automatically crop it to fit an acceptable ratio.
Profile photo: 320 x 320 px (displayed 110 x 100 pixels)
Landscape post: 1080 x 566 px
Portrait post: 1080 x 1350 px
Square post: 1080 x 1080 px
Stories and Reels: 1080 x 1920 px. Try not to place text in the upper and bottom 250 px of the story, so your brand image will not cover your text
Thumbnail: 161 x 161 px
Aspect ratio: landscape (1.91:1), square (1:1), vertical (4:5)
Instagram ads image sizes:
Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Minimum width: 320 pixels
Maximum width: 1080 pixels
Supported aspect ratios: Anywhere between 1.91:1 and 4:5
Instagram Reels Size:
Instagram Feed | Instagram Stories | Instagram Explore | |
Source ratio | 1.91:1 to 4:5 | 16:9 to 4:5 and 9:16 | 1.91:1 to 4:5 |
Video length | 1-120 seconds | 1-120 seconds | 1-120 seconds |
Objectives supported | All | All | All |
Captions | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Sound | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Horizontal 16:9 | + | + | + |
Square 1:1 | + | + | + |
Vertical 4:5 | + | + | + |
Full portrait 9:16 | + |
Reels Resolution and Size:
You can upload a reel with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16.
Reels should have a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS (frames per second) and minimum resolution of 720 pixels.
Stories requirements:
Your Instagram Story size should have an aspect ratio of 9:16. The minimum width is 500 pixels, the maximum video length is 15 seconds, and the accepted video file types are MP4, MOV, or GIF.
LinkedIn video and images detailed guide
LinkedIn Image Size:
Utilizing images with your LinkedIn updates, whether on a personal profile or a company page, has been proven to boost engagement, including comments and shares. For optimal results, adhere to the recommended image sizes provided below. Additionally, it's crucial to review your profile and content on various devices to ensure everything appears as intended before finalizing.
For photo uploads, the maximum size allowed is 5 MB, and it's recommended that photos are at least 552 pixels in width and 276 pixels in height. The aspect ratio should be within the range of 3:1 to 2:3 (width to height); otherwise, the image will be centered and cropped to fit. Note that once uploaded, photos can't be resized or edited, and uploading small, low-resolution photos might result in a lower quality appearance.
Personal:
Profile photo: 400 x 400 px or larger
Cover photo: 1584 x 396 px
Blog post link images: 1200 x 1200 px (square) 1080 x 1350 px (portrait)
Custom image size for sharing a link in an update: 1200 x 627 px
Image in articles: 1280 x 720 px
Documents: within 100MB and not exceed 300 pages. Supported file formats include PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, and PDF.
Company:
Company logo size: 300 x 300 px
Page cover image size: 1128 x 191 px
Life tab main image size: 1128 x 376 px
Life tab custom modules image size: 502 x 282 px
Life tab company photos image sizes: 900 x 600 px
Square logo: At least 60 x 60 px
Blog post link images: 1200 x 1200 px (square) 1080 x 1350 px (portrait)
Custom image size for sharing a link in an update: 1200 x 627 px
Image in articles: 1280 x 720 px
Documents: within 100MB and not exceed 300 pages. Supported file formats include PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, and PDF.
LinkedIn Video Size:
The video requirements are:
Maximum file size: 5GB
Minimum file size: 75KB
Maximum video duration: 15 minutes when uploading from desktop and 10 minutes when uploading from the LinkedIn mobile app.
Minimum video duration: 3 seconds
Resolution range: 256x144 to 4096x2304
Aspect ratio: 1:2.4 - 2.4:1
Frame rates: 10fps - 60 fps
Bit rates: 192 kbps - 30 Mbps
LinkedIn image sizes for ads:
Company logo size for ads: 100 x 100 pixels
Spotlight ads logo size: 100 x 100 pixels
Spotlight ads custom background image: 300 x 250 pixels
Sponsored content images: 1200 x 627 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
Sponsored content carousel images: The maximum file size is 10 MB, with an upper image dimension limit of 4320 x 4320 pixels, though a 1080 x 1080px image with a 1:1 aspect ratio is recommended; images will be downscaled to 312 x 312px, supporting JPG, PNG, and non-animated GIF formats, with headline text for each image card capped at two lines before truncation.
TikTok video and images detailed guide
TikTok Image Size:
Profile photo: 200 x 200 px (20 x 20 px minimum size to upload)
Carousel image size: 1080 x 1920 px (ideal aspect ratio for Tik Tok carousel images is 9:16 or 1:1, but you can also post images with a 4:5 ratio)
TikTok Video Size:
Video Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 px, with a preference for vertical videos; horizontal videos are also acceptable.
Canvas Usage: Videos should utilize the entire canvas area.
Margins: Maintain a margin of 150 px from the top and bottom, and 64 px from the left and right sides.
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
File Format: The file should be in .mp4 or .mov format.
Maximum Size for Android: Videos up to 72 MB can be uploaded from Android devices.
Maximum Size for iOS: Videos up to 287.6 MB can be uploaded from iOS devices.
YouTube video and images detailed guide
YouTube Image Size:
Profile photo 800 x 800 px
Banner: 2048 x 1152 px with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The maximum file size allowed is 6MB
Video thumbnail is 1280 x 720 px with an aspect ratio of 16:9
LinkedIn Video Size:
Minimum audio-visual duration: 33 seconds (excluding black and static images in the video channel as well as silence and background noise in the audio channel)
For videos intended for sale or rental, you should provide a minimum resolution of 1920x1080 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. For content with or without ads, YouTube does not set a minimum resolution but recommends a resolution of at least 1280x720 for video that has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of at least 640x480 for video that has a 4:3 aspect ratio.
YouTube Shorts: one or more clips that add up to 60 seconds
Adhering to the specific image size requirements of each social media platform is more than just a technical necessity; it's a crucial aspect of digital storytelling. The right image dimensions ensure your content is seen in the best light, fostering engagement and conveying your message without visual distortion or unintended cropping. As social media continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest image size guidelines is key to maintaining a compelling and professional online presence. Remember, this cheat sheet is a starting point; always verify the current specifications on the respective platforms and keep an eye out for updates. Embrace these guidelines to enhance your social media strategy and ensure your content always looks its best.