Same photo, three shapes1:11080 x 10804:5 (best)1080 x 13509:161080 x 1920
The three shapes that cover almost every platform.

Why Image Dimensions Matter on Social Media

Social platforms display images inside fixed containers. When you upload an image that does not match the expected dimensions, the platform crops, stretches, or compresses it — usually in a way you did not intend. Profile photos get awkwardly cropped, banner images lose important content, and post images appear blurry or pixelated.

Using the correct dimensions from the start ensures your content looks intentional, professional, and sharp on every device.

Facebook Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Profile photo180×180 pxDisplays as 170×170 on desktop
Cover photo820×312 pxOn mobile: 640×360 px crop applied
Post image (single)1200×630 px1.91:1 ratio, best for link previews
Post image (square)1080×1080 px1:1 ratio works well on mobile feed
Story1080×1920 px9:16 vertical format
Event cover1920×1005 pxSafe zone: keep text inside centre area

Instagram Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Profile photo320×320 pxDisplayed at 110×110 px on profile
Square post1080×1080 px1:1 — the classic Instagram format
Portrait post1080×1350 px4:5 — takes up more feed space
Landscape post1080×566 px1.91:1 — wide horizontal format
Story / Reel1080×1920 px9:16 vertical, keep text in safe zone
Carousel image1080×1080 pxAll cards should be the same ratio

Twitter / X Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Profile photo400×400 pxDisplayed as circle; keep subject centred
Header / banner1500×500 px3:1 ratio; safe zone for desktop and mobile differs
In-feed image (single)1600×900 px16:9 landscape — displays best in feed
In-feed image (2 images)700×800 px eachBoth images crop to the same size
In-feed image (4 images)1200×1200 px eachGrid layout — use square images

LinkedIn Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Profile photo400×400 pxMin 200×200 px; professional headshot recommended
Background / banner1584×396 px4:1 ratio
Post image1200×628 px1.91:1 or 1:1 for mobile feed
Company page logo300×300 pxSquare, PNG with transparency for best results
Company cover image1128×191 pxWider than profile banner
Article featured image1200×644 pxDisplays above long-form articles

YouTube Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Channel icon800×800 pxDisplayed at 98×98 px; use a square logo or headshot
Channel art (banner)2560×1440 pxSafe zone for all devices: 1546×423 px centre
Video thumbnail1280×720 px16:9 ratio; max 2 MB; PNG or JPG

Pinterest Image Sizes 2025

Image TypeRecommended SizeNotes
Standard Pin1000×1500 px2:3 ratio — the Pinterest standard for best reach
Square Pin1000×1000 pxWorks but gets less vertical feed space
Story Pin1080×1920 px9:16 full screen vertical
Profile photo165×165 pxDisplayed as circle

Quick Tips for Social Media Images

  • Keep text away from edges — All platforms crop in unexpected ways on different devices. Keep important text in the centre 80% of the image.
  • Use high contrast — Images are displayed small in feeds. High contrast between subject and background improves visibility.
  • JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics — JPEG compresses better for photos; PNG preserves sharp text and flat-colour graphics without artefacts.
  • File size limits — Most platforms have a 5–8 MB upload limit. Keep images under 1 MB for fast uploads and best quality after platform re-compression.
  • Use a resize tool — Manually crop and resize images to exact dimensions before uploading instead of relying on the platform to do it.

Summary

Social media image sizes change regularly as platforms update their layouts. Bookmark this guide and use it as a reference whenever you create new profile images, banners, or post graphics. The golden rule: always start with the largest recommended size, keep important content centred, and export as high-quality JPEG (photos) or PNG (graphics) before uploading.