Staying up to date on your social media image sizing can be challenging as their platforms are regularly being updated. But when it comes to posting high-quality pictures, it’s important to know the proper image sizing for each social media platform. After all, you only have 2.7 seconds to grab someone’s attention on social media before they keep on scrolling.

Facebook Image Sizing

Facebook is the most frequented social network worldwide. Whether it be for personal or business use, it’s become the main platform for communication. According to Buzzsumo, Facebook posts with images see 2.3x more engagement than those without images. When uploading pictures to Facebook, always check to see how they will look before posting. This is their basic imaging sizing:

Facebook profile pictures:

-Minimum image size: 180 x 180 pixels
-Recommended image size: 200 x 200 pixels
-Actual size:
*Desktop: 170×170 pixels
*Smartphones: 128 x 128 pixels
*Feature phones: 36 x 36 pixels
*Thumbnail: 32 x 32 pixels

Facebook cover photos:

-Minimum image size: 400 x 150 pixels
-Recommended image size: 820 x 360 pixels
-Actual size:
*Desktop: 820 x 312 pixels
*Smartphones: 640 x 360 pixels

Instagram Image Sizing

Instagram is booming as well and it’s not just for those who are under 30. Both teens and adults are drawn to Instagram for visual entertainment. Instagram Stories are very popular. In fact, Instagram Business recorded that over 500 million Instagram accounts use Stories daily, and 4 million businesses use Stories ads every month. This is their basic imaging sizing:

Instagram profile pictures:

-Minimum image size: 110 x 110 pixels
-Recommended image size: 180 x 180 pixels
-It’s a square photo, so it is best to upload with an aspect ratio of 1:1

Instagram photo Thumbnails:

-Thumbnail size: 161 x 161 pixels
-It’s a square photo, so maintain an aspect ratio of 1:1

Instagram photos:

-Maximum image size: 1,080 x 1,080 pixels (horizontal); 1,080 x 1,350 pixels (vertical)
-Scaled downsize 612 x 612 pixels
-Size in feed: 510 x 510 pixels
-Aspect ratios between 1.19:1 and 4:5

Instagram Stories photos:

-Minimum image size: 600 x 1,067 pixels
-Recommended image size: 1,080 x 1,920 pixels
-Aspect Ratio: 9:16
-Maximum file size: 4GB

Twitter Image Sizing

Twitter has been the world’s real-time news source for years. Although it is limited to 280 characters, pictures can speak volumes. Also, it is important to have a profile picture with Twitter. Otherwise, you may be mistaken for spam. Businesses typically have their logo as their profile picture. With little room to make an impression, you want your picture to pop with the correct pixels. This is their basic imaging sizing:

Twitter profile pictures:

-Recommended image size: 400 x 400 pixels
-Displays: 200 x 200
-Maximum file size: 2MP
-Permitted image types: .JPG, .GIF, OR .PNG

Twitter header photos:

-Recommended image size: 1,500 x 500 pixels
-Maximum file size: 5MP
-Permitted image types: .JPG, .GIF, OR .PNG

How do resize my images for social media?

There are several free online photo editors you can use to get your desired image size. Here are just a few:

https://pixlr.com/editor/
https://getstencil.com/
https://snappa.com/
canva.com

Lastly, do your research. Social media platforms like to stay cutting edge and change their specifications often. The photo editors are user-friendly making it simple to resize your pictures. There is a lot of competition out there for a great picture. Getting your sizing and pixels right can make all the difference.