Updated for 2025 algorithm changes, new features, and platform updates.
Optimizing images for social media is critical for engagement, branding, and avoiding awkward cropping. This guide covers recommended dimensions, aspect ratios, and best practices for all major platforms as of February 2025.
General Tips for 2025
- Prioritize mobile-first designs: 80% of social media browsing happens on phones.
- Use RGB color mode: Ensures vibrant, consistent colors across screens.
- Max file size: Keep images under 10MB to avoid compression issues.
- Test on multiple devices: Preview how images appear on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
1. Facebook
Profile Picture
- Size: 360 x 360 pixels (displays as 170 x 170 on desktop).
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1.
- File Type: PNG or JPG.
Cover Photo
- Size: 851 x 315 pixels (desktop) / 640 x 360 pixels (mobile).
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (desktop) / ~1.78:1 (mobile).
- Tip: Leave a 16-pixel buffer on all sides to avoid text/logo cutoff.
Feed Posts
- Single Image: 1200 x 630 pixels (1.91:1).
- Carousel: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
- Stories/Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
Ads
- Image Ads: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
- Video Ads: 1200 x 628 pixels (1.9:1).
2. Instagram
Profile Picture
- Size: 320 x 320 pixels (1:1).
- Tip: Circular crop—center logos to avoid clipping.
Feed Posts
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5).
- Landscape: 1080 x 608 pixels (1.91:1).
Stories/Reels
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- Safe Zone: Keep text/graphics within the center 1080 x 1420 pixels.
Carousels
- Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
IGTV/Video Posts
- Thumbnail: 420 x 654 pixels (1:1.55).
3. X (Twitter)
Profile Picture
- Size: 400 x 400 pixels (1:1).
Header Photo
- Size: 1500 x 500 pixels (3:1).
Tweet Images
- Single Image: 1600 x 900 pixels (16:9).
- Multi-Image: 1200 x 675 pixels (16:9).
X Pro (Premium) Ads
- Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
4. LinkedIn
Profile Picture
- Size: 400 x 400 pixels (1:1).
Cover Photo
- Size: 1584 x 396 pixels (4:1).
Company Page Cover
- Size: 1536 x 768 pixels (2:1).
Feed Posts
- Single Image: 1200 x 627 pixels (1.91:1).
- Document Posts: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
LinkedIn Stories
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
5. TikTok
Profile Picture
- Size: 200 x 200 pixels (1:1).
Video Posts
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- Aspect Ratio: Vertical (4:5 or 9:16).
TikTok Ads
- In-Feed Ads: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- TopView Ads: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
6. Pinterest
Profile Picture
- Size: 165 x 165 pixels (1:1).
Pins
- Standard: 1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3).
- Ideal: 1260 x 2240 pixels (optimized for mobile).
Story Pins
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
7. YouTube
Channel Icon
- Size: 800 x 800 pixels (1:1).
Channel Cover
- Size: 2560 x 1440 pixels (16:9).
- Safe Zone: Keep text/logos within 1546 x 423 pixels (center).
Video Thumbnails
- Size: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9).
Shorts/Stories
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
8. Snapchat
Profile Picture
- Size: 200 x 200 pixels (1:1).
Snaps/Stories
- Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
Filters/Geofilters
- Size: 1080 x 2340 pixels (full-screen).
9. Threads (Meta)
Profile Picture
- Size: 500 x 500 pixels (1:1).
Feed Posts
- Single Image: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5).
- Carousel: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1).
Quick-Reference Table
| Platform | Profile Pic | Cover Photo | Feed Post | Stories/Reels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360×360 | 851×315 | 1200×630 | 1080×1920 | |
| 320×320 | N/A | 1080×1080 | 1080×1920 | |
| X (Twitter) | 400×400 | 1500×500 | 1600×900 | N/A |
| 400×400 | 1584×396 | 1200×627 | 1080×1920 | |
| TikTok | 200×200 | N/A | 1080×1920 | 1080×1920 |
| 165×165 | N/A | 1000×1500 | 1080×1920 | |
| YouTube | 800×800 | 2560×1440 | 1280×720 | 1080×1920 |
| Snapchat | 200×200 | N/A | 1080×1920 | 1080×1920 |
| Threads | 500×500 | N/A | 1080×1350 | N/A |
FAQs
Q: Do these sizes work for both free and paid posts?
Yes—ads and organic posts use the same dimensions.
Q: What tools can I use to resize images?
- Free: Canva, Adobe Express, Kapwing.
- Paid: Photoshop, Figma.
Q: Why do my images look blurry after uploading?
- Compress files losslessly with tools like TinyPNG.
- Avoid upscaling low-resolution images.
Q: Are vertical images better for engagement?
In 2025, vertical (9:16) and square (1:1) posts outperform landscape on most platforms.
Q: How often do platforms update their requirements?
Major changes occur every 12–18 months. Bookmark this guide for annual updates.
Dinesh K Verma is an experienced SEO strategist and WordPress expert with over 12 years of industry experience. He specializes in creating optimized, user-friendly websites that drive traffic and conversions. As the founder of SEOBallia.com, Dinesh shares his expertise through insightful articles and practical guides. His mission is to empower businesses and individuals to achieve online success.