Upload a picture in the wrong size and the platform will crop it, blur it or squeeze it. Use this cheat sheet to get the dimensions right the first time. All sizes are in pixels (width by height).
| Placement | Size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
| Portrait post | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Landscape post | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 |
| Story and Reel | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Profile picture | 320 x 320 | 1:1 |
Portrait 4:5 takes the most space in the feed, so it often gets the most attention. Use the Instagram Photo Resizer to create each size. To make a giant picture across your profile, try the Instagram Grid Maker.
| Placement | Size |
|---|---|
| Cover photo | 820 x 312 |
| Shared image or link | 1200 x 630 |
| Profile picture | 320 x 320 (displays 170 x 170) |
| Event cover | 1920 x 1005 |
| Story | 1080 x 1920 |
Keep text near the centre of the cover photo because mobile crops the sides. The Facebook Image Resizer has presets for each.
YouTube
| Placement | Size |
|---|---|
| Video thumbnail | 1280 x 720 (16:9), under 2 MB |
| Channel banner | 2560 x 1440 |
| Channel icon | 800 x 800 |
Thumbnails must stay under 2 MB. The YouTube Thumbnail Resizer resizes and compresses to fit. Keep faces and text away from the bottom right, where the video length badge sits.
X (Twitter)
| Placement | Size |
|---|---|
| Header | 1500 x 500 |
| In-stream image | 1600 x 900 |
| Profile picture | 400 x 400 |
| Placement | Size |
|---|---|
| Personal banner | 1584 x 396 |
| Shared image | 1200 x 627 |
| Company cover | 1128 x 191 |
| Profile picture | 400 x 400 |
The LinkedIn Image Resizer covers all four.
The ideal pin is 1000 x 1500 (2:1.5). Taller pins can be cut off in the feed. Use the Pinterest Image Resizer.
TikTok
Vertical 1080 x 1920 (9:16). Keep key content away from the bottom and right edges where buttons and captions appear. You can convert any picture with the 9:16 aspect ratio tool.
WhatsApp and Discord
- WhatsApp profile picture: 500 x 500 square (displayed as a circle). Use the WhatsApp DP Resizer.
- Discord emoji: 128 x 128 under 256 KB. Use the Discord Emoji Size Converter.
Tips for sharp results
- Always start from the largest original and resize down, never up.
- Export as JPG for photos and PNG for graphics with text.
- Keep the important subject in the safe centre area.
- If you do not want to crop, use a blurred background instead. The Aspect Ratio Changer can add one.
- Platforms recompress uploads. Leaving a little extra quality (about 90 percent) helps the final result.
Rules that apply on every platform
- Upload at the recommended size or larger. Platforms recompress uploads, so starting with a sharp, correctly sized image gives the best final result.
- Keep key content in the centre. Many feeds crop to a square or circle on some screens, so avoid placing text near the edges.
- Use the right aspect ratio, not just the right pixels. A 4:5 portrait takes up more room in a feed than a square. See what aspect ratio means.
- Check the platform’s current guidance. Sizes change occasionally, so treat any chart as a starting point.
Quick reference for common formats
| Use | Typical size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram portrait post | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| Instagram square post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 |
| Story or Reel cover | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| YouTube thumbnail | 1280 x 720 | 16:9 |
| Link preview image | 1200 x 630 | about 1.91:1 |
Saving time with batches
Make one master image, then create each version with a dedicated tool: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook or LinkedIn. Need to turn one picture into a swipeable post? See how to split an image for an Instagram grid.
Keep file size sensible
Large files upload slowly and get recompressed harder. Keep photos under about 1 MB when you can, and use the image compressor if a platform complains about size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best size for Instagram posts?
1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 portrait) uses the most feed space. Square 1080 x 1080 is the classic format and 1080 x 1920 is right for Stories and Reels.
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?
1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 ratio, under 2 MB, in JPG, PNG or GIF format.
Why does Instagram make my photos blurry?
Instagram recompresses uploads and resizes anything over 1080 pixels wide. Upload at exactly the recommended width and avoid heavily compressed originals to keep the result sharp.
Do sizes change often?
Platforms adjust layouts from time to time, but the core dimensions listed here have been stable for years. Always keep the key content in the centre so small changes do not hurt.
