The Current Social Media Image Sizes 2021 | Social Media Agency

Whether it’s an Instagram post announcing an update, a behind the scenes look at your business on Stories, or a promotional video on Facebook – visually appealing content dominates social media. Social Media is used as a way to reach new customers, engage with your current audience and build brand awareness, so it is vital to maintain a professional look across all platforms and stay on top of any updates.

for Social Media platforms have updated a lot over the years. It can be difficult to keep up, but by not staying on top of the updates you run the risk of negatively affecting your online presence.

Think of Social Media as your visual shop front for your brand. It’s important to get everything right to avoid these common errors:

Stretched and pixelated images from not being sized correctly – this can cause your social media pages to look unprofessional and your images to come across as poor quality.
Not optimising your images for each different platform – this can have a negative effect on your engagement.
Cropping important information, contact details or parts of your image by not sizing them correctly.

Below are the current Social Media as of 2021 to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.

Facebook

Facebook is the largest Social Media platform and one of your potential customers could be checking regularly. It is important to ensure Facebook images are sized correctly for both desktop and mobile and to regularly check this. It is also recommended that you don’t update your profile and cover images too regularly, as these are the images your audience begin to associate your brand with and recognise on their feeds.

Facebook profile photo: 170 x 170 pixels

Your chosen profile photo across all social platforms is the image you are choosing to represent your brand. Your Facebook profile photo is the image that appears below your cover photo and will appear when you post, comment and when your profile is searched. It is what people will associate your brand with, so it is important this is sized correctly, clear, professional and not regularly changed. If using your business logo we recommend ensuring text is visible and all images are of a high quality.

Facebook cover photo: 1200 x 674 pixels

Your Facebook cover photo is the banner image at the top of your page. When not sized correctly, you run the risk of key information being cropped out and a stretched and unprofessional looking banner image on your profile.

Facebook post photo: 1200 x 630 pixels

Alternatively, you can upload your Facebook post photos in square format at 1080 x 1080 pixels. This is also the recommended size for carousel posts.

Facebook event image: 1920 x 1005 pixels

Facebook events are a great way to connect with your audience and advertise virtual events. If you have a promo graphic, it is vital to ensure no information is lost by being wrongly sized.

Instagram

Instagram was created to be a visually appealing platform and more recently, a popular video sharing platform. It is an ideal place to showcase your creative side for your business and present your work and products. Getting your content right for Instagram gives you potential to reach a massive audience and can blow your business up.

Instagram profile photo: 320 x 320 pixels

Like Facebook, your Instagram profile photo is what people will associate your brand with, so it’s important to ensure it is sized correctly. Remember, Instagram profile photos are uploaded in square format but Instagram will display them as a circle, so make sure nothing will be cropped out and the main focus is in the centre of the image.

Instagram feed photos:

Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels

Instagram feed photos are often the easiest to size correctly because Instagram will crop your image for square format and even allow you to take square images with their in app camera feature. You do have the option to upload your images in landscape and portrait format but your images will show as a cropped square on your grid. For this reason it is important to take care that none of your important information is cropped or not displayed correctly on your Instagram feed.

Instagram Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)

Instagram Stories is a good format to get full screen content out there without having to crop anything out and are a great way to encourage engagement.

Instagram Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)

Instagram reels are full screen video content in the same sizing as Instagram stories. It’s important to remember if you are sharing your Instagram reels to your grid as well, this will automatically be sized to square. If any of your audience watches your reel from your grid, it’s important to ensure nothing is cropped out and any text stays in the middle of the screen.

Instagram IGTV: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)

Similar to Instagram reels, IGTVs are full screen video content but for a longer duration. Stimulate viewers to stay hooked for longer by carefully placing information and stickers so that they are seen, but aren’t disrupting the content. Cover photo for IGTV: 420 x 654 pixels.

Twitter

Twitter is not typically known as being a photo sharing platform, but make sure you don’t forget about it. Recently, Twitter has been making big changes to it’s layout and how the platform is used.

