Staying in the Safe Zone: Social Media Image and Video Specifications for 2024 Vision 🧠

Staying in the Safe Zone: Social Media Image and Video Specifications for 2024

Tired of the text on your reel clipping into Instagram’s UI? How about when you share multiple photos on Facebook and you can never get the preview just right? Oh, and don’t get me started on cover photos across different devices. Each social media platform has its own nuances and specifications for image sizes and formats. And when you’re creating content for use on multiple platforms, it’s important to understand these specifications to ensure higher utility, less production time and better social performance.

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What is a “Safe Zone?”

Safe zones are like designated VIP areas on social media platforms where your text, graphics and other content can strut their stuff without getting cut off or overshadowed by pesky elements like share buttons or auto-cropped previews. These zones are as unique as the platforms themselves, varying across post types, platforms and devices.

In today’s competitive social scene, where your creative elements land can make or break their performance. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have their own rulebooks for safe zones, ensuring a seamless user experience. But it’s not just about playing by the rules; it’s about optimizing your content for maximum impact.

By respecting these safe zones, you’re not just following trends—you’re creating content that captivates your audience’s attention, ensuring that their focus is squarely on your message. So, let’s dive into the creative placements on each platform and make sure your content is stealing the spotlight!

Facebook

Facebook is by far one of the most versatile platforms and supports various types of content, including images, videos and text posts. Properly formatting images for Facebook is like giving your content a spa day—it ensures they appear crystal clear and eye-catching in users’ feeds. And you know what that means? Increased engagement and brand visibility, baby! So, let’s make sure your Facebook game is strong and your content is popping off the screen!

Profile Photo

  • Aspect Ratio: 1:1 with circular safe zone
  • Minimum Image Size: 180 x 180 pixels
  • Recommended Image Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
  • Actual size used depends on device and usage:
    • Desktop: 176 x 176
    • Smartphone: 196 x 196
    • Thumbnail: 32 x 32
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

The profile picture is located 16 pixels from the left and 176 pixels from the top of your cover photo (on desktop). This is important if you want to create an integrated profile picture/cover photo.

Cover Photo

  • Minimum Required Size: 400 x 150 pixels
  • Recommended Size: 1640 x 720 pixels
  • Recommended File Size: 100kb (faster loading)
  • Recommended File Type: sRGB JPG (faster loading), PNG
  • Display Size:
    • Desktop: 820 x 312 pixels 
    • Mobile: 640 x 360 pixels

Safe Zone Note: The left side of your cover photo will be covered by your profile picture. On mobile, it could be 75% of your profile picture will overlap with the cover photo.

Single Image:

There are 3 main photo ratios for Facebook photos: 

  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Square: 1:1
    • Portrait: 4:5
    • Landscape: 1.91:1
  • Recommended Image Size:
    • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
    • Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
    • Landscape: 1200 x 627 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 8MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Multiple Images:

The same specifications as single images apply for multiple images. However, each collection of photos shared on Facebook has a unique preview (and safe zone) dependant upon the aspect ratio of the images and the quantity. 

Square Images:

  • One image: 1:1
  • Two images: Two 1:1 placed side-by-side
  • Three images: 2:1 on top of two 1:1
  • Four images: 1:1 in a grid
  • Five images: Two 1:1 images on top of three 1:1
  • Six or more images: The same as five images, but the bottom right photo has an overlay displaying the number of additional images.

Portrait Images: 

  • One image: 4:5
  • Two images: Two 1:2 placed side-by-side
  • Three images: 2:1 left of two stacked 4:5
  • Four images: 2:1 left of three stacked 4:5
  • Five images: Two 1:1 images on top of, three 1:1
  • Six or more images: The same as five images, but the bottom right photo has an overlay displaying the number of additional images.

Landscape Images:

  • One image: 1.9:1
  • Two images: Two 1.9:1 images stacked
  • Three images: 3:2 on top of two 1.9:1 side-by-side
  • Four images: 3:2 on top of three 1:1 side-by-side
  • Five images: Two stacked 1:1 images left of three stacked 3:2
  • Six or more images: The same as five images, but the bottom right photo has an overlay displaying the number of additional images.

Note: There is an 80 photo limit on each post, but you can create and album to raise that maximum to 1,000.

Link Preview

When sharing a link post on Facebook, a photo will auto populate from the website. Create images for your web page that are at least 1200 x 630 pixels for the best display on high resolution devices.

Instagram

Thankfully, Instagram is similar to Facebook in relation to images, stories and reels. But here’s the magic: Instagram’s aesthetic game is on another level. Properly formatting images here isn’t just about getting it right; it’s about maintaining a feed that’s so cohesive and attractive that it’s like catnip for followers.

Why does this matter? Because a killer feed doesn’t just attract eyeballs—it keeps them glued, boosting your engagement and turning casual scrollers into loyal fans. So, let’s turn your Instagram feed into a work of art that’ll have everyone hitting that follow button!

Profile Picture

  • Recommended Aspect Ratio: 1:1 with circular safe zone
  • Recommended Image Size: 320 x 320 pixels, display: 110 x 110 pixels
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Image Posts

Similar to Facebook, there are 3 main photo ratios for Instagram photos.

  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Square: 1:1
    • Portrait: 4:5
    • Landscape: 1.91:1
  • Recommended Image Size:
    • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
    • Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
    • Landscape: 1200 x 627 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 30MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

When adding additional images and posting a carousel, Instagram will auto-crop to square or the first image’s aspect ratio, with landscape being the minimum height and portrait the maximum. Ensure subsequent images have an appropriate orientation to eliminate any strange cropping.

