Posting a good photo on social media should be simple. But if you’ve ever uploaded an image and noticed that it looks blurry, cropped in the wrong place, or doesn’t fit the screen properly, the image dimensions were probably part of the problem.
Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn all handle images a little differently. Using the right size before uploading can help your photos and graphics look cleaner and more professional.
The good news is that you don’t need to remember dozens of different sizes. A few practical dimensions cover most everyday social media posts.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most useful image sizes for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, along with tips for resizing your images before posting.
Why Image Size Matters on Social Media
Social media platforms automatically process uploaded images. They may resize, compress, crop, or otherwise adapt an image depending on where it appears.
If you upload an image with an unusual aspect ratio, important parts of the image may be cropped.
For example, imagine creating a graphic with text close to the bottom edge. If the platform crops the image when displaying it in the feed, part of your text could disappear.
A properly sized image gives you more control over how your content appears.
It can also help avoid:
- Unwanted cropping
- Blurry images
- Stretched photographs
- Text being cut off
- Excessively large files
- Images that don’t fill the available screen space
Instagram Image Sizes
Instagram is heavily visual, so image dimensions are particularly important.
For regular feed posts, square and portrait formats are both useful. Instagram also supports landscape images, although portrait images can occupy more vertical space on a phone.
Recommended Instagram feed sizes
| Format | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Portrait | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
| Landscape | 1080 × 566 px | Approximately 1.91:1 |
For most regular Instagram feed posts, 1080 × 1350 pixels is a useful portrait size, while 1080 × 1080 pixels is a simple choice when you want a square image.
The important thing is to create your image in the intended aspect ratio rather than relying on Instagram to make a major crop.
Instagram Stories and Reels
Stories and Reels use a tall vertical format.
A practical size is:
1080 × 1920 pixels
That’s a 9:16 aspect ratio.
This format fills most modern phone screens and is designed specifically for vertical content.
When creating graphics for Stories or Reels, leave some space around the edges. Interface elements such as profile information, captions, buttons, and other controls can cover parts of the image.
Meta recommends keeping important creative elements inside safe areas for Reels.
Facebook Image Sizes
Facