Social Media Image Sizes Cheat Sheet 2026: Complete Guide for Every Platform
Every social media platform has its own image dimension requirements. Upload the wrong size and your carefully designed profile picture gets cropped, your banner image shows a stretched logo, or your ad creative gets rejected.
This guide covers the correct image sizes for every major social media platform in 2026 — Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook. Bookmark this page and you will never have to search for “what size is a LinkedIn banner?” again.
If you need a quick reference while working, use the Image Size Cheat Sheet — an interactive tool that shows every dimension at a glance with copy-ready values.
Why image sizes matter for social media performance
Social media platforms automatically resize, crop, and compress images that do not match their recommended dimensions. When that happens, several things go wrong:
- Cropped content: A profile picture that looks fine in preview may crop out important elements when displayed in feeds or comments.
- Blurry images: Platforms upscale small images to fill the container, resulting in pixelation.
- Slow loading: Images that are larger than necessary take longer to load and increase bounce rates.
- Ad rejection: Most ad platforms reject creatives that do not meet exact dimension and file size requirements.
- Inconsistent branding: A banner image that fits perfectly on desktop Facebook may display awkwardly on mobile.
Using the correct dimensions from the start avoids all of these issues. Each platform section below lists the exact pixel dimensions for every image type, along with file format and size recommendations.
Instagram image sizes
Instagram remains the most visually demanding social platform. With its grid layout, Stories format, and Reels competing for attention, every image type has specific requirements.
Profile picture: 320 × 320 pixels
Instagram profile pictures are displayed as a circle, so center your subject and leave padding around the edges. The minimum upload size is 110 × 110 pixels, but 320 × 320 ensures sharp display on high-resolution screens. Use a PNG for crisp text or logos, and keep the file under 100 KB by running it through an Image Compressor before uploading.
Feed posts: 1080 × 1080 pixels (square), 1080 × 1350 pixels (portrait), 1080 × 566 pixels (landscape)
Square posts are the safest choice and display consistently across all devices. Portrait (4:5 ratio) posts take up more vertical space in the feed, which increases visibility and engagement — many creators prefer this format. Landscape posts work well for group shots and scenic photos but appear smaller in the feed.
Use JPEG for photographs and PNG for graphics with text. Keep file sizes under 10 MB for high-resolution images or under 900 KB for standard images. Instagram compresses images automatically, so uploading a 25 MB file will not improve quality — it will just waste bandwidth.
Instagram Stories and Reels: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
Stories and Reels fill the entire phone screen, so every pixel counts. Leave the top and bottom 14% clear of critical content — those areas are often covered by the profile icon, caption text, or system UI elements. Use MP4 format with H.264 encoding for video, and keep videos under 60 seconds for Stories and under 90 seconds for Reels.
Instagram profile grid thumbnails: 1080 × 1080 pixels
Your profile grid displays thumbnails of your most recent posts. Each thumbnail is cropped to 1:1 ratio from the center of your uploaded image. If you upload a portrait image (1080 × 1350), Instagram crops the top and bottom to fit the square thumbnail. Plan your grid layout carefully — a consistent theme or color scheme makes your profile look professional at a glance.
Need help crafting the perfect bio to go with your polished profile? The Instagram Bio Generator creates optimized bios that fit within the 150-character limit and include your value proposition and call-to-action.
TikTok image sizes
TikTok is primarily a vertical video platform, but its image requirements matter for profile pages, cover photos, and ads.
Profile picture: 200 × 200 pixels
TikTok displays profile pictures as a circle, similar to Instagram. The recommended upload is 200 × 200 pixels, though larger images will be resized. PNG format preserves transparency and sharpness for logos.
Video dimensions: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
All TikTok videos should be 1080 × 1920 pixels at minimum. Lower resolutions like 720 × 1280 still work but may appear less sharp on modern phones. Keep the aspect ratio strictly 9:16 — any deviation causes black bars or cropping.
Video cover image: 1080 × 1920 pixels
The cover image (thumbnail) is what users see before tapping your video. Upload a 1080 × 1920 PNG or JPEG that represents the video content clearly. Avoid text-heavy covers — TikTok’s interface already overlays captions and buttons on the thumbnail area.
TikTok carousel images: 1080 × 1920 pixels
Carousel posts (image slideshows) use the same 9:16 ratio as videos. Each image should be 1080 × 1920 pixels. You can upload up to 35 images per carousel. Use a consistent visual theme across all slides for a professional look.
For creators building their TikTok presence, the TikTok Bio Generator helps write concise, engaging profile descriptions that fit TikTok’s character limits.
YouTube image sizes
YouTube has the most varied image size requirements of any platform because it handles video thumbnails, channel art, and watermark images across desktop, mobile, and TV displays.
Channel profile picture: 800 × 800 pixels
Your YouTube profile picture appears next to every comment and video you publish. Use 800 × 800 pixels at minimum for crisp display on Retina screens. PNG or GIF (for animated icons) formats work best. Center the subject with generous padding since YouTube crops this to a circle.
