The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Content Size Requirements

Navigating social media image sizes is like trying to keep up with a chameleon on a rainbow rollercoaster – it changes faster than you can say "cheese" for your next Instagram post! 📸

One moment, your profile looks pristine with the perfect cover photo, and the next, it's gone all pixelated and wonky, like it's been through a digital blender. 

And let's be honest, finding official dimensions and image sizes is about as easy as finding a unicorn at the local zoo! It's like trying to have a civilised discussion about politics on Facebook - nearly impossible.

But fret not, intrepid social media voyager!  We've got your back with the ultimate guide to social media image sizes for all the bigwig platforms. Consider it your treasure map to pixel-perfection!

Below, we present you with the freshest, juiciest social media image dimensions hot off the press as of September 2023.

Instagram Image Sizes

Instagram is a land of visual creativity, and it's got your back whether you're a fan of horizontal, vertical, or the classic square image format - a throwback to its early days!

This versatility offers your brand a canvas as broad as your imagination. However, it also means that nailing those image dimensions can be a bit tricky. To ensure your images look their best, it is essential to stick to the following guidelines:

Instagram Profile Picture Size:

Although Instagram displays profile pictures at a compact 110 x 100 pixels, the actual image files are stored at a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. So, when you upload your pic, go big or go home!

Notably, despite the square storage, these profile pics show up as circles. To avoid any accidental cropping, make sure the juiciest bits are right in the middle. No one likes a half-cut profile pic, right?

Instagram Post Sizes (Feed Photos):

• Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
• Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
• Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Supported Aspect Ratios: Anywhere between 1.91:1 and 4:5

Professional Tips:

• Your image will look its Insta-best at 1080 pixels wide. That's the sweet spot! 
• If you go over 1080 or below 320 pixels, Instagram will automatically resize the image for you.
• Keep the aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 4:5 (height ranging from 566 to 1350 pixels with a width of 1080 pixels).

Instagram Photo Thumbnail Sizes:

Display Size: A dainty 161 x 161 pixels

Recommended Upload Size: Go big with 1080 pixels wide

Pro Tips:

Fun fact: Instagram secretly hoards larger versions of these thumbnails, measuring up to a spacious 1080 x 1080 pixels. Yep, they like to have options!

To future-proof your Instagram grid and steer clear of pixel pandemonium, aim to upload images that are as sizeable as possible. Think of it as your picture insurance policy!

Now, let's dive into Instagram Stories, where pixels tell a compelling story:

Instagram Stories Image Size:

1080 x 1920 pixels.This magical ratio: 9:16.

More Pro Tips:

Speed matters: If you upload an image with a smaller pixel size (but stick to the same aspect ratio), your Story will buffer quickly and zip through like a hot knife through butter. 

Be aware of deviating from this sacred 9:16 ratio. Using the wrong ratio can result in strange cropping, zooming, and blank sections of the screen.

Instagram Reels play by the same sizing rules. So, you're all set to rock the 'gram with your pixel-perfect stories and reels!

Instagram Carousel Image Sizes:

Let's unravel the Instagram carousel image sizes, Instagram Reels dimensions, and Instagram ads image specifications:

Landscape: A cool 1080 x 566 pixels

Portrait: A tall drink of water at 1080 x 1350 pixels

Square: A perfect square at 1080 x 1080 pixels

Aspect Ratios: Go landscape (1.91:1), square (1:1), or vertical (4:5)

Recommended Image Size: Keep the width at 1080 pixels, and the height varies between 566 and 1350 pixels, depending on whether you're feeling landscape or portrait vibes.

Instagram Reels Sizes:

Main Reels: A slick 1080 x 1920 pixels

Cover Photo: Same size at 1080 x 1920 pixels

But remember: Reels get cropped to a 1:1 image in your profile feed and a 4:5 image in the home feed. They like to keep things dynamic!

