Using the correct social media image size helps your graphics remain clear, readable, and properly framed across phones, tablets, and desktop screens. Uploading the wrong dimensions can result in blurry images, cropped text, hidden logos, or important details disappearing behind buttons and profile icons.
This social media image sizes 2026 guide covers the recommended dimensions for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, X, and Threads. It also explains aspect ratios, safe areas, image formats, and how to resize one design for several platforms without rebuilding everything from the beginning.
Last checked: 24 July 2026. Social platforms regularly change their interfaces and display behaviour, so it is worth checking important campaign graphics before publishing them.
Table of contents
Social Media Image Sizes 2026: Quick Reference
The dimensions above are practical working sizes rather than a guarantee that every platform will always display every pixel. Interfaces can crop or reposition images depending on the device, placement, and number of images in a post.
Key Takeaways
- Use 1080 pixels as a practical minimum width for most modern feed graphics.
- Use 1080 × 1350 pixels when you want a portrait design that can be adapted to several feed-based platforms.
- Use 1080 × 1920 pixels for full-screen vertical content.
- Keep important text away from edges because controls, captions, profile images, and cropping can hide content.
- Design separate banner graphics for each network rather than stretching one banner into several incompatible shapes.
- Export photos as JPG and graphics requiring transparency or very sharp edges as PNG.
Understanding Pixels and Aspect Ratios
An image size is normally written as width × height. For example, an Instagram portrait post measuring 1080 × 1350 pixels is 1080 pixels wide and 1350 pixels tall.
An aspect ratio describes the shape of an image rather than its exact resolution. A 1080 × 1350 image and a 2160 × 2700 image both have a 4:5 aspect ratio because their proportions are identical.
Why aspect ratio matters
Social platforms often accept several resolutions as long as the image remains within a supported aspect-ratio range. However, uploading an image outside that range may cause automatic cropping, padding, or a smaller preview.
Working at the recommended dimensions gives you enough resolution for clear text and images while helping you predict how the graphic will appear.
Resolution does not fix a bad composition
A large image can still perform badly if the headline is too close to the edge, the subject is hidden by interface controls, or the text becomes unreadable on a phone.
Correct dimensions should be combined with a strong visual hierarchy, safe margins, readable typography, and a clear focal point.
Instagram Image Sizes 2026
Instagram supports square, landscape, and portrait images. The platform currently recommends uploading feed photos at a width of at least 1080 pixels and supports ratios from 1.91:1 landscape through to 3:4 portrait.
This means the traditional 4:5 portrait post remains a safe and useful choice, while taller 3:4 images can also be uploaded.
What is the best Instagram post size?
For most businesses and creators, 1080 × 1350 pixels remains an excellent default. The portrait shape uses more vertical feed space than a square post while remaining easy to repurpose for Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.
The newer 1080 × 1440 option provides a slightly taller 3:4 canvas. It can be useful for photography and editorial designs, but check how the post appears in your profile grid and any scheduling tool you use.
Instagram carousel sizes
Use the same dimensions for every image in a carousel. The orientation selected for the first image can influence how the remaining slides are framed.
For educational carousels, 1080 × 1350 pixels is a reliable choice. Keep headings, page numbers, and calls to action in consistent positions across every slide.
Instagram Story and Reel safe areas
Stories and Reels use a 1080 × 1920 full-screen canvas, but interface controls can cover the top and bottom. Keep logos, faces, headlines, prices, and calls to action comfortably inside the central area.
For a Reel cover, design the full 1080 × 1920 frame but make sure the most important subject and headline also work inside the narrower cover crop shown on the profile.
Facebook Image Sizes 2026
Facebook displays content across the feed, Pages, Groups, Stories, Reels, events, advertisements, and link previews. The correct size depends on where the image will appear.
Best Facebook feed size
A 1080 × 1350 portrait image is a useful choice for announcements, product promotions, educational graphics, and branded posts. Square 1080 × 1080 graphics remain useful when you need a design that can be reused in several places.
Facebook Page cover size
Facebook states that Page covers must be at least 400 pixels wide and 150 pixels tall. An 851 × 315 sRGB JPG is the platform’s long-standing fast-loading recommendation.
Page covers can display differently on mobile and desktop. Avoid placing essential text directly against the edges, and check that the profile picture does not cover an important part of the design.