Channel banner art: 2048 × 1152 pixels (minimum safe area: 1546 × 423 pixels)
YouTube banner art is the trickiest image size on the platform because it must display across desktop, mobile, and TV with different crop zones. The full upload size is 2560 × 1440 pixels, but the safe area — where text and logos will always be visible — is only 1546 × 423 pixels centered in the middle.
Follow these banner guidelines:
- Desktop: Shows the full 2560 × 1440 image with edges cropped on wider screens.
- Mobile: Displays a 1546 × 423 pixel center crop — the most restrictive view.
- TV: Shows the full image with minimal cropping but lower saturation.
- Tablet: Displays between desktop and mobile crops.
Place your logo, tagline, and key information inside the 1546 × 423 safe zone. Use the outer areas for background patterns, gradients, or extended imagery.
Video thumbnail: 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9 ratio)
Custom thumbnails are the single most impactful visual element for YouTube performance. Channels with custom thumbnails get significantly more views than those relying on auto-generated ones.
Thumbnail best practices:
- Use 1280 × 720 pixels at 72 DPI.
- Keep file size under 2 MB and use JPEG format.
- Add text sparingly — and only if it is readable at small sizes.
- Use high-contrast colors that stand out against YouTube’s white interface.
- Include faces with expressive reactions — thumbnails with faces perform better.
Your thumbnail and title work together. Use the YouTube Title Generator to craft headlines that complement your thumbnail visuals and include high-volume keywords in your niche.
YouTube watermark: 150 × 150 pixels
Channel watermarks appear as a small icon in the bottom-right corner of your videos. Upload a 150 × 150 pixel PNG with a transparent background for the best result. The watermark should be simple and recognizable at small sizes.
LinkedIn image sizes
LinkedIn profiles and company pages have distinct image requirements that differ significantly from consumer platforms. Getting these right matters for professional credibility.
Personal profile photo: 400 × 400 pixels
LinkedIn profile photos display at approximately 400 × 400 pixels on desktop and 200 × 200 pixels on mobile. Upload a professional headshot with a clean background. Face close-ups work better than full-body shots since the image is displayed as a small circle.
Personal background photo: 1584 × 396 pixels
The LinkedIn banner (background photo) sits behind your profile picture. At 1584 × 396 pixels with a 4:1 ratio, this is a wide, short space. Design it to complement your personal brand — add your professional tagline, areas of expertise, or a subtle background pattern. The profile picture overlaps this banner on the left side, so leave the left 20% empty of critical content.
Company logo: 300 × 300 pixels
LinkedIn company page logos display at 300 × 300 pixels (cropped to a square). Use a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background for the best result. The logo appears in search results, company updates, and employee profiles — make sure it is readable at small sizes.
Company cover image: 1128 × 191 pixels
Company page banners are shaped like a long, thin rectangle. At 1128 × 191 pixels with a nearly 6:1 ratio, text space is extremely limited. Use this space for your value proposition in large, bold text, or a visual pattern that reinforces your brand colors. Keep the most important content centered, since mobile displays crop the edges.
LinkedIn carousel images (document posts): 1080 × 1080 pixels (square) or custom PDF
LinkedIn’s carousel posts (also called document posts) let you share multi-page content. Square (1080 × 1080) works best, but any PDF with dimensions between 1080 × 1080 and 1920 × 1920 pixels is accepted. First slides must be compelling — LinkedIn shows only the first slide in the feed before users click to expand.
To complement your polished profile, the LinkedIn Headline Generator helps write professional headlines that include industry keywords and position you for recruiter searches.
X (Twitter) image sizes
X has simplified its image requirements in recent years, but specific dimensions still apply for different content types.
Profile photo: 400 × 400 pixels
X profile photos display as circles. Upload 400 × 400 pixels minimum for high-resolution displays. PNG with a square crop works best. Faces and logos should be centered.
Header photo: 1500 × 500 pixels
The X header image spans the top of your profile. At 1500 × 500 pixels with a 3:1 ratio, it is similar in shape to LinkedIn’s banner. Unlike LinkedIn, X does not crop this differently on mobile — the same image displays everywhere with minimal variation.
In-stream images: 1600 × 900 pixels (2:1 ratio recommended)
When you attach an image to a tweet, X displays it at 2:1 ratio in the timeline. Use 1600 × 900 pixels for the sharpest display. Images outside this ratio are cropped or display with black bars. Tap-to-view shows the full uncropped image, so the crop only matters in the timeline preview.
X card images (link previews): 1200 × 628 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
When you share a link, X generates a card preview with the Open Graph image. The standard OG image size of 1200 × 628 pixels ensures your link preview looks good on all devices. Keep text centered in the safe zone since mobile cards crop the edges.
Facebook image sizes
Facebook serves images across feeds, Stories, groups, events, and ads — each with unique requirements.
Profile photo: 180 × 180 pixels (minimum: 170 × 170)
Facebook profile photos display at 180 × 180 pixels on desktop. Upload 2048 × 2048 pixels for future-proof quality. The image is cropped to a circle in feeds and comments, but displays as a square on your profile page.
