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Free image size guide for creators, marketers, and publishers.

Social Media Image Sizes 2026: Complete Guide for Every Platform

Find the recommended image dimensions for Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, and more — with safe defaults for feed posts, stories, reels, banners, thumbnails, and profile images.

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Table of contents

Social media image sizes cheat sheetInstagram image sizesFacebook image sizesX / Twitter image sizesLinkedIn image sizesYouTube image sizesTikTok image sizesPinterest image sizesBest universal image sizesHow to avoid croppingHow to optimize images before publishingFAQ

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Social Media Image Sizes Cheat Sheet

Use this table as a practical starting point for the most common placements across major social platforms in 2026.

PlatformImage typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
InstagramFeed square1080 x 1080 px1:1Safe square format for general feed posts.
InstagramStories1080 x 1920 px9:16Keep important details away from top and bottom interface zones.
FacebookCover photo851 x 315 px2.7:1Keep logos and text centered because the crop changes by screen size.
FacebookFeed landscape / link image1200 x 630 px1.91:1A common safe default for links and wider feed creatives.
X / TwitterHeader image1500 x 500 px3:1Keep key text and logos centered because the sides may crop on smaller displays.
X / TwitterSingle image post landscape1200 x 675 px16:9A useful default for previews and shared editorial images.
LinkedInCompany cover image1128 x 191 px5.9:1Use a restrained design because LinkedIn crops aggressively across layouts.
LinkedInShared image landscape1200 x 627 px1.91:1A common safe default for landscape post previews.
YouTubeChannel banner2560 x 1440 px16:9Design around the center because the visible crop changes by device.
YouTubeVideo thumbnail1280 x 720 px16:9A standard 16:9 thumbnail size that scales well across YouTube surfaces.
TikTokVertical video / cover1080 x 1920 px9:16The safest default for TikTok-style vertical video and cover art.
PinterestStandard pin1000 x 1500 px2:3A common vertical format that leaves room for clear imagery and text.

Instagram Image Sizes

Instagram works best with square images, 4:5 portrait posts, and 9:16 content for Stories and Reels. Keep text and key subjects away from the edges so interface overlays do not crowd the design.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Profile photo320 x 320 px1:1A square source keeps the profile image sharp across the app.
Feed square1080 x 1080 px1:1Safe square format for general feed posts.
Feed portrait1080 x 1350 px4:5A strong mobile-first format that uses more vertical feed space.
Feed landscape1080 x 566 px1.91:1Useful for wide scenes, but text can feel smaller in feed previews.
Stories1080 x 1920 px9:16Keep important details away from top and bottom interface zones.
Reels cover / vertical1080 x 1920 px9:16Use a centered focal point so the cover still works when cropped in grids.

Facebook Image Sizes

Facebook uses different formats for feed posts, stories, cover images, and profile photos. Cropping can vary between desktop and mobile, so centered compositions are usually safer.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Profile picture400 x 400 px or larger1:1Facebook may display smaller, but a larger square upload preserves quality.
Cover photo851 x 315 px2.7:1Keep logos and text centered because the crop changes by screen size.
Feed square1080 x 1080 px1:1A flexible square option for general feed content.
Feed landscape / link image1200 x 630 px1.91:1A common safe default for links and wider feed creatives.
Story1080 x 1920 px9:16Keep text away from top and bottom controls.

X / Twitter Image Sizes

X uses a wide header image, a square profile image, and multiple post image formats. Center important content so it still works when previews crop differently.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Profile photo400 x 400 px1:1A square upload remains the safest source.
Header image1500 x 500 px3:1Keep key text and logos centered because the sides may crop on smaller displays.
Single image post landscape1200 x 675 px16:9A useful default for previews and shared editorial images.
Single image post square1080 x 1080 px1:1Good when you want a balanced crop in-feed.
Single image post portrait1080 x 1350 px4:5Useful for mobile-first creative while staying manageable in feed.

LinkedIn Image Sizes

LinkedIn images usually perform better when they feel clean, professional, and readable at a glance. Separate profile assets from company assets and shared posts.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Personal profile photo400 x 400 px1:1A square portrait keeps professional headshots crisp.
Personal background image1584 x 396 px4:1Use a clean composition and keep important text away from profile overlays.
Company logo400 x 400 px1:1A square source keeps the logo sharp across placements.
Company cover image1128 x 191 px5.9:1Use a restrained design because LinkedIn crops aggressively across layouts.
Shared image square1080 x 1080 px1:1Useful for concise, mobile-friendly post graphics.
Shared image landscape1200 x 627 px1.91:1A common safe default for landscape post previews.
Shared image portrait1080 x 1350 px4:5Useful when you want more vertical space in-feed.