Instagram Ads Image Sizes:

Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels (for a wide view)

Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (for a classic look)

Minimum Width: 320 pixels (to make sure it shows up!)

Maximum Width: 1080 pixels (for a crisp display)

Supported Aspect Ratios: Anywhere between 1.91:1 and 4:5, so you've got room to play!

Pro Tip: Instagram Ad’s Text Recommendations

Primary Text (Caption): 125 Characters

• Keep it concise and engaging. Share your message or story effectively in this limited space.
• Ask questions to encourage engagement.
• Use emojis to add personality and convey emotions.
• Include a call-to-action (CTA) to prompt your audience to take a specific action.
• Share interesting facts, quotes, or anecdotes related to your content.

Headline: 40 Characters

• Make it attention-grabbing and to the point.
• Highlight the key message or benefit of your post.
• Use action words to inspire action or curiosity.
• Consider adding relevant keywords for discoverability.

Maximum Number of Hashtags: 30

• Mix popular and niche hashtags to reach a broader audience while targeting specific communities.
• Create a branded hashtag unique to your content or campaign.
• Research trending hashtags that relate to your post.
• Keep hashtags relevant to your content to maintain authenticity.
• Experiment with different combinations of hashtags to see which ones yield the best results.
• Hide your hashtags within the caption or comment section to maintain a clean appearance.

Remember that your Instagram text should align with your content, brand, and the preferences of your target audience. Experiment, analyse, and refine your approach to discover what resonates best with your followers.

Image Size for Instagram Stories Ads:

Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Tips for Instagram Stories Ads:

Instagram recommends leaving approximately "14% (250 pixels) of the top and bottom of the image free from text and logos." This space ensures that crucial information isn't covered by the overlaying elements that may appear when viewing Stories.

As of September 2020, Facebook and Instagram ads no longer face penalties if more than 20% of the ad space contains text. This update provides advertisers with greater flexibility in using text elements within their ad creatives. However, it's still essential to maintain a balance between text and visuals for a compelling and engaging ad.

There you have it! With these dimensions in your pocket, you're all set to paint Instagram with your visual masterpiece, whether it's in a carousel, a Reel, or an eye-catching ad.

X (a.k.a. Twitter)

Let's dive into the world of image sizes for X, formerly known as Twitter.

Profile Photos:

• Recommended Size: 400 x 400 pixels
• Minimum Image Size: 200 x 200 pixels
• Maximum File Size: 2MB

Header Photo:

• Recommended Size: 1500 x 500 pixels
• Tip: To future-proof your image, go for the max size.

Note: Header images are cropped to a 3:1 aspect ratio and may display differently based on the user's screen and browser.

In-Stream Photos:

• Recommended Size: 1600 x 900 pixels
• Minimum Size: 600 x 335 pixels
• Recommended Aspect Ratio: Desktop - anything from 2:1 to 1:1; Mobile - 2:1, 3:4, and 16:9
• Supported Formats: GIF, JPG, PNG
• Maximum File Size: Up to 5MB for mobile and up to 15MB on the web.

Card Images:

• Twitter recognizes when a post includes a URL and fetches content, including an image for the summary card.
• Minimum Size: 120 x 120 pixels
• Supported Formats: GIF, JPG, PNG
• Maximum File Size: 1MB
• Tip: Use the card validator to preview how your summary card will appear.

Image Sizes for Ads:

• Single and multi-image tweets: Minimum 600 x 335 pixels, but larger images work best.
• Website card image: 800 x 418 pixels for 1.91:1 aspect ratio or 800 x 800 for 1:1 aspect ratio. Max file size of 20MB.
• App card image: 800 x 800 pixels for 1:1 aspect ratio or 800 x 418 pixels for 1.91:1 aspect ratio. Max file size of 3MB.
• Carousels: 800 x 800 pixels for 1:1 aspect ratio or 800 x 418 pixels for 1.91:1 aspect ratio. Max file size of 20MB for 2-6 image cards.
• Direct Message card: 800 x 418 pixels for 1.91:1 aspect ratio. Max file size of 3MB.
• Conversation card: 800 x 418 pixels for 1.91:1 aspect ratio. Max file size of 3MB.