Cover photo: 1640 × 856 pixels (minimum: 820 × 312)
Facebook cover photos appear at 1640 × 856 pixels on desktop and 640 × 360 pixels on mobile. The desktop display crops the top and bottom, while mobile crops the left and right edges. Keep text and logos centered in the middle 50% of the image — Facebook’s safe area recommendation is approximately 1040 × 460 pixels centered.
Feed images: 1200 × 630 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
Shared images in the Facebook feed display at 1200 × 630 pixels. This is the same size as standard OG images, making it the most versatile dimension for cross-platform sharing. For event cover photos, use 1920 × 1005 pixels (16:9 ratio) — Facebook displays these slightly taller than standard feed images.
Facebook Stories: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
Facebook Stories follow the same format as Instagram Stories — 1080 × 1920 pixels. Keep critical content within the center 70% of the frame, with the top and bottom 15% clear for UI overlays.
Facebook event cover: 1920 × 1005 pixels (16:9 ratio)
Event cover photos use a 16:9 ratio at 1920 × 1005 pixels. Unlike feed images, event covers display in a wider, slightly squarer crop. Center your event title and date in the middle of the image.
How to compress and resize images for each platform
Uploading images at the correct pixel dimensions is only half the workflow. File size matters too — large files load slowly and platforms compress them aggressively, often reducing quality beyond what you intended.
Follow these general guidelines:
- Use JPEG for photographs and complex images. JPEG offers the best quality-to-file-size ratio for photographic content. Compression level 80-85% usually produces visually lossless results at roughly one-tenth the file size of an uncompressed PNG.
- Use PNG for images with text, logos, or transparency. PNG preserves sharp edges and supports alpha transparency, making it ideal for profile pictures, logos, and screenshots.
- Aim for file sizes under 500 KB for feed posts and under 100 KB for profile pictures. Most platforms list maximum file sizes (typically 5-10 MB), but smaller files load faster and get compressed less.
- Use WebP when the platform supports it. WebP averages 25-35% smaller file sizes than JPEG at equivalent quality. Some platforms now accept WebP uploads directly.
The Image Resizer lets you resize images to exact pixel dimensions without losing quality, and the Image Compressor reduces file sizes while maintaining visual fidelity. Both run entirely client-side, so your images never leave your computer.
Build a consistent visual identity across platforms
Using the correct image sizes ensures your content displays correctly, but consistency across platforms makes your brand recognizable. Here are practical steps to create a unified visual identity:
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Use a consistent color palette. Your profile pictures, banners, and post graphics across all platforms should share the same 3-5 core colors. The Color Palette Generator creates harmonious color schemes from a mood description or starting color, with exportable CSS and hex codes.
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Create templates at each platform’s exact dimensions. Design your banners, thumbnails, and post graphics at the exact pixel sizes listed in this guide. Save them as templates in your design tool so you never create content at the wrong size again.
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Optimize profile pictures for circular crops. All major platforms now display profile pictures as circles. Design them with generous padding around the subject and avoid placing critical elements near the corners.
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Test on mobile before publishing. Always preview your profile and posts on a phone before finalizing. Desktop previews do not accurately represent how content appears on mobile, where more than 80% of social media consumption happens.
Quick reference table by platform
| Platform | Image Type | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile picture | 320 × 320 | 1:1 | PNG | |
| Feed post (square) | 1080 × 1080 | 1:1 | JPEG/PNG | |
| Feed post (portrait) | 1080 × 1350 | 4:5 | JPEG/PNG | |
| Stories/Reels | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | MP4/PNG | |
| TikTok | Profile picture | 200 × 200 | 1:1 | PNG |
| TikTok | Videos/Covers | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | MP4 |
| YouTube | Profile picture | 800 × 800 | 1:1 | PNG |
| YouTube | Banner art | 2048 × 1152 | 16:9 | JPEG/PNG |
| YouTube | Thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 | JPEG |
| Profile photo | 400 × 400 | 1:1 | PNG | |
| Background banner | 1584 × 396 | 4:1 | JPEG/PNG | |
| Company cover | 1128 × 191 | 6:1 | JPEG/PNG | |
| X (Twitter) | Profile photo | 400 × 400 | 1:1 | PNG |
| X (Twitter) | Header photo | 1500 × 500 | 3:1 | JPEG/PNG |
| X (Twitter) | In-stream image | 1600 × 900 | 2:1 | JPEG/PNG |
| Profile photo | 180 × 180 | 1:1 | PNG | |
| Cover photo | 1640 × 856 | 1.9:1 | JPEG/PNG | |
| Feed image | 1200 × 630 | 1.91:1 | JPEG/PNG | |
| Stories | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | PNG/MP4 |
Keep this guide handy
Image size requirements change as platforms update their interfaces. This guide reflects current specifications as of mid-2026. For a quick reference you can access while working, the Image Size Cheat Sheet on AIBox provides all these dimensions in a searchable, copy-ready format alongside image optimization tools that help you prepare files at the correct size and compression level — all running in your browser with no uploads or signups required.