Facebook Group cover size
Use 1640 × 856 pixels for a Facebook Group cover. Place the group name, event date, or primary message close to the centre because the cover may be cropped differently across devices.
LinkedIn Image Sizes 2026
LinkedIn uses different image specifications for personal profiles, company Pages, feed posts, links, newsletters, and articles.
LinkedIn updated its official company Page guidance to recommend a very wide 4200 × 700 cover image. This is different from the 1584 × 396 background image used on personal profiles.
LinkedIn personal banner size
Use 1584 × 396 pixels for a personal background image. Keep your main message away from the lower-left area because the profile photograph overlaps part of the banner.
A good LinkedIn banner might include your role, service, area of expertise, company name, portfolio address, or a short statement explaining the value you provide.
LinkedIn company Page cover size
LinkedIn currently recommends 4200 × 700 pixels for a Page cover. Because the banner is extremely wide, use a high-resolution background and place important information near the centre.
LinkedIn warns that Page covers may be trimmed horizontally or vertically on different screens. Use limited text and avoid placing essential content near the edges or lower-right corner.
LinkedIn post image size
Use 1200 × 1200 pixels for a dependable square post or 1080 × 1350 pixels for a portrait graphic that takes up more vertical feed space.
For a website link preview, 1200 × 627 pixels at 1.91:1 is the standard working size.
YouTube Image Sizes 2026
YouTube creators mainly need graphics for video thumbnails, channel banners, profile pictures, Shorts, Community posts, and playlist covers.
YouTube thumbnail size
Use 1280 × 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Keep the file below YouTube’s upload limit and use JPG or PNG.
Thumbnails are often displayed at a small size, so use large text, clear facial expressions, strong subject separation, and a simple composition. Avoid filling every empty area with text or decorative elements.
You can create thumbnails using the Canvix online editor, where you can add text, shadows, shapes, screenshots, stock images, uploads, and background-removed subjects on separate layers.
YouTube channel banner size and safe area
YouTube recommends a 2560 × 1440 banner. The full image can appear on televisions, while a much narrower central strip appears on smaller screens.
Keep your channel name, upload schedule, slogan, and important logos within the central safe area. Use the outer part of the banner for background imagery that can be cropped without damaging the message.
TikTok Image Sizes 2026
TikTok is built primarily around vertical, full-screen media. The safest working canvas for videos, photo posts, advertisements, and cover frames is 1080 × 1920 pixels.
TikTok safe areas
TikTok places captions, account information, engagement buttons, audio details, and navigation controls over the video. Avoid putting essential text at the extreme top, bottom, or right side.
Place the main subject and headline around the centre of the frame. Preview the post inside TikTok before publishing, especially when the design contains prices, dates, subtitles, or calls to action.
TikTok profile images
TikTok only requires a small minimum upload size, but a larger square working file provides better quality. Use a simple logo, face, or symbol that remains recognisable when displayed as a small circle.
Pinterest Image Sizes 2026
Pinterest favours vertical content because Pins are displayed in scrolling feeds. A 2:3 image measuring 1000 × 1500 pixels remains the most practical standard Pin size.
Why 1000 × 1500 works well
A 2:3 Pin is tall enough to gain visibility in the feed without becoming excessively long. It works well for blog graphics, product Pins, recipes, tutorials, quotes, checklists, and evergreen educational content.
Pinterest accepts several aspect ratios, including 1:1, 4:5, 3:4, 2:3, and 9:16. For a regular static Pin, 2:3 remains a dependable starting point.
Pinterest video safe zones
Pinterest provides specific safe-zone guidance for full-screen vertical content because text and controls may cover parts of the creative. Keep key information away from the outer edges, particularly the bottom and right side.
X Image Sizes 2026
X provides official recommended sizes for profile images and headers. Feed images are automatically scaled for different displays, so the following post sizes should be treated as practical working dimensions.
X header safe area
X warns that parts of a 1500 × 500 header can be cropped on different screens and browsers. Approximately 60 pixels at the top and bottom may be affected.
The profile picture also overlaps the lower-left area. Place important text and logos closer to the centre or right side of the header.
X post images
X supports JPEG, PNG, and GIF images and automatically scales photos for display. Use a clear central composition because post previews may appear differently when you upload several images together.
Threads Image Sizes 2026
Threads supports text, links, photographs, videos, and combinations of media. Meta does not publish one mandatory image dimension for every Threads post, so familiar Instagram-style sizes provide a practical starting point.