Content Tips

Short and sweet! While Twitter allows 280 characters, brevity is key for X's marketing strategy. Keep each Tweet centered on a single message. If you've got more to share, link to your website or start a Tweet thread.

With these image sizes in your toolkit, you'll be able to craft visually stunning and engaging content on X (formerly Twitter).

LinkedIn Image Sizes

We love LinkedIn; of all the major platforms, it’s definitely the most underrated. But if you’re not familiar with the platform, it can be a bit confusing to know what exactly to post. It’s not Instagram, so you’re not going to share photos of your latest meal. And it’s not Facebook, so fur babies and real babies are not great content.

But make no mistake, LinkedIn is the ultimate lead generator. Use the recommended sizes below to get the best results. Be sure to view your profile and content on multiple devices before finalising.

LinkedIn Profile Photos:

• Recommended: 400 x 400 pixels or larger
• Tip: Go big! LinkedIn can handle images up to 7680 x 4320 pixels. The larger, the better (up to 8MB).

Cover Photos for Personal Profiles:

• Recommended: 1584 x 396 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:1
• Tip: Keep the file size under 8MB. Also, cover photos may look different on mobile and desktop, so check both.

Company Pages on LinkedIn:

• Company Logo: 300 x 300 pixels
• Page Cover Image: 1128 x 191 pixels
• Life Tab Main Image: 1128 x 376 pixels
• Life Tab Custom Modules Image: 502 x 282 pixels
• Life Tab Company Photos: 900 x 600 pixels
• Square Logo: At least 60 x 60 pixels
• Tips: For company updates, go with PNG or JPG images. Stick to an aspect ratio of 1.91:1.

LinkedIn Post Images:

• Recommended: 1200 x 628 pixels
• Tip: This size is perfect for LinkedIn posts and also applies to Showcase pages.

Blog Post Link Images:

• Recommended: 1200 x 627 pixels
• Custom Image for Link Shares: 1200 x 627 pixels
• Tip: The image should have a 1.91:1 ratio and be wider than 200 pixels. Smaller than that, and it becomes a thumbnail on the left side of the post.

LinkedIn Ads:

• Company Logo for Ads: 100 x 100 pixels
• Spotlight Ads Logo: 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: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)

Here are 11 concise tips for impactful LinkedIn posts:

• Keep it simple with plain text.
• Use emojis to highlight ideas but don't overdo it.
• Craft a compelling headline in 2 seconds.
• Start with a relatable story.
• Break up text for easier reading.
• @Mention notable connections.
• Give clear instructions for engagement.
• Always end with a question.
• Share valuable intellectual property.
• Add up to 10 relevant hashtags.
• Avoid external links; keep users on LinkedIn.

Consistency matters for growing your LinkedIn following. Make the most of your 1,300 characters, engage with comments, and build connections. 

Remember, visuals are powerful on LinkedIn, so use these sizes to make your profile and content shine!

Facebook Image Sizes

Let's talk about Facebook image sizes, and don't worry, we'll keep it casual!! 

Facebook is the largest social networking platform, with nearly 3 billion people using it monthly. This means roughly 37% of the world's population are Facebook users.

Facebook Profile Picture Size:

• Desktop: 170 x 170 pixels
• Smartphone: 128 x 128 pixels
• Tip: Go for the highest quality image you have.

Facebook Cover Photos:

• Recommended: 851 x 315 pixels
• Desktop Display: 820 x 312 pixels
• Smartphone Display: 640 x 360 pixels
• Minimum Size: 400 x 150 pixels
• Ideal File Size: Less than 100KB

Tips:

• Use JPG or PNG to avoid compression or distortion.
• Stick to recommended pixel sizes for quicker load times.
• For profile pics and covers with logos or text, PNG works best.
• Avoid dragging to reposition your cover photo once it's uploaded.