Note: When using any graphics/text overlaying on your photos and videos, ensure that it fits within or outside of the center 1:1 of the photo/video, so when looking at the profile, no graphics or text are being cut off and in partial view.

Reels:

  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Full-Screen: 9:16
    • Instagram Feed: 4:5 (slight punch-in)
  • Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Video Duration:
    • In-Platform: 15-90 seconds
    • With Scheduling Tools: 3 seconds – 15 minutes
  • Video Format: MP4 (recommended) or MOV
  • Maximum File Size: 650MB for videos less than 10 minutes
  • Additional Technical Specifications:
    • Reels should have a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS (frames per second) and a minimum resolution of 720 pixels
    • Pro Tip: Enable high-quality uploads in your Account settings

Stories:

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16
  • Recommended Image/Video Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Maximum File Size:
    • Image: 30MB
    • Video: 4GB
  • Recommended File Type:
    • Image: JPG and PNG
    • Video: MP4 (recommended) or MOV

TikTok

When it comes to TikTok, the main event is, without a doubt, the videos. With its interface and platform size requirements similar to Instagram’s, TikTok is a playground for your creativity.

But here’s the deal: just like any good show, your videos need to stay within the safe zone. This ensures they look their best and grab attention in the fast-paced TikTok world. So, let’s make sure your TikTok videos are primed for the spotlight, ready to dazzle viewers and maybe even go viral!

Profile Picture

  • Aspect Ratio: 1:1 with circular safe zone
  • Minimum Image Size: 200 × 200 pixels
  • Recommended Image Size: 1000 x 1000 pixels
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Videos/Photos

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16
  • Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920
  • Max File Size:
    • 72MB (Android users)
    • 278.6MB (iOS users) 
    • Note: Scheduling tools may allow up to 1GB
  • Recommended File Type:
    • Video: MP4 or MOV
    • Image: JPG, PNG
  • Video Length:
    • Up to 3 minutes recorded in-app
    • Notes: Scheduling tools may allow up to 10 minutes.
  • Frame Rate: 23-60 FPS

LinkedIn

The digital stage where professionals shine. On LinkedIn, visuals are your secret weapon for showcasing your brand, achievements and thinking in the best light possible.

Given LinkedIn’s high level of professionalism, it’s crucial to ensure that your images and graphics are not just high-quality but also properly formatted. Why? Because every pixel counts when you’re making a positive impression on potential clients, partners, employees or employers.

So, let’s make sure your LinkedIn game is strong, your visuals are top-notch and your professional brand is standing out for all the right reasons!

Profile Picture

  • Minimum Image Size: 268 x 268 pixels
  • Recommended Image Size: 1000 x 1000 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 3MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Cover Photo

  • Recommended Image Size: 1584 x 396 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 3MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Safe Zone Note: The left side of your cover photo will be covered by your profile picture. On mobile, 50% of your profile picture will overlap with the cover photo.

Single Image Posts

  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Square: 1:1
    • Portrait: 4:5
    • Landscape: 1.91:1
  • Recommended Image Size:
    • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
    • Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
    • Landscape: 1200 x 627 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 3MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Multiple Image Posts

LinkedIn’s Help Center outlines the following specifications for image posts featuring multiple images.

  • Images will render a max ratio of 4:5 and the post will have a greater visual emphasis on the first image.
  • The layout of these posts will depend on the height and orientation of the first image uploaded.
  • Posts with two images will appear side by side and will retain their aspect ratios.
  • When posts contain three or more images, the way they appear depends on the height and orientation of the first image.
  • You can add a max of 20 photos in a multi-photo post.

If the first image is square, it will be shown in the left column, with the other images stacked vertically to the right of the first image.

If the first image is a portrait, it will be shown in the left column, with the other images stacked vertically to the right of the first image.

If the first image is landscape, it will be shown at the top, with the other images displayed side-by-side below the first image.

X

On X, every character counts (unless you’re a Premium member, that is), but visuals can speak volumes.

X’s fast-paced, concise nature means that visuals are key to grabbing users’ attention in the blink of an eye. Properly formatted images on Twitter can make your posts stand out in the sea of posts, increasing the likelihood of reposts and engagement.

Profile Picture

  • Recommended Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 4:5 with circular safe zone
  • Recommended Image Size: 400 × 400 pixels
  • Maximum File Size: 5MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Cover Photo

  • Recommended image size: 1500 x 500 pixels
  • Maximum file size: 5MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG

Single Images

  • Aspect Ratio:
    • Square: 1:1
    • Portrait: 4:5
    • Landscape: 1.91:1
  • Recommended Image Size:
    • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
    • Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
    • Landscape: 1200 x 627 pixels
  • Minimum Image Size: 600 x 335 pixels
  • Maximum Number of Images: 4
  • Maximum File Size: 8MB
  • Recommended File Type: JPG, PNG, GIF

Multiple Images

Similar to Facebook and LinkedIn, it can be tricky to remember how each image will be previewed in various quantity combinations and, if you want a holistic view without scrollers needing to click in, what those exact previews are.

  • Two Images: 7:8 side-by-side
  • Three Images: 7:8 image left of two 7:4 stacked
  • Four Images: 2:1 grid


To Sum It Up

In the world of social media, the way you format your images is more than just a pretty picture—it’s a strategic move to ensure your content gets noticed and resonates with your audience. By understanding and following these specifications, you can boost your social media presence and make your content shine in the vast digital landscape.

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