The complete social media image size guide for 2026. Find the correct image dimensions, aspect ratios, and file size limits for every post type across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Last updated: March 2026.
Last updated: March 2026. Dimensions may vary as platforms update their interfaces.
How to Use the Social Media Image Size Guide
Using the wrong image dimensions on social media results in blurry, cropped, or poorly displayed content. This social media image size guide gives you the current correct specifications for every platform and content type.
Step 1: Filter by Platform
Click a platform button to filter and show only that platform's image types. Use "All Platforms" to see everything, or the search box to find a specific image type quickly.
Step 2: Read the Specifications
Each row shows the image type, recommended dimensions (width × height), aspect ratio, and maximum file size. Use the recommended dimensions for new graphics. The aspect ratio tells you how to crop existing images.
Step 3: Copy Dimensions
Click the Copy button on any row to copy the dimensions to your clipboard. Paste them directly into your design tool (Figma, Canva, Photoshop, etc.) to create a canvas at the exact correct size.
Tips for Better Social Media Images
Always design at 2× the specified dimensions for Retina/high-DPI displays (e.g., design a 1080×1080 image for a 540×540 feed post). Keep text and logos in the center 80% safe zone to avoid cropping. Most platforms recompress images, so export at 90% JPEG quality.
FAQ
Is this social media image size guide free?
Yes, completely free. The data is updated regularly to reflect current platform requirements.
Why do social media image sizes change?
Platforms update their interfaces, add new formats (like Instagram Reels), change how images are displayed on mobile vs desktop, or adjust compression algorithms. Always check current requirements before a major campaign.
What is the best image format for social media?
JPEG for photos and gradient images (smallest file size). PNG for graphics with text or transparency. WebP is increasingly supported and offers 30% smaller files than JPEG at the same quality. Avoid GIF for anything other than simple animations.
What aspect ratio works across most social platforms?
1:1 (square) is the most versatile — it displays well on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn feeds. 16:9 is standard for YouTube thumbnails and Twitter cards. 9:16 (vertical) is ideal for Stories and Reels.
Why do platforms display images differently despite having size guidelines?
Platforms crop images for different display contexts — a profile photo might show as a circle, a feed image gets cropped to a square thumbnail. Always keep important content in the safe zone (center 80% of the image) to avoid cropping.
What file size limits apply to social media uploads?
Most platforms accept images under 5MB for photos. Videos have stricter limits: Instagram allows up to 100MB, YouTube up to 256GB. For best results, keep photo files under 1MB — most platforms recompress anyway.
Do social media image dimensions change on mobile vs desktop?
The upload dimensions are the same, but display dimensions vary by device. Design with a 1:1 or 4:5 safe zone centered in the image. Platforms like Facebook display cover photos differently on mobile (scaled and cropped) vs desktop (full width).