Why Image Sizes Matter on Social Media
Each social platform has specific image dimensions for optimal display. Using wrong sizes results in:
- Cropped or stretched images
- Blurry or pixelated appearance
- Poor engagement and reach
- Unprofessional brand image
This guide covers current optimal sizes for all major platforms in 2025.
Feed Posts
- Square: 1080 x 1080 px (1:1)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5) - takes up more screen space
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 px (1.91:1)
Tip: Portrait (4:5) gets the most engagement as it dominates mobile screens.
Stories & Reels
- Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Safe zone: Keep important content away from top 250px and bottom 250px
Profile Picture
- Size: 320 x 320 px (displays as circle)
- Tip: Upload 500 x 500 px for future-proofing
Carousel Posts
- Same sizes as feed posts
- All images in carousel must be same aspect ratio
- Up to 10 images per carousel
Feed Posts
- Recommended: 1200 x 630 px (1.91:1)
- Square: 1200 x 1200 px (1:1)
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 px (4:5)
Cover Photo
- Size: 820 x 312 px (desktop)
- Mobile display: 640 x 360 px (center portion)
- Tip: Keep important elements in center
Profile Picture
- Size: 170 x 170 px (desktop), 128 x 128 px (mobile)
- Upload: 500 x 500 px minimum
Event Cover
- Size: 1200 x 628 px
Stories
- Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
TikTok
Video
- Size: 1080 x 1920 px (9:16)
- Safe zone: Account for UI overlays on right side and bottom
Profile Picture
- Size: 200 x 200 px minimum
Feed Posts
- Recommended: 1200 x 627 px (1.91:1)
- Square: 1200 x 1200 px
Company Page Banner
- Size: 1128 x 191 px
Profile Picture
- Size: 400 x 400 px
Background Photo
- Size: 1584 x 396 px
Twitter/X
Feed Posts
- Single image: 1200 x 675 px (16:9) or 1200 x 1200 px (1:1)
- Two images: 700 x 800 px each
- Multiple images: Varies by layout
Header Photo
- Size: 1500 x 500 px
Profile Picture
- Size: 400 x 400 px
Standard Pin
- Recommended: 1000 x 1500 px (2:3)
- Long pins: 1000 x 2100 px (perform better)
Square Pin
- Size: 1000 x 1000 px
Profile Picture
- Size: 165 x 165 px
YouTube
Thumbnail
- Size: 1280 x 720 px (16:9)
- File size: Under 2MB
Channel Banner
- Size: 2560 x 1440 px
- Safe area: 1546 x 423 px (center)
Profile Picture
- Size: 800 x 800 px
General Best Practices
Image Quality
- Always upload highest quality possible
- Platforms compress images - start sharp
- Use PNG for graphics, JPEG for photos
- Upscale small images with Pixelift AI Upscaler
Text on Images
- Keep text minimal (under 20% of image)
- Use large, readable fonts
- High contrast between text and background
- Account for mobile viewing
Branding
- Consistent style across platforms
- Use brand colors
- Include logo where appropriate
Tools for Creating Social Images
- Canva - templates for all sizes
- Adobe Express - quick resize tool
- Pixelift Background Remover - clean product shots
- Pixelift Compressor - optimize file sizes
Quick Reference Table
- Instagram Feed: 1080 x 1350 px
- Instagram/Facebook Stories: 1080 x 1920 px
- Facebook Feed: 1200 x 630 px
- LinkedIn: 1200 x 627 px
- Twitter/X: 1200 x 675 px
- Pinterest: 1000 x 1500 px
- YouTube Thumbnail: 1280 x 720 px
- TikTok: 1080 x 1920 px