What is the best image size for Instagram posts?

Instagram's recommended size for square posts is 1080x1080 pixels. Portrait posts perform best at 1080x1350 (4:5 ratio), and landscape posts at 1080x566 (1.91:1 ratio). Instagram will compress images over 1080 pixels wide.

What image size does X (Twitter) use for shared links?

X displays link preview images (summary_large_image cards) at 1200x675 pixels (approximately 16:9). In-feed photo posts display best at 1200x675 or 1600x900. Images are cropped to fit these ratios if they do not match.

Can I use one image size for all platforms?

A 1200x630 image works acceptably on most platforms as a link preview, but it is not optimal for any specific one. For best results, create platform-specific versions — especially for Instagram (square or 4:5) versus X/LinkedIn/Facebook (landscape).

What file format should I use for social media images?

JPEG is the most universally supported and produces small file sizes for photos. PNG is better for images with text, logos, or transparency. Most platforms accept both, and some now support WebP.

Do social media platforms compress my images?

Yes. All major platforms recompress uploaded images to reduce file size and bandwidth. To minimize quality loss, upload images at the recommended dimensions and use high-quality JPEG (80-95%) or PNG. Uploading oversized images results in more aggressive compression.

What Is Social Media Image Size? | Glossary

Social media image size refers to the recommended pixel dimensions for images shared on social platforms — each platform (Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook) has specific size requirements for optimal display.

Sizes by platform

Each social platform displays images differently, and using the wrong dimensions results in cropping, stretching, or compression artifacts. Here are the current recommended sizes:

Instagram

Square post: 1080x1080 pixels (1:1)
Portrait post: 1080x1350 pixels (4:5) — takes up more screen space in the feed
Landscape post: 1080x566 pixels (1.91:1)
Stories and Reels: 1080x1920 pixels (9:16)
Profile picture: 320x320 pixels

X (Twitter)

In-feed image: 1200x675 pixels (16:9)
Link preview (summary_large_image): 1200x675 pixels
Header image: 1500x500 pixels (3:1)
Profile picture: 400x400 pixels

LinkedIn

Shared image post: 1200x627 pixels (1.91:1)
Link preview: 1200x627 pixels
Company page cover: 1128x191 pixels
Profile picture: 400x400 pixels

Facebook

Shared image post: 1200x630 pixels (1.91:1)
Link preview: 1200x630 pixels
Cover photo: 820x312 pixels (desktop), 640x360 pixels (mobile)
Profile picture: 170x170 pixels

Why dimensions matter

Using incorrect dimensions has visible consequences. An image that does not match a platform's expected aspect ratio will be cropped automatically — often cutting off text, faces, or other important content. An image that is too small will be scaled up, resulting in pixelation and blur. An image that is too large will be compressed more aggressively by the platform, degrading quality.

Proper dimensions also affect engagement. Portrait images on Instagram take up more vertical screen space in the feed, increasing the time users spend viewing the post. Landscape images on X and LinkedIn fill the preview card completely, making shared links more visually compelling.

Beyond visual quality, platforms prioritize content that displays well. Posts with correctly sized images look professional and signal that the creator invested effort in presentation — which influences both algorithmic distribution and user trust.

How to resize for multiple platforms

Creating separate versions for each platform manually is time-consuming, especially for teams publishing across four or more channels. Several approaches can streamline the process:

Template-based tools — design tools with social media presets let you select a platform and size, then adjust the composition for each variant. Some screenshot and image processing tools include social media presets that automate the resizing step entirely.
Smart cropping — center the most important content in the image so that any aspect ratio crop retains the key message. Avoid placing text or critical elements near the edges.
Batch processing — when producing multiple images (product shots, blog post covers, campaign assets), process them in bulk with a tool that exports multiple sizes from a single source image.
Canonical sizing — design at the largest common dimension (1200 pixels wide) and export smaller variants. This avoids scaling up and preserves quality across all sizes.

In a real publishing workflow

The practical move is to design one master asset, then export platform-specific crops from it. A 2x screenshot or product image can become a 4:5 Instagram post, a 1.91:1 link preview, and a narrow story crop in one pass. That is much more reliable than resizing the same uncropped file ad hoc every time a post is ready.

Common mistakes

Using one uncropped image everywhere. A horizontal image designed for Facebook will be awkwardly cropped on Instagram's square or portrait format. Create platform-specific versions for critical posts.
Ignoring mobile display. Most social media consumption happens on mobile devices where images display differently than on desktop. Preview your images on a phone before publishing.
Placing text at the edges. Platforms crop images differently depending on the viewing context (feed, preview card, expanded view). Keep essential text within the center 80% of the image.
Uploading screenshots at screen resolution. A screenshot captured at 1x resolution may be too small for social media display. Capture at 2x device pixel ratio and resize down to the target dimensions for sharp, high-quality output.
Not checking platform updates. Social media platforms change their image specifications periodically. Sizes that were optimal a year ago may no longer be current. Verify dimensions against each platform's latest guidelines.

Social Media Image Size