The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Image Sizes
Choosing the wrong image size can cause it to appear stretched, pixelated, or cropped in unexpected ways, and negatively impact your campaign. Here's a helpful guide to ensure your images are always formatted and sized correctly.
According to the prospective student journey survey we fielded in 2023, social media is the third most influential factor prospective students consider when researching colleges — just behind "advice from family and friends" and "the school's website." It's also an undeniably visual channel, where it's not only critical to pick the right image, but also to make sure that image is sized appropriately for both the platform and the use case.
How to Choose the Right Images for Your Campaign
Optimizing your social media content for maximum engagement with your prospects requires a strategic approach. Your organization should use vibrant and realistic imagery to help your advertisements stand out from your competitors and create lasting impressions. When selecting imagery, ensure that the diversity depicted in photos of students on campus accurately reflects the lived experience of the enrolled student body. Making sure your visuals reflect the demographics you serve will make your advertising more effective and encourage a sense of belonging for your prospects.
Whenever possible, we recommend commissioning custom photography for images appearing either on the website or in social media campaigns. It adds legitimacy and authenticity when prospects know the subjects appearing in photos are actual students enrolled in the college or university. In instances where stock photography is the only option opting for premium, curated libraries like Getty Images, iStockPhoto, or Adobe Stock will allow you to access some of the highest quality images on the market. For budget-friendly, royalty-free alternatives, Unsplash and Pexels provide a wealth of imagery to suit any visual need.
If imagery for specific situations is still difficult to find, you might consider leveraging AI image generation tools like Dall-E or Adobe's Firefly, but it's important to consider the ethical implications associated with AI-generated imagery and ensure your school's AI policy allows for AI-generated content.
Social Media Image Size Cheat Sheet
The marketing experts at OHO have assembled this cheat sheet of the most effective sizes in the most popular placements that we’d recommend leveraging in 2024. Let's dive in.
| X | TikTok | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Photo | 170 x 170 pixels | 320 x 320 pixels | 400 x 400 pixels | 400 x 400 pixels | 200 x 200 pixels |
| Landscape | 1200 x 628 pixels | 1080 x 566 pixels | 1600 x 900 pixels | 1200 x 627 pixels | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Portrait | 628 x 1200 pixels | 628 x 1200 pixels | 1080 x 1350 pixels | 627 x 1200 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Square | 1200 x 1200 pixels | 1080 x 1080 pixels | 1080 x 1080 pixels | 1080 x 1080 pixels | 1080 x 1080 pixels |
| Stories | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels | N/A | N/A | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Cover Photo | 851 x 314 | N/A | 1500 x 500 pixels | 1584 x 396 pixels | N/A |
Facebook Image Sizes
Facebook offers the opportunity to pull your prospects into a complete story about the daily workings of your organization. When selecting images for Facebook, you’ll want an image that is vibrant and eye-catching, while still being understandable at a smaller size. Facebook recommends using “inspiring imagery” — think big here and showcase larger than life moments your prospects might have with your school, such as graduations or achieving career goals.
Facebook Image Size: Profile Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for Facebook profile photos are 170 x 170 pixels.
NOTE: dimensions of Facebook profile pictures may vary in appearance from device to device.
Facebook Image Size: Cover Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for a Facebook cover photo to suit both desktop and mobile are 851 x 315 pixels.
Facebook Image Size: Event Cover Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for a Facebook event cover photo are 1200 x 628 pixels.
Facebook Image Size: Group Cover Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for a Facebook event cover photo are 1640 x 856 pixels.
Facebook Image Size: Stories
The minimum recommended dimensions for Facebook Stories are a minimum of 1640 x 856 pixels and will fill the average smartphone screen.
Facebook Image Size: Ads
For Facebook Feed Ads, Facebook Marketplace Ads, Facebook Search, and Facebook Messenger Inbox Ads the minimum recommended dimensions are 1080 x 1080 pixels.
Facebook Stories Ads share the same 1080 x 1080 pixels minimum recommended dimension, but can be also be designed in a vertical, mobile optimized format at 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Right Column Facebook Ads, the only desktop specific Facebook image, should be designed at 1200 x 1200 pixels.
Instagram Image Sizes
Instagram rewards eye-catching content with wider reach and deeper engagement. When figuring out what to showcase, take into consideration Instagram’s mission statement: “To capture and share the world's moments.” With this in mind, photography (or video) with rich colors, action shots, photos of events, or anything with that behind the scenes vibe will perform best with prospects. Note: Landscapes typically get the most engagement, so this might be a great spot to showcase your campus.
Instagram Image Size: Profile Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for Instagram profile photos are 320 x 320 pixels.
NOTE: these photos are loaded at 110 x 110 pixels, despite Instagram’s minimum requirement. All images will be cropped within circles, so photos should be carefully selected with this limitation in mind.
Instagram Image Size: Story
The minimum recommended dimensions for Instagram Stories are 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Instagram Image Size: Feed Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for Instagram Feed Photos are:
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Instagram Image Size: Carousel
The minimum recommended dimensions for Instagram Carousel images are:
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Instagram Image Size: Ads
The minimum recommended dimensions for Instagram Ads are:
- Landscape: 1080 x 566 pixels
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Instagram Stories ads: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Instagram Reels ads: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Instagram Profile Feed ads: 1080 x 1080 pixels
X (Twitter) Image Sizes
Twitter has been mired in controversy since Elon Musk purchased it — and rebranded it as X — in the fall of 2022. Since then, a significant number of advertisers have pulled their campaigns from the platform. Even prior to Musk's acquisition of the company, however, we found that our higher education clients struggled to run successful campaigns on the platform and we don't typically recommend it for colleges and universities.
