Use this as a practical image-size starting point, then resize each asset privately in your browser before uploading to the platform.
Updated July 2026. Social platforms change crop behavior and upload rules, so this guide favors durable aspect ratios and source notes over unsupported "complete guide" claims.
Use aspect ratio first, exact pixels second. Most creators need 16:9 for YouTube thumbnails, 9:16 for vertical video covers, 1:1 or 4:5 for feed posts, 2:3 for Pinterest Pins, and platform-specific banner sizes for profile pages. Because platforms change specs, verify exact dimensions for high-stakes campaign assets before publishing.
Citable rule: for social media image prep, aspect ratio is the durable rule and pixel size is the export setting.
| Surface | Starting point | Source status | Resize tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube thumbnail | 3840 x 2160, 16:9 recommended | Checked against YouTube Help | Resize |
| Pinterest standard Pin | 1000 x 1500, 2:3 recommended | Checked against Pinterest Business Help | Resize |
| TikTok cover-style image | 1080 x 1920, 9:16 practical preset | Needs official source pass before campaign use | Resize |
| Instagram feed image | 1:1 or 4:5 practical crop | Needs official source pass before campaign use | Resize |
| LinkedIn, X, Facebook banners | Platform-specific wide crops | Needs official source pass before campaign use | Use the platform tool below |
YouTube recommends 16:9 for custom thumbnails and lists 3840 x 2160 as the recommended size, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Use the YouTube Help source before changing assets for a monetized or sponsored upload.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | Max File | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Thumbnail | 3840 x 2160 | 16:9 | Check current YouTube Help | Resize |
| Thumbnail minimum width | 640 px wide or larger | 16:9 | Check current YouTube Help | Resize |
| Channel Banner | 2560 x 1440 | 16:9 | 6 MB | Resize |
| Channel Icon | 800 x 800 | 1:1 | -- | Resize |
Instagram supports multiple feed shapes. Treat these as practical creator presets and confirm current platform rules before paid campaigns or brand deliverables.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | Resize |
| Portrait Post | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | Resize |
| Landscape Post | 1080 x 566 | 1.91:1 | Resize |
| Story / Reel | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | Resize |
| Profile Picture | 320 x 320 | 1:1 | Resize |
X timeline crops can vary by surface, device, and post type. Use these as practical export presets, then preview important posts before publishing.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Feed Image | 1600 x 900 | 16:9 | Resize |
| Square Post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | Resize |
| Header Banner | 1500 x 500 | 3:1 | Resize |
| Profile Picture | 400 x 400 | 1:1 | Resize |
Facebook dimensions vary between desktop and mobile. Cover photos are particularly tricky because they can crop differently on each device.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Post | 1200 x 630 | 1.91:1 | Resize |
| Portrait Post | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | Resize |
| Cover Photo | 851 x 315 | 2.7:1 | Resize |
| Profile Picture | 180 x 180 | 1:1 | Resize |
| Story | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | Resize |
LinkedIn has an unusually wide profile banner (4:1). Company pages use slightly different dimensions than personal profiles.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Post | 1200 x 628 | 1.91:1 | Resize |
| Square Post | 1200 x 1200 | 1:1 | Resize |
| Profile Banner | 1584 x 396 | 4:1 | Resize |
| Profile Picture | 400 x 400 | 1:1 | Resize |
Pinterest recommends 2:3 for standard image Pins, such as 1000 x 1500. Pins taller than 2:3 may be cut off in some feeds, so keep the key message near the top and center.
| Image Type | Size | Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pin | 1000 x 1500 | 2:3 | Resize |
| Square Pin | 1000 x 1000 | 1:1 | Resize |
| Long Pin | 1000 x 2100 | 1:2.1 | Resize |
TikTok is vertical-first. Use 9:16 for cover-style assets, but keep text and faces in the center safe area because overlays and previews can crop the edges.
Yes. Ratios stay more stable than exact pixels, but platform upload rules and crop behavior can change. Keep a last-updated date and verify official specs before major campaigns.
Start with the aspect ratio so the composition survives cropping, then export at the recommended pixel size for the platform.
Platforms show the same image in different surfaces: feed, profile, search, recommendations, embeds, and mobile previews. Keep faces, logos, and text away from the edges.
No. A single image can be repurposed, but it should be recropped for vertical, square, horizontal, and banner placements.
Yes. PicPerfect's image tools run in the browser and can prepare platform-specific crops locally.