Social Media Image Sizes in 2026
A lightweight and practical guide to publishing without wasting time.
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Hello,
Every year, the same question comes back: “Which image size should I use for my social media posts?”
In this article, we break it down without unnecessary complexity:
the image formats that actually matter in 2026
the ones you can standardize
and how to produce faster without multiplying versions
Enjoy your reading, Marketers.
Essential image formats by platform in 2026
Platforms change, interfaces evolve, and algorithms adapt, but one thing remains true: the right image formats improve reach, readability, and content reuse.
On the other hand, poor ratios lead to automatic cropping, cut-off text, and lost impact. Especially on mobile.
In 2026, the answer is simpler than it looks… as long as you understand the rules of the game.
For Instagram, mobile is the absolute standard.
Feed / Carousel post 1080 × 1350 px (4:5). Best balance between visibility and screen space.
Square (acceptable) 1080 × 1080 px (1:1). Still supported, but less effective.
Stories & Reels (static image) 1080 × 1920 px (9:16). Leave safe margins at the top and bottom.
Key takeaway: 4:5 still dominates the feed. 9:16 is essential for vertical content.
On Facebook, formats remain fairly flexible.
Standard post 1200 × 630 px (1.91:1). Ideal for links, articles, and shares.
Square / Vertical 1080 × 1080 px or 1080 × 1350 px. Works well on mobile.
Stories 1080 × 1920 px.
Key takeaway: Facebook compresses aggressively. Always export high-quality files.
LinkedIn prioritizes clarity and informational content.
Image post 1200 × 1200 px (1:1). The most stable format in 2026.
Shared link 1200 × 627 px.
Document / PDF carousel. Increasingly effective for engagement.
Key takeaway: Avoid small text. LinkedIn is often viewed on desktop but remains mobile-first.
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X (formerly Twitter)
On X, horizontal formats still dominate.
Recommended image 1600 × 900 px (16:9).
Square (accepted) 1080 × 1080 px.
Key takeaway: Automatic cropping can be harsh. Always center key elements.
TikTok
TikTok is designed for full-screen vertical viewing.
Image (cover or post) 1080 × 1920 px (9:16).
Safe zones: Avoid the bottom (buttons) and top (UI elements).
Key takeaway: Even with static images, think like you’re designing for video.
YouTube (static images)
On YouTube, two image formats matter.
Video thumbnail 1280 × 720 px (16:9).
Shorts (image or cover) 1080 × 1920 px.
Key takeaway: High contrast and highly legible text—even at small sizes.
Universal ratios to focus on in 2026
To produce faster and repurpose content without redesigning everything, focus on these three core ratios:
4:5 – 1080 × 1350 (Instagram feed, Facebook, sometimes LinkedIn).
1:1 – 1080 × 1080 (Universal, safe, easy to reuse).
9:16 – 1080 × 1920 (Stories, Reels, TikTok, Shorts).
With these three, you can cover about 90% of use cases.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even in 2026, the same mistakes keep coming back:
Text too close to the edges (automatic cropping)
Files that are too heavy → aggressive compression
Reusing video ratios for static images
Too much text for a mobile screen
Low-resolution exports “to save time”
A good format isn’t just about dimensions, it’s about reading experience.
A simple workflow for SMEs and creators
Less friction equals more consistency. Here’s an efficient workflow:
Create a master visual (usually 4:5 or 1:1).
Adapt it to 9:16 for Stories and vertical formats.
Export in high quality (optimized PNG or JPG).
Use clear file names: 2026-article-formats_IG-1080x1350.jpg; or 2026-article-formats_story-1080x1920.jpg.
Archive for future reuse.
Conclusion
In 2026, social media image formats no longer have to be a headache—as long as you standardize intelligently. There’s no need to create ten different versions; a few well-chosen ratios cover most platforms.
The goal isn’t technical perfection, but consistency, readability, and regularity. And when time is limited, the right format is ultimately a productivity gain.
Thank you for reading, see you on the Blog.
Jeff Maheux
Cr images: Production Services W+M.
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I edit the content of existing sites via CMS in addition to creating sites with WordPress and Squarespace. I have been producing website content as a webmaster since 1998.
I help companies get their first website up and I improve the performance of existing sites.
Yes, I’m Mr. Analytics and my reaction time to new digital marketing is daily, which allows my clients to have optional and trend-cutting tools.
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