Best Image Sizes for Social Media (2026)

Updated July 20, 2026 · 5 min read

Every platform crops and compresses images that aren't sized to its spec. Here are the current recommended dimensions for each major network, and the fastest way to hit them.

Why image size matters

When you upload an image that doesn't match a platform's expected dimensions, one of two things happens: it gets cropped (cutting off part of your image) or it gets recompressed and downscaled (making it look soft). Sizing your image correctly before uploading is the single easiest way to keep it sharp and framed the way you intended.

The sizes below are the current recommended dimensions for each network. When a platform supports multiple formats, the vertical/portrait option almost always takes up more screen space in the feed, so it tends to get more engagement.

Instagram

Square post: 1080×1080 (1:1). Portrait post: 1080×1350 (4:5) — the tallest allowed in-feed and the best for reach. Stories and Reels: 1080×1920 (9:16). Landscape post: 1080×566 (1.91:1).

YouTube, TikTok & video platforms

YouTube thumbnail: 1280×720 (16:9). YouTube channel art: 2560×1440 (safe area 1546×423). TikTok covers and vertical video: 1080×1920 (9:16).

Facebook, X, LinkedIn & Pinterest

Facebook cover: 820×312; shared post / link image: 1200×630. X (Twitter) header: 1500×500; in-stream image: 1600×900. LinkedIn profile banner: 1584×396; post image: 1200×627. Pinterest standard pin: 1000×1500 (2:3).

The fast way to hit these sizes

You can resize to any of these in your browser for free — no login, nothing uploaded — with the platform-specific tools below. If your photo is the wrong shape for a target size, you'll normally have to crop it. To keep the whole image and change its shape without cropping, use AI outpainting to generate the extra space instead.

Do it now

FAQ

What is the best all-round image size for social media?

1080×1080 (square) is the safest universal size — it displays acceptably almost everywhere. For maximum feed space, 1080×1350 (4:5 portrait) on Instagram and 1080×1920 (9:16) for Stories/Reels/TikTok perform best.

How do I resize an image for a specific platform for free?

Use our free browser-based social resizers — they have each platform's exact dimensions as one-click presets, require no login, and never upload your image.

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