A 1080 × 1350 portrait design works well for graphics containing a quotation, announcement, product, short list, or educational message. Keep the design relatively simple because Threads posts are frequently viewed alongside text-heavy conversations.
Why Social Media Safe Areas Matter
A safe area is the part of a design where important content is least likely to be hidden or cropped.
Even when your dimensions are correct, social platforms may place interface elements over the image, including:
- Profile pictures
- Usernames and captions
- Like, comment, and share buttons
- Navigation bars
- Audio information
- Advertisement labels
- Calls to action
- Automatic crops for profile grids
Simple safe-area rule
Keep important information at least five to ten percent away from the outside edges. Use larger margins for Stories, Reels, Shorts, and TikTok videos because interface controls occupy more of the screen.
What can go outside the safe area?
Background textures, decorative shapes, photographs, gradients, and non-essential details can extend to the edge. Headlines, prices, dates, logos, product names, faces, and calls to action should remain safely inside.
Profile picture overlap
Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X place profile images near or over cover graphics. Always preview the finished banner with an approximate profile-image circle or square before exporting it.
Best Image Format for Social Media
The three most useful image formats for social graphics are JPG, PNG, and WebP. The best choice depends on the type of design and where the file will be uploaded.
Should social media images be JPG or PNG?
Use JPG for photo-heavy posts and PNG for designs containing small text, logos, screenshots, flat colours, or transparency.
Platforms normally compress uploaded images. Exporting at the correct dimensions and using a sensible quality setting can reduce additional damage caused by unnecessary resizing.
Use RGB colour
Social media graphics should normally use RGB or sRGB colour rather than CMYK. CMYK is intended for print and can produce unexpected colours when uploaded online.
How to Resize Social Media Designs in Canvix
You do not have to rebuild the same campaign from the beginning for every platform. You can create a master design, duplicate it, and adjust the canvas for each required shape.
1. Choose the main design size
Begin with the platform that matters most to the campaign. For a general social campaign, 1080 × 1350 pixels is a practical feed starting point.
2. Add your main elements
Upload your images, add text, create shapes, use stock graphics, apply shadows, or remove the background from a subject. Keep each item on a separate layer so it can be repositioned later.
3. Save or duplicate the design
Keep the original version before changing its dimensions. This gives you a reliable master layout to return to.
4. Resize the canvas
Change the design to the next required size, such as 1080 × 1920 for Stories and Reels or 1080 × 1080 for a square post.
5. Reposition the layers
Do not simply stretch the finished design. Move the headline, photograph, logo, shapes, and call to action so the composition works naturally in the new format.
6. Use Fit Canvas where appropriate
For stickers, logos, cutouts, and designs that do not need a fixed social-media dimension, Canvix’s Fit Canvas option can resize the canvas around the objects and remove unnecessary empty space.
7. Export the correct format
Choose JPG for a standard photo-based design or PNG when transparency or sharp graphic edges are important. Additional export options are available when signed in.
How to Repurpose One Design Across Platforms
Reusing a campaign does not mean posting the exact same file everywhere. The goal is to keep the same message and visual identity while adapting the layout to each placement.
Feed version
Create a 1080 × 1350 portrait design for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and possibly X. Keep the main message concise and use enough space around the subject.
Square version
Create a 1080 × 1080 version for profile-grid consistency, product graphics, carousels, and placements where a square crop is convenient.
Vertical version
Create a 1080 × 1920 version for Stories, Reels, Shorts, TikTok, and full-screen Pinterest video. Rearrange the design rather than adding empty space above and below the feed version.
Landscape version
Create a 1200 × 628 or 1200 × 627 version for link previews, advertising placements, and wide social graphics. Create a separate 1280 × 720 version for YouTube thumbnails.
Banner versions
Design individual covers for Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X. Their proportions, profile-picture overlaps, and safe areas are too different for one universal banner.
Common Social Media Image Size Mistakes
Using one file for every platform
A square image may technically upload everywhere, but it will not always use the available space effectively. Create several core ratios instead of forcing one file into every placement.
Stretching an image after resizing
Stretching changes the proportions of faces, logos, and products. Resize the canvas and reposition the objects rather than dragging the entire finished image until it fits.
Putting text too close to the edge
Text near the edge can be cropped or covered by interface elements. Leave clear margins around headlines, prices, dates, and calls to action.
