Are you looking for ways to improve your social media posts? Want to ensure the images you share fit perfectly in your follower’s feeds?

Blog2Social share their image size guide in this infographic.

They cover the following social networks:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Tumblr
  • Xing
  • LinkedIn
  • Google My Business

Check out the infographic for more detail.

Social Media Basics: The 2021 Image Size Cheat Sheet [Infographic]

 

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re using it for personal reasons or for promoting your business, understanding the basics of social media is essential. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the proper sizing of images for different social media platforms. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive 2021 image size cheat sheet to help you make the most out of your social media presence.

Why Image Size Matters

Before we dive into the specifics of image sizes for various social media platforms, let’s take a moment to understand why image size is so important.

Visual Appeal

First and foremost, properly sized images look better on social media. When your images fit perfectly within the platform’s layout, they appear more professional and appealing to your audience.

Brand Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to branding. By using the correct image sizes, you ensure that your brand’s visual elements, such as logos and banners, maintain their integrity across different social media profiles.

User Experience

Images that are too large or too small can negatively impact the user experience. Oversized images may take longer to load, while undersized images may lose detail and clarity.

Algorithmic Preferences

Some social media algorithms may prioritize posts with correctly sized images, leading to increased visibility and engagement for your content.

Now that we understand why image size matters let’s move on to the specific image dimensions you need to know for the major social media platforms in 2021.

Learn design & marketing. Grow your business.

Learn design & marketing. Grow your business.

Facebook

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 180 x 180 pixels
  • Displays as: 170 x 170 pixels on desktop, 128 x 128 pixels on smartphones

Your Facebook profile picture is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile. Make sure it’s a clear representation of you or your brand.

Cover Photo

  • Dimensions: 820 x 312 pixels
  • Displays as: 640 x 360 pixels on smartphones

Your cover photo is a prime piece of real estate on your Facebook profile. Use it to showcase your personality or brand identity effectively.

Shared Image

  • Recommended dimensions: 1200 x 630 pixels

When sharing images on your Facebook timeline, use these dimensions for the best results. Facebook will automatically resize larger images to fit within these dimensions.

Shared Link Image

  • Recommended dimensions: 1200 x 628 pixels

When sharing links on Facebook, you can include an image that will be displayed alongside the link. Make sure it meets these dimensions for optimal appearance.

Event Image

  • Recommended dimensions: 1920 x 1080 pixels

If you’re creating an event on Facebook, use this image size for the event cover photo.

Instagram

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 110 x 110 pixels

Your Instagram profile picture is displayed as a circle, so ensure that your image looks good within a circular frame.

Photo Posts

  • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
  • Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
  • Landscape: 1080 x 608 pixels

Instagram is known for its visual content, so high-quality images are a must. Choose the appropriate dimensions based on your content type.

Stories

  • Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Instagram Stories are a popular way to engage with your audience. Use this size for your story images.

IGTV Cover Photo

  • Dimensions: 420 x 654 pixels (minimum)

When uploading videos to IGTV, you can choose or upload a custom cover photo. Ensure it meets the minimum dimensions for the best results.

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Click. Scan. Improve. Get your website audit here.

Twitter

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels

Your Twitter profile picture appears beside your tweets and on your profile page. Make it easily recognizable.

Header Image

  • Dimensions: 1500 x 500 pixels

Your Twitter header image is a significant part of your profile’s visual appeal. Use it to convey your brand’s message or showcase a stunning image.

In-Stream Image

  • Minimum dimensions: 440 x 220 pixels (2:1 ratio)
  • Maximum dimensions: 1024 x 512 pixels (2:1 ratio)

When you share images in your tweets, they will appear in-stream. Ensure they meet the minimum dimensions for optimal visibility.

LinkedIn

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels

Your LinkedIn profile picture is an essential part of your professional branding. Choose a clear and professional-looking image.

Background Image

  • Dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels

The background image on your LinkedIn profile allows you to showcase your personality or professional achievements. Use this size for the best fit.

Shared Image

  • Maximum dimensions: 1200 x 1200 pixels

When sharing images in your LinkedIn posts, ensure they meet the maximum dimensions for the best appearance.

Company Logo

  • Dimensions: 300 x 300 pixels

If you’re managing a LinkedIn company page, use this size for your company logo.

Talk strategy. Plan design. Start strong.

Talk strategy. Plan design. Start strong.

Pinterest

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 165 x 165 pixels

Your Pinterest profile picture represents you or your brand on the platform. Make it visually appealing and recognizable.

Pin Image

  • Standard pin: 1000 x 1500 pixels
  • Expanded pin: 1000 x 2100 pixels

Pinterest is all about sharing images, so make sure your pins are visually appealing and informative.

Board Cover Image

  • Dimensions: 800 x 450 pixels

Each Pinterest board can have a cover image that represents its theme. Use this size for the best results.

YouTube

Channel Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 800 x 800 pixels

Your YouTube channel’s profile picture appears next to your videos and comments. Make it easily recognizable.

Channel Cover Photo

  • Dimensions: 2560 x 1440 pixels (desktop)
  • Dimensions: 1546 x 423 pixels (smartphones)
  • Safe area: 1546 x 423 pixels (visible on all devices)

Your YouTube channel cover photo is a prominent visual element. Ensure it looks good on both desktop and mobile devices.

Video Thumbnail

  • Dimensions: 1280 x 720 pixels

Creating eye-catching video thumbnails can help increase click-through rates on your videos.

Real results. Real businesses. Real growth.

Real results. Real businesses. Real growth.

Snapchat

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 320 x 320 pixels

Your Snapchat profile picture represents you on the platform. Make it fun and engaging.

Snap Ad

  • Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels

If you’re running Snap Ads on Snapchat, use this size for your ad creatives.

TikTok

Profile Picture

  • Dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels

Your TikTok profile picture appears on your profile and alongside your videos. Make it eye-catching.

Video Uploads

  • Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels (vertical)

TikTok is all about short vertical videos. Use this size for your video uploads.

Big ideas. Small prices. Perfect websites.

Big ideas. Small prices. Perfect websites.

Conclusion

In the world of social media, visuals play a crucial role in capturing your audience’s attention and conveying your message effectively. By using the correct image sizes for each platform, you can ensure that your content looks polished and professional.

Remember that these image dimensions are accurate as of 2021, but social media platforms may update their requirements over time. It’s essential to stay up to date with the latest guidelines to maintain a strong and engaging presence on social media.

So, the next time you’re preparing images for your social media posts, refer back to this cheat sheet to ensure that your visuals are optimized for each platform. Happy posting!

Mark Walker-Ford

Author:
Mark Ford

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