Social Media Image Size Cheat Sheet
Use this quick-reference table to match each social platform with the correct image dimensions. Keep this page bookmarked for fast lookups.
Key Dimensions and Reference Table
Use the reference table below as your starting point. These values are designed to fit common platform requirements and prevent cropping or unexpected compression. When possible, export at the exact dimensions for maximum clarity.
If you are unsure about format choice, default to JPEG or WebP for photos and PNG for text-heavy graphics. The right format keeps files lightweight without blurring edges or flattening gradients. When a platform supports modern formats, WebP is usually the fastest option.
A reliable workflow is to resize from the original high-resolution file, export once at the target size, and then upload. Repeated resizing or re-compressing the same file compounds artifacts and reduces clarity over time.
| Platform | Asset | Dimensions | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | |
| Story/Reel | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | |
| Cover | 820 x 312 | 2.63:1 | |
| X | Header | 1500 x 500 | 3:1 |
| Banner | 1584 x 396 | 4:1 | |
| YouTube | Thumbnail | 1280 x 720 | 16:9 |
| TikTok | Video | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Pin | 1000 x 1500 | 2:3 |
How to Use the Cheat Sheet
Start with your target platform, find the asset type, and resize to the listed dimensions. This prevents auto-cropping and compression artifacts.
For deeper details, visit the platform-specific guides linked below.
Format and Export Tips
Use JPEG for photos and PNG for text-heavy graphics. Keep quality high to reduce platform compression.
If you need multiple sizes, batch your exports to maintain consistent quality.
Resizing Workflow
Open PixelPerfect Resizer, select your dimensions, and export. Repeat for each platform or use bulk resizing to speed up production.
Keep original files for future resizing without quality loss.
Quality and Compression Tips
Start with the highest-quality source image, resize to the final dimensions, and then adjust compression. This keeps edges clean and prevents the muddy look that happens when files are compressed repeatedly. If your image contains text, use PNG or a high-quality JPEG to keep characters sharp.
For photos, WebP or JPEG at 80-90% quality is usually the best balance of size and clarity. For graphics or logos, use lossless PNG. Always preview the final export at 100% before uploading.
- Resize first, compress second.
- Match the target aspect ratio to avoid cropping.
- Export once to prevent cumulative artifacts.
- Use sRGB color for consistent display across devices.
Practical Examples
A social media team can use this cheat sheet to quickly prepare a campaign pack: 1080 x 1350 for Instagram feed, 1080 x 1920 for stories, and 1200 x 630 for Facebook link posts.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming one size fits all platforms.
- Uploading square images to vertical-only placements.
- Ignoring safe zones where UI overlays appear.
Related Guides
Instagram image size guide, LinkedIn banner size guide, YouTube thumbnail size guide. Return to the PixelPerfect Resizer homepage to resize your images.
FAQ
How often do social media sizes change?
Sizes change occasionally, so review updates at least twice a year.
Should I use the exact dimensions?
Yes, exact dimensions reduce cropping and compression issues.
What is the best format for social posts?
JPEG for photos and PNG for text-heavy graphics.
Do platforms compress images?
Yes, all major platforms compress uploads to some degree.
Can I use one image for all platforms?
You can, but results are usually better with platform-specific sizes.
Where can I resize quickly?
PixelPerfect Resizer lets you export exact sizes fast.
Why is my text cropped?
Text is too close to edges or outside safe zones.
How do I keep quality high?
Use correct dimensions and avoid heavy compression.