Timeline Photos and Posts:

• Recommended Size: 1200 x 630 pixels
• Minimum Size: 600 x 315 pixels

Tips:

• If you're sharing 2-10 images in a post carousel, use 1200 x 1200 pixels (1:1 ratio).

Event Cover Photo:

• Recommended Size: 1200 x 628 pixels
• Tips:
• It's roughly a 2:1 ratio.
• Remember, you can't edit the event cover photo after adding it.

Panorama or 360 Photos:

• Minimum Size: Facebook suggests "30,000 pixels in any dimension, and less than 135,000,000 pixels in total size."
• Aspect Ratio: 2:1

Tips:

• Facebook recognizes and processes these images based on specific metadata.
• File sizes can go up to 45 MB for JPEGs or 60 MB for PNGs.
• Facebook prefers JPEGs and recommends not exceeding 30 MB.

Facebook Stories:

• Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Tips:

• Stories fill your phone screen (9:16 ratio).
• Keep width above 500 pixels.
• Leave 14% (250 pixels) free at the top and bottom for text so it won't get covered.

Facebook Ads:

• Facebook Feed Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels, max 30 MB.
• Facebook Right Column Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels (desktop only).
• Instant Articles: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels, max 30 MB.
• Facebook Marketplace Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels.
• Facebook Search Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels, max 30 MB.
• Sponsored Messages: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels, max 30 MB.
• Messenger Inbox Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels (desktop) or 254 x 133 pixels.
• Messenger Stories Ads: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels, 9:16 ratio.

Facebook Content Tips

Let's get straight to the point about Facebook content:

• Simplicity Matters: Keep it plain and concise. Focus on a single message, and if you've got more to say, link to your website or start a Tweet thread.
• Embrace Emojis: Use emojis to add colour and personality to your posts, but don't go overboard.
• Craft Catchy Headlines: Grab attention with headlines like statistics, questions, or how-to guides.
• Open with Stories: Connect with your audience through relatable stories.
• Break Up Text: Short sentences are easier to digest. Leave readers curious, and they'll click "see more."
• Mention Notables: Attract attention by mentioning influential connections who might engage with your post.
• Give Clear Instructions: Tell your audience what action to take, like, comment, or share.
• End with Questions: Encourage comments by closing with a question.
• Share Valuable Insights: Offer intellectual property based on your expertise.
• Hashtag Wisely: Use up to 10 hashtags, including a mix of niche and popular ones.
• No External Links: Avoid external links; instead, mention the link in the comments.

In a nutshell, keep it engaging, educational, and sales-focused, but always prioritise value over the hard sell.

There you go! With these image sizes and tips, your Facebook visuals and content will be on point.

YouTube Image Sizes

Let's simplify YouTube image sizes:

YouTube Profile Photo:

Size: Recommended 800 x 800 pixels

Tips: Keep the focus centered. File formats: JPEG, GIF, BMP, or PNG (No animated GIFs). Renders at 98 x 98 pixels.

YouTube Banner Image:

Size: Minimum 2048 x 1152 pixels

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Safe Area for Text and Logos: At least 1235 x 338 pixels

Max File Size: 6MB

YouTube Video:

Minimum Size: 1280 x 720 pixels

Tips: For sale or rental, go higher at 1920 x 1080 pixels. To meet HD standards, it's 1280 x 720 pixels.

YouTube Thumbnail:

Size: 1280 x 720 pixels

With these dimensions, your YouTube channel will look sharp and professional!

Pinterest Image Sizes

Let's make Pinterest image sizes easy to grasp:

Pinterest Profile Photo:

• Recommended Size: 165 x 165 pixels
• Tip: Your profile pic becomes a circle.