YouTube Image Sizes

YouTube is especially sensitive to safe areas and 16:9 presentation. Thumbnails should remain readable at small sizes, while banners need a protected center area for cross-device use.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Channel banner2560 x 1440 px16:9Design around the center because the visible crop changes by device.
Banner safe area1546 x 423 px3.65:1Keep text, logos, and calls to action inside this center-safe zone.
Video thumbnail1280 x 720 px16:9A standard 16:9 thumbnail size that scales well across YouTube surfaces.
Profile picture800 x 800 px1:1A larger square source preserves sharpness after circular display crops.

TikTok Image Sizes

TikTok is mobile-first and strongly favors 9:16 vertical creative. Keep copy and product details away from interface overlays near the edges.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Profile photo400 x 400 px or larger1:1A larger square upload helps preserve quality even if the minimum display is smaller.
Vertical video / cover1080 x 1920 px9:16The safest default for TikTok-style vertical video and cover art.
Feed image / ad vertical1080 x 1920 px9:16Plan around top and bottom overlays when using text.
Square creative1080 x 1080 px1:1Useful for repurposed assets, but vertical remains the main format.

Pinterest Image Sizes

Pinterest still works best with vertical imagery. A 2:3 format is a safe default, while very tall pins may be cropped more aggressively in some views.

Image typeRecommended sizeAspect ratioNotes
Profile photo400 x 400 px1:1A square profile image remains the safest source.
Standard pin1000 x 1500 px2:3A common vertical format that leaves room for clear imagery and text.
Square pin1000 x 1000 px1:1Useful when a square crop suits the subject better than a taller frame.
Story / Idea pin1080 x 1920 px9:16Vertical content benefits from clean spacing and easy-to-read text.
Board cover600 x 600 px1:1Use a clean centered crop that still looks clear when reduced.

Best Universal Image Sizes to Create First

These five exports cover most publishing needs for creators, marketers, and publishers. Build these first, then create platform-specific crops when a channel needs something more precise.

1

Square

1080 x 1080 px

A safe default for many feed posts, profile-adjacent creative, and multi-platform repurposing.

2

Portrait feed

1080 x 1350 px

A strong mobile-first format that works well for Instagram, LinkedIn, and some X posts.

3

Vertical story / reel

1080 x 1920 px

The main vertical format for Stories, Reels, Shorts, and TikTok.

4

Landscape

1200 x 630 px

A reliable default for Open Graph previews, Facebook links, and many wider editorial cards.

5

YouTube thumbnail

1280 x 720 px

A dedicated 16:9 export that keeps YouTube thumbnails clean and legible.

How to Avoid Cropping on Social Media

A technically correct size can still crop badly if important content sits too close to the edges. Safe layouts and preview checks matter as much as the raw dimensions.

  • Keep important text away from edges.
  • Center faces, logos, and product details.
  • Export separate versions for square, portrait, and vertical.
  • Use 9:16 for stories, reels, shorts, and TikTok.
  • Use 4:5 for mobile feed posts where supported.
  • Preview images before publishing.
  • Compress images without making text blurry.
  • Use JPG for photos and PNG or WebP for graphics where appropriate.

How to Optimize Images Before Publishing

Social media image dimensions are only part of the job. A file can match the recommended canvas and still be heavier than needed, soft after compression, or difficult to read on mobile.

A practical workflow is to resize first, export in the most suitable format for the image, and compress the final publishing copy without making text or product edges blurry.

PublishPixel can help you review dimensions, optimize file size, and sanity-check whether an image is ready before it goes live.

Social Media Image Sizes FAQ

What is the best image size for social media posts?

A safe starting point is 1080 x 1080 px for square posts, 1080 x 1350 px for portrait feed posts, and 1080 x 1920 px for stories, reels, shorts, and other vertical formats.

What size should Instagram posts be?

Instagram feed posts commonly use 1080 x 1080 px for square, 1080 x 1350 px for portrait, and 1080 x 566 px for landscape. Stories and reels commonly use 1080 x 1920 px.

What is the best Facebook image size?

For general Facebook feed posts, 1080 x 1080 px or 1200 x 630 px are common safe sizes. Facebook cover images commonly use 851 x 315 px.

What is the best X / Twitter header size?

The recommended X header image size is 1500 x 500 px. Keep important text and logos centered because cropping can vary by device.

What is the best LinkedIn post image size?

For LinkedIn posts, 1200 x 627 px works well for landscape images, while 1080 x 1080 px and 1080 x 1350 px are useful for square and portrait formats.

What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?

The standard YouTube thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 px with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

What is the best Pinterest pin size?

A common Pinterest standard pin size is 1000 x 1500 px with a 2:3 aspect ratio.

Should I use JPG, PNG, or WebP for social media?

Use JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with text or transparency, and WebP when the platform supports it. Always check quality after compression.