If X is an integral piece of your digital marketing strategy, look for bold but simple images that can get your message across quickly. Avoid overly detailed images or small embedded type — these will easily missed as prospects scroll through.
X Image Size: Profile Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for X Profile Photos are 400 x 400 pixels.
X Image Size: Header Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for X Header Photos are 1500 x 1500 pixels.
X Image Size: In-Stream Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for X In-Stream Photos are 1600 x 900 pixels.
X Image Size: Shared Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for X Shared Photos are 900 x 450 pixels.
X Image Size: Ads
For single and multi-image posts and tweets, the minimum recommended dimensions are 600 x 335 pixels.
For Website card images, App card images, and Carousels, the minimum recommended dimensions are 800 x 418 pixels for horizontal images or 800 x 800 pixels for square images.
For Direct Message cards and Conversation cards, the minimum recommended dimensions are 800 x 418 pixels.
LinkedIn Image Sizes
While not a platform typically frequented by prospective undergraduate students, LinkedIn is very popular among those seeking secondary education opportunities. When selecting imagery for graduate programs, look to promote outcomes for graduating students and highlight the success of alumni.
LinkedIn Image Size: Profile Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for LinkedIn Profile Photos are 400 x 400 pixels.
LinkedIn Image Size: Profile Cover Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for LinkedIn Profile Cover Photos are 1584 x 396 pixels.
LinkedIn Image Size: Company Page Photos
The minimum recommended dimensions for LinkedIn Company Page images are:
- Company page
- Logo: 300 x 300 pixels
- Square logo: 60 x 60 pixels
- Cover: 1128 x 191 pixels
- Blog post image: 1350 x 440 pixels
LinkedIn Image Size: Life Tab
The minimum recommended dimensions for LinkedIn Life Tab images are:
- Hero: 1128 x 191 pixels
- Module images: 502 x 282 pixels
- Company photos: 900 x 600 pixels
LinkedIn Image Size: Posts
The minimum recommended dimensions for images in LinkedIn Posts are 1200 x 627 pixels.
LinkedIn Image Size: Ads
- Logo: 100 x 100 pixels
- Spotlight: 100 x 100 pixels
- Spotlight custom ad background images: 300 x 250 pixels
- Sponsored content images: 1200 x 627 pixels
- Sponsored content carousel images: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Tiktok Image Sizes
Tiktok offers instant and potentially viral engagement for your prospects. Since Tiktok is primarily a video-based platform, video is king. Use it to show prospects the great things that happen at your school. Some of the most popular videos on Tiktok are funny or informative (or both), and this can help with your chances of going viral — whether this is on brand for your organization is another matter!
Tiktok Image Size: Profile Picture
The minimum recommended dimensions for Tiktok Profile Pictures are 200 x 200 pixels.
Tiktok Image Size: Videos
The minimum recommended dimensions for Tiktok Videos are 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Tiktok Image Size: Carousel Photos
The minimum recommended dimensions for Tiktok Carousel Photos are 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Pinterest Image Sizes
Pinterest is an inspirational goldmine, home to millions of users looking for their next big idea — which means your ads must compete with a litany of attractive and eye-catching content. When scrolling through your board, you’ll notice that animated pins stand out the most — consider this when looking to make your next ad! Ads with solid, bright colors are also a strong candidate if animation isn’t in your team’s budget.
Pinterest Image Size: Profile Picture
The minimum recommended dimensions for Pinterest Profile Pictures are 165 x 165 pixels.
Pinterest Image Sizes: Profile Cover Photo
The minimum recommended dimensions for Pinterest Profile Cover Photos are 800 x 450 pixels.
Pinterest Image Sizes: Pins
The minimum recommended dimensions for Pinterest Pins are:
- Square: 1000 x 1000 pixels
- Story: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Collections: 1000 x 1000 pixels for square images or 1000 x 1500 pixels or for vertical images
Pinterest Image Sizes: Ads and Carousels
The minimum recommended dimensions for Pinterest Ads and Carousels are:
- App installation ads: 1000 x 1500 pixels
- Carousel Pins and ads: 1000 x 1000 pixels for square images or 1000 x 1500 pixels or for vertical images
- Collections: 1000 x 1000 pixels for square images or 1000 x 1500 pixels or for vertical images
Snapchat Image Sizes
Snapchat, like TikTok, offers a unique ability to engage with prospects through playful filters and AR experiences. Leaning into FOMO helps you connect with prospects in real-time, instantly. Like Instagram, Snapchat viewers are looking for authentic behind-the-scenes glimpses into your school, and some of the most viral Snapchat ads out there offer interactive experiences.
Snapchat Image Size: Profile Picture
The minimum recommended dimensions for Snapchat Profile Pictures are 320 x 320 pixels.
Snapchat Image Size: Geofilters
The minimum recommended dimensions for Snapchat Profile Pictures are 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Snapchat Image Size: Ads
The minimum recommended dimensions for Snapchat Profile Pictures are 1080 x 1920 pixels.
What Can Optimizing Your Social Media Do for You?
Optimizing your social media isn't just about vanity metrics — in 2023, our digital marketing team was able to drive over 127,000 impressions for a single client, with an average click-thru rate of 67%. OHO can also work with your team to track even more data like website traffic, leads generated, and conversions — then lean into those results to keep your social media working for you.
Our team of digital media specialists work to amplify your brand’s voice, drive traffic, and get real results that turns clicks into conversions, leaving your team to focus on what you do best. Contact us today.