Pinterest Profile Cover Photo:

• Minimum Size: 800 x 450 pixels
• Tip: Opt for landscape photos with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Pinterest Pins:

• Recommended Aspect Ratio: 2:3
• Square Pins: 1000 x 1000 pixels
• Recommended Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels
• Max File Size: 20MB
• Tips: Keep 2:3 aspect ratio for clear images. Pins display at 236 pixels width on feeds. PNG and JPEG both work.

Pinterest Collection Pins:

• Recommended Aspect Ratio: 1:1 or 2:3
• Recommended Size: 1000 x 1000 pixels or 1000 x 1500 pixels
• Max File Size: 10MB
• Tips: Appears with one main image and three smaller ones. All images should match the aspect ratio. Works on mobile feeds. Supports PNG and JPEG.

Pinterest Story Pins:

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16
• Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Max File Size: 20MB

Pinterest Ads and Carousels:

• App Install Ads: Same as standard Pins, 2:3 aspect ratio recommended, 1000 x 1500 pixels suggested.
• Carousel Pins and Ads: 1:1 or 2:3 aspect ratio, 1000 x 1500 pixels or 1000 x 1000 pixels recommended, up to 5 images in a carousel.
• Shopping Ads: Same as standard Pins, 2:3 aspect ratio recommended, 1000 x 1500 pixels suggested.

Nailing these sizes ensures your Pinterest presence is visually appealing!

Here is a list of websites where you can transform your images and videos for social media for FREE!

• Canva: A popular all-in-one design platform that offers a variety of tools for creating social media posts, including a library of templates, fonts, and images.
• BeFunky: Featuring filters, effects, and overlays, this photo editing and graphics design platform gives you access to different tools to edit images and videos.
• Media.io: Online video editing platform featuring trimming, cropping, and effects tools.
• Ezgif.com: A simple online GIF maker that allows you to create GIFs from images or videos.
• Kapwing: This online video editing tool offers a variety of tools for trimming, cropping, adding text and effects to videos.
• Pixlr: Among the features offered by Pixlr are filters, effects, brushes, and a library of editing tools for editing photos.
• VistaCreate: Offers a variety of graphic design tools, such as templates, fonts, images, for creating social media posts.
• Adobe Express: A creative suite from Adobe that offers a variety of tools for creating social media posts, including a library of templates, fonts, and images.
• Photopea: Free online photo editor with many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop.
• InVideo: As well as creating video collages and presentations, InVideo offers a variety of tools for trimming, cropping, adding text, and adding effects to videos.

In addition to the above websites, there are also many other free online tools and resources available for transforming your images and videos for social media. For example, you can use free stock photo and video websites to find high-quality images and videos to use in your social media posts. You can also use free online fonts and icon websites to find fonts and icons to use in your social media posts.

Final Thoughts

Mastering social media content size requirements and strategies is key to your online success. At Fourmeta, we have grown our Instagram (@ux_meta) following to 110k by following these key strategies:

• Understanding our target audience: We took the time to understand our target audience and what type of content they are interested in. This helped us create content that is relevant and engaging to our followers.
• Creating high-quality content: We invest in creating high-quality content that is visually appealing and informative. We use a variety of content formats, such as images, videos, and infographics, to keep our followers engaged.
• Using the right hashtags: We use relevant and popular hashtags to reach a wider audience and get our content seen by more people.
• Working with influencers: We collaborate with influencers in our industry to reach a new audience and promote our content.

By following these strategies, we have been able to grow our Instagram following to 110k in a relatively short period of time. We also have a high engagement rate, which means that our followers are interacting with our content regularly.

If you are serious about using social media to grow your business, then follow these strategies. With a little effort and consistency, you can see similar results.

Additionally, Formeta's team of social media experts can help you take your social media marketing to the next level. They have the experience and expertise to help you develop and execute a social media strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Head to fourmeta.com.