Twitter profile photo: 400 x 400 pixels

Your Twitter profile photo is the image that appears below your header photo, and it is what people will associate your brand with, so it is important this is sized correctly and not regularly changed.

Twitter header photo: 1500 x 500 pixels

Your Twitter header photo is the image at the top of your page. This should be a clear image that represents your brand. Ensure it is eye catching to engage your audience.

Twitter card photo: 1200 x 628 pixels

A Twitter card image is the image that appears when you share a URL in a tweet. Users can also attach an image to any tweet, and one of the big Twitter updates in 2021 was that they were no longer cropping your image. This means you no longer have to worry about your image content having to be center focused.

Twitter fleets photo: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Twitter fleets appear on your twitter homepage and disappear after 24 hours. They are Twitter’s response to the story feature on other Social Media platforms.

LinkedIn is the leading professional Social Media network. It has potential for your business to find new employees and connect with others in the same industry. For these reasons it is important to maintain a professional look across your page.

LinkedIn profile photo: 400 x 400 pixels

Your LinkedIn profile photo is the image that appears below your banner photo and is what people will associate your brand with, so it is important this is clear and professional.

LinkedIn banner photo: 1584 x 396 pixels

This is the image that appears at the top of your LinkedIn account. It is recommended to keep this clear, professional and within your branding.

YouTube

The popular video sharing platform is a great way to create and share content to reach your target audience. Being a visual-focused platform, the quality of static and moving images is a priority

YouTube profile photo: 800 x 800 pixels

YouTube allows you to select different borders for your photo and it should be centered for the best look.

YouTube banner photo: 2048 x 1152 pixels (16:9)

Your YouTube banner photo should be branded and clear for a professional look.

YouTube video size: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9)

This is the YouTube video size that is needed to meet HD requirements.

YouTube thumbnail size: 1280 x 720 pixels

YouTube thumbnails are useful for generating interest and encouraging your audience to watch your video. Ensure these are clear and enticing.

TikTok

TikTok has been dominating Social Media for short videos and allows you to reach new audiences. Captions are a central part of TikTok, whether it be for comedic or informational purposes – so it’s important to ensure these are not cropped out.

TikTok profile photo: 20 x 20 pixels

TikTok profile photos are small so it is important to ensure these are clear and easily identifiable as being your brand.

TikTok video size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (1:1 or 9:16)

TikTok video size is the same as Instagram reels which make it easier to repurpose the content.

Snapchat

Snapchat lets you connect with your audience and advertise to new markets. While snapchat content is temporary, it is still a great way to engage audiences – that’s why it is essential to consider sizing content correctly.

Snapchat ad image size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)

Snapchat full screen ads let you advertise to new audiences.

Snapchat Geofilter image size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)

Snapchat Geofilters are a fun way to encourage interaction and build brand awareness for your business.

If you use Pinterest for your business it is important to optimize your page regularly, it can be a great Social Media platform for driving referral traffic to your website. Remember to keep your content relevant to your board.

Pinterest profile image size: 165 x 165 pixels

You have the option to set up your Pinterest account through Facebook, Twitter or email. If you select Facebook or Twitter, Pinterest will use your profile picture from there. You can upload your own but keep in mind Pinterest will display it as a circle so keep the focus centered.

Pinterest post (or pin) image size: 236 pixel width or 660 pixel height (2:3)

Pinterest has a limit on the width of your image but not the length.

Google My Business

Google My Business is essential for businesses to drive customer engagement and manage reviews.

Google My Business photos:

Logo: 720 x 720 pixels
Cover photo: 720 x 720 pixels
Business photo: 720 x 720 pixels

These images may be the first impression potential customers get of your business. Take care to choose images that truly reflect your business.

You now know the correct sizes you need, it’s time to adjust your images to fit in with the current social media image sizes. There are plenty of free tools available online to do so. Check out Canva, PicMonkey and Snappa for some examples of apps that make this easy for you.

