Social Media Image Size Cheat Sheet
The definitive cheat sheet for image dimensions across all social platforms.
Reviewed by the ToolNestr Editorial Team — July 2026
Why image sizing matters
Using the correct image dimensions for each social platform ensures your content displays sharply without being cropped, stretched, or compressed. Each platform has specific requirements based on its layout, and these dimensions change periodically as platforms update their interfaces. An image that looks perfect on Instagram may be awkwardly cropped on Facebook or LinkedIn.
The most common cause of blurry social media images is uploading files that are too small. Platforms tend to downsample images aggressively, so starting with the recommended dimensions gives you the best result. For Retina and high-DPI displays, consider uploading images at 2x the listed resolution — the file will be larger, but your images will look crisp on modern smartphones and high-resolution monitors.
Pro tips
- Always use 2x resolution for Retina displays — upload at the full recommended size.
- Keep important content (text, logos, faces) in the center safe zone, especially for profile pictures and cover photos.
- Test your images on mobile — over 60% of social media views happen on phones.
- JPEG is best for photos, PNG for graphics with text, and GIF for simple animations.
- Platforms update their image specs periodically — check official documentation for the latest requirements.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the best image size for Instagram posts?
Instagram feed posts look best at 1080×1350 px (4:5 portrait), which takes up the most vertical space in the feed. Square posts are 1080×1080 px and Stories/Reels are 1080×1920 px (9:16).
What size should a Facebook shared-link image be?
Use 1200×630 px (1.91:1). This is the Open Graph share size Facebook reads from the og:image tag, and it prevents cropping in the news feed.
Should I upload social images at 2× resolution?
Yes. Platforms downsample aggressively, so uploading at 2× the listed dimensions keeps images crisp on Retina and high-DPI phones, where most views happen.
What aspect ratio works across the most platforms?
A 1:1 square and a 9:16 vertical cover the widest range: square works for feed posts and profile pictures, while 9:16 fits Stories, Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Why does my image look cropped or blurry after uploading?
It usually means the aspect ratio did not match the platform slot (so it was auto-cropped) or the file was below the recommended pixel size (so it was upscaled). Match the dimensions in the table above and export at the exact ratio.