Ignoring the profile-grid crop
A feed post can look good when opened but awkward in the profile grid. Check how the subject and headline will appear in smaller previews.
Uploading low-resolution images
Increasing the canvas size does not restore detail that is missing from a small photograph. Begin with the highest-quality source image available or use an image-upscaling tool before placing it in the design.
Using tiny text
Most social content is viewed on phones. Zoom out while designing to check whether the message remains readable at approximately feed-preview size.
Forgetting mobile and desktop differences
Cover images and banners can be cropped differently on phones, desktop screens, televisions, and browser windows. Keep important content in the centre and test the uploaded result.
Exporting every design as PNG
PNG is useful for transparency and sharp graphics, but it can produce unnecessarily large photo files. Use JPG when transparency is not required and the design contains large photographs.
Conclusion: Which Social Media Image Sizes Should You Remember?
You do not need to memorise every dimension in this guide. Remembering a small group of common sizes will cover most everyday content:
- 1080 × 1080 for square posts
- 1080 × 1350 for portrait feed posts
- 1080 × 1920 for Stories, Reels, Shorts, and TikTok
- 1200 × 627 or 628 for landscape link graphics
- 1280 × 720 for YouTube thumbnails
- 1000 × 1500 for standard Pinterest Pins
Banners and covers should be created separately because every platform uses a different shape and cropping method.
You can use the Canvix online image editor to create and resize social media graphics using layers, text, uploads, shapes, stock images, AI tools, background removal, shadows, filters, and multiple export formats.
For format conversion and other quick image tasks, visit the Canvix web tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best general social media image size?
1080 × 1350 pixels is a useful general size for portrait feed posts. It works well on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and several other scrolling feeds.
What is the standard square social media size?
Use 1080 × 1080 pixels. A square design is easy to reuse across several networks and is suitable for carousels, product images, announcements, and branded posts.
What size should Instagram posts be in 2026?
Use 1080 × 1080 for square posts, 1080 × 1350 for standard portrait posts, 1080 × 1440 for a supported 3:4 portrait image, and approximately 1080 × 566 for landscape posts.
What size should Instagram Stories and Reels be?
Use 1080 × 1920 pixels with a 9:16 ratio. Keep important content away from the top, bottom, and right side where interface controls may appear.
What size should Facebook posts be?
Use 1080 × 1080 for square posts, 1080 × 1350 for portrait posts, and 1200 × 628 for landscape link images.
What is the LinkedIn banner size in 2026?
Use 1584 × 396 pixels for a personal LinkedIn cover. LinkedIn currently recommends 4200 × 700 pixels for a company Page cover.
What is the correct YouTube thumbnail size?
Use 1280 × 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Export the thumbnail as JPG or PNG and keep the composition simple enough to remain clear at a small size.
What size is a YouTube banner?
Use 2560 × 1440 pixels. Keep important text and logos inside the narrow central safe area so they remain visible on phones, computers, and televisions.
What is the correct Pinterest Pin size?
Use 1000 × 1500 pixels for a standard 2:3 Pin. For full-screen vertical video, use 1080 × 1920 pixels.
What is the X header size?
X recommends 1500 × 500 pixels for profile headers and 400 × 400 pixels for profile images.
Should social media images be 72 DPI or 300 DPI?
Pixel dimensions are more important than DPI for screen-based social media graphics. Use the required pixel size and export in RGB or sRGB. A 300 DPI setting is mainly relevant to print workflows.
Why does my social media image look blurry?
The original image may be too small, the design may have been enlarged after export, or the platform may have compressed a large file. Begin with a high-quality source, export at the correct dimensions, and avoid repeatedly saving a compressed JPG.
Can one image size work on every social platform?
No single size is perfect everywhere. However, 1080 × 1350 is a useful feed format, 1080 × 1080 is a reliable square format, and 1080 × 1920 covers most full-screen vertical placements.
Official Platform Sources
The sizes and ratios in this guide were checked against current official platform guidance where available. Practical working dimensions are clearly described as recommendations rather than mandatory upload requirements.
- Instagram photo resolution guidance
- Instagram Reel size and cover guidance
- Facebook Page profile and cover dimensions
- Facebook Group cover guidance
- LinkedIn personal cover image guidance
- LinkedIn Page image specifications
- YouTube channel branding dimensions
- X profile and header dimensions
- Pinterest Pin specifications
- TikTok profile image guidance