Social Media Updated Image Dimensions: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet

As we constantly see the changes in Social Media platforms, the use of visuals is extremely important in improving the engagement of the audience. The right dimensions of the image can make a difference as to how your content will appear and how well it will perform on each of the platforms. An image that is well crafted, can give you an option to stand out from the crowd, whereas improper images can lead to less engagement from the audience. To guide you in making engaging and attention-catching social media posts, below is the cheat sheet on the image sizes of the most popular social media platforms.

1. Facebook

• Profile Picture: 170 x 170 pixels (recommended)
• Cover Photo: 820 x 312 pixels (desktop), 720 x 312 pixels (mobile)
• Post Image: 1200 x 630 pixels (recommended)
• Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical)
• Maximum File Size: 10MB

2. Instagram

• Profile Picture: 110 x 110 pixels (recommended)
• Feed Post: 1080 x 1080 pixels (square), 1080 x 1350 pixels (vertical)
• Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical)
• Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical)
• Maximum File Size: 30MB (images), 30MB (videos)

3. X (Twitter)

• Profile Picture: 150 x 150 pixels (recommended)
• Header Photo: 1500 x 500 pixels (recommended)
• Tweet Image: 1200 x 600 pixels (recommended)
• Maximum File Size: 5MB

4. LinkedIn

• Profile Picture: 400 x 400 pixels (recommended)
• Banner Image: 1584 x 375 pixels (recommended)
• Post Image: 1200 x 627 pixels (recommended)
• Maximum File Size: 10MB

5. TikTok

• Profile Picture: 200 x 200 pixels (recommended)
• Video Cover: 720 x 1280 pixels (vertical)
• Video: 1920 x 1080 pixels (landscape)
• Maximum File Size: 5MB (videos)

6. Pinterest

• Profile Picture: 165 x 165 pixels (recommended)
• Pin: 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels)  
• Maximum File Size: 20MB

7. YouTube

• Channel Art: 2560 x 1440 pixels (recommended)
• Thumbnail: 1280 x 720 pixels (recommended)
• Maximum File Size: 2MB (thumbnails)

Additional Tips

• Consider platform-specific best practices: All of them contain recommendations and guidelines that are peculiar to each of them. Check what practices are more effective in the particular applications that you have at hand.
• Optimize for mobile: With the increase in the use of mobile devices in accessing social media platforms, make sure that affiliated images are mobile-friendly.
• Use high-quality images: Pictures with high resolutions will be clearer and, hence will be more professional.
• Compress images without sacrificing quality: Given below are some of the sources that can be used to compress the image files without reducing the quality of the images. Use tools like Optimizilla and more for reducing image size without compromising on quality.
• Experiment with different formats: Variations can also be attempted on the image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.) to know what version fits the content.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Image Optimization Tips

While the dimensions outlined above are crucial, there are additional factors to consider for optimal image performance: While the dimensions outlined above are crucial, there are additional factors to consider for optimal image performance:

Image Quality and File Size: 

• High-Resolution Images: Make sure it is as clear as possible to avoid getting blurred or pixelated pictures.
• Compression: Other ways can be utilized to compress files, however, the quality of the file will be affected, some of these methods include; using Adobe Photoshop, online compressors and others. This enhances the loading time and also cuts down the loads of data used by your audience.
• File Format: Of all the image formats, JPEG can be used for most of the images mainly because of the good quality and space taken by this format. PNG is superior if the image has an alpha channel or if the graphic has extremely crisp lines.

Image Optimization for Social Media Algorithms:

• Alt Text: Use for visually impaired clients to identify images or to enhance SEO.
• Keywords: The filenames and the alt texts need to be optimized with suitable keywords that may help to improve searchability.
• Engaging Captions: Come with powerful captions that would make the viewers want to interact with your content.

Visual Storytelling:

• Consistency: Have a proper design that has a connection with the branding style you choose for your site.
• Emotional Appeal: Select pictures that would stir the feelings of individuals, and appeal to their sensitive side.
• Call to Action: With images, target the viewers towards a specific direction; an example that is commonly implemented is the Click Here button.

Platform-Specific Considerations:

• Instagram: It is recommended to use Instagram’s features such as Stories, Reels, and IGTV to try various options and post types.
• TikTok: Learn how to produce short-form videos that are musical with music that people will like listening to; popular sounds included.
• Pinterest: Vertical pinning and keywording are good; thus, your images should be optimized for vertical pinning and the descriptions should contain only specific keywords.

Accessibility:

• Color Contrast: Make your images provide enough contrast for those with poor eyesight so that they can easily see your images.
• Text Overlay: Do not superimpose text on an image since the text may appear blurred and sometimes, impossible to comprehend especially for candidates with disabilities.

A/B Testing:

• Experimentation: Change the type, size and format of images you use on social media platforms and observe the reaction of Facebook users.
• Analytics: Engagement analytics should be done using the platform’s built-in analytics dashboard and measure which strategies people found most effective.

Stay Updated:

• Algorithm Changes: Algorithms in all social media platforms are regularly changed by the administrators of various social media networks. This guide is a good starting point to learn the current trending and most effective ways to KPI for content.

Conclusion

It is essential to choose the right image dimensions for your social media to create attractive and visually appealing content. If you follow this cheat sheet and consider platform- specific best practices, your images will look glamorous and lead you to your desired social media objectives. Always make sure to use high-quality images, as they can have a great impact on the branding process and help to establish a better connection with the target audience.

Simplify your social media management with Fly Social.  We offer you a user-friendly interface with powerful features such as an AI caption writer to help you create engaging content effortlessly, a single dashboard for engagement analysis and much more. Manage multiple social media accounts effortlessly and gain valuable insights with our comprehensive analytics. Try Fly Social today and streamline your social media efforts.

Note: This blog’s content was updated in September 2024. Data and image resolutions may vary over time due to platform updates or changes in best practices.

Check Out The Free Social Media Scheduler: www.fly-social.com