In today’s fast-paced social media landscape, grabbing attention and engaging your audience through compelling visuals is crucial. But mastering the art of creating perfectly sized and impactful images across different platforms can seem daunting. Fear not, fellow content creators! This guide will equip you with the tools and tricks to craft social media images that stand out from the crowd and captivate your viewers.

Apps and Tools for Crafting Properly Sized Images:

Canva: A user-friendly online platform with pre-designed templates for every social media format, along with easy-to-use editing tools and a vast library of free images and elements.
Adobe Spark: Another online solution offering stunning templates, intuitive editing features, and the ability to create animated social media graphics.
Snapseed: A powerful mobile app for photographers and casual users alike, offering comprehensive editing tools, filters, and adjustments for on-the-go image enhancements.
VSCO: A mobile app popular for its stylish filters and editing presets, perfect for adding a unique aesthetic to your social media images.
VistaCreate: Formerly Piktochart, this platform excels in creating infographics and visual content for data-driven social media posts.

Design Tips for Images that Stand Out on Feeds:

Embrace Mobile-First: Remember, most social media consumption happens on smartphones. Prioritize portrait or square orientations to maximize visibility on mobile feeds.
Color Power: Don’t underestimate the impact of color! Choose a palette that aligns with your brand identity and evokes the desired emotions. Use contrasting colors to make your text pop and grab attention.
Simplicity is Key: Avoid cluttering your images with too much information or text. Maintain a clean and balanced composition with ample white space for visual breathing room.
Strong Focal Point: Guide viewers’ eyes towards the most important element of your image. Use intentional composition, contrasting colors, or leading lines to direct attention.
Text for Clarity: When using text, ensure it’s legible and concise. Use large, bold fonts with high contrast against the background for optimal readability, especially on mobile devices.
Brand Consistency: Stay true to your brand identity through consistent logo placement, color palettes, and visual elements across all your social media images.
Trending and Hashtags: Stay informed about emerging trends and relevant hashtags. Incorporate them into your visuals subtly to increase discoverability and ride the popularity wave.
Engagement Triggers: Encourage interaction by including questions, polls, or call-to-action prompts within your images. Spark curiosity and invite viewers to engage with your content.
Beyond Stills: Experiment with different formats like GIFs, short videos, and even carousel image sets to tell a more engaging story and stand out from the static noise.

While capturing attention with stunning visuals is crucial, the technical aspects of your social media images shouldn’t be overlooked. Mastering the right file formats and resolutions for each platform ensures your content appears crisp, engaging, and free from unwanted compression artifacts. Let’s delve into the technical side of things to ensure your visual masterpieces shine:

File Formats:

JPEG: The go-to format for photos due to its smaller file size and compatibility across platforms. Aim for a quality around 80% to balance compression with visual quality.
PNG: Ideal for graphics with sharp lines, text, or logos as it preserves transparency flawlessly. However, be mindful of larger file sizes.
GIF: Perfect for short, looping animations that can add a playful touch to your content. Remember, file size limitations apply.

Optimal Resolutions:

Facebook: Profile picture (180x180px), Cover photo (851x315px), Feed post (1200x628px), Stories (1080x1920px).
Instagram: Profile picture (320x320px), Feed post (1080x1080px, landscape 1080x566px, portrait 1080x1350px), Stories (1080x1920px), Reels (1080x1920px).
Twitter: Profile picture (200x200px), Header (1500x500px), Feed post (900x450px).
LinkedIn: Profile picture (400x400px), Company logo (300x300px), Banner (1584x525px), Feed post (1200x628px).
Pinterest: Pin size (generally between 600px and 1200px width), Board cover (222x150px).

The world of social media images is never static, constantly evolving with new trends and formats vying for our attention. While mastering the classics like still photos and square posts remains important, staying ahead of the curve by incorporating trendy elements can make your content truly stand out. Let’s explore some exciting social media image trends and how they might impact image sizes:

1. The Vertical Video Boom: Short-form, vertical videos are dominating platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. This trend emphasizes portrait-oriented content, pushing traditional landscape images to the side. Expect an increased demand for taller image sizes specifically designed for vertical video formats.

2. Interactive Experiences: Interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and augmented reality filters are adding a new layer of engagement to social media images. While the core image size might remain consistent, additional areas might be needed to accommodate interactive elements or accompanying instructions.

3. Micro-Content Mania: Attention spans are shrinking, and bite-sized content like micro-blogs and micro-videos are gaining traction. This could see a rise in smaller image sizes further optimized for quick consumption on mobile screens.

4. Beyond the Feed: Beyond traditional feed posts, platforms are expanding image use through features like Stories, live video, and AR experiences. Understanding the specific dimensions and aspect ratios associated with these features will be crucial to crafting impactful visuals.

5. Immersive Storytelling: Social media is embracing immersive storytelling formats like 360° imagery and panoramic photos. This could lead to the adoption of wider and more unconventional image sizes that transport viewers into the heart of the experience.

How Can These Trends Impact Image Sizes?

More Variety: Expect image sizes to become more diverse, catering to the growing range of video, interactive, and immersive formats.
Dynamic Adaptations: Platforms might offer dynamic resizing options based on the chosen content format, requiring creators to be adaptable in their approach.
Vertical Focus: Portrait and square orientations will likely see increased importance, potentially impacting the way we compose and design social media images.
Mobile Optimization: The mobile experience will remain paramount, driving the design of image sizes and functionalities.

Staying Ahead of the Curve:

Keep an eye on trends: Follow industry publications and social media platforms to stay updated on emerging trends and format changes.
Experiment and adapt: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new formats and adapt your image creation process to stay relevant.
Seek inspiration: Analyze platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to see how successful creators are adapting their visuals to trending formats.
Embrace flexibility: Consider tools that offer flexible resizing and format adjustments to adapt your content to different platforms and trends.

By understanding and anticipating these emerging trends, you can craft social media images that are not only visually captivating but also perfectly sized and formatted for the future of online content consumption. Remember, staying adaptable and embracing experimentation is key to thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of social media visuals.

FAQ:

1. I’m new to social media marketing. Should I focus on traditional image formats or embrace the new trends?

Both! Mastering the basics like still photos and square posts is essential for any platform. However, incorporating trending elements like vertical video or interactive polls can add a modern touch and boost engagement. Start with the classics, then experiment with trendy formats to find your balance.

2. I’m worried about creating content for different image sizes across platforms. Isn’t that too much work?

There are tools that can help! Look for online platforms like Canva or Snapseed that offer pre-designed templates for various formats and resizing options. This saves time and ensures consistency across your different social media accounts.

3. Will these new trends change the way I design my images?

Yes, some trends may affect composition and design choices. For example, vertical video formats call for portrait compositions, while interactive elements might require additional space for instructions or buttons. Be mindful of the format you’re creating for and adapt your design accordingly.

4. I’m not sure my current social media strategy incorporates these trends. What should I do?

Review your existing content and see where you can seamlessly add trendy elements. Start small by experimenting with vertical video on Instagram Reels or incorporating polls into your Facebook posts. Analyze the results and adapt your strategy further based on audience response.

5. Where can I find more inspiration for incorporating trendy formats?

Follow successful creators on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels and notice how they leverage trending formats to engage their audience. Analyze industry publications and blogs for insights on emerging trends and best practices.

Conclusion:

The world of social media images is a dynamic canvas, constantly evolving with new trends and formats. By understanding these trends, embracing experimentation, and choosing the right tools, you can craft captivating visuals that stand out from the crowd and connect with your audience in exciting new ways.

Remember, your social media images are windows into your brand and story. Make them vibrant, engaging, and perfectly sized to capture hearts and minds on the ever-changing landscape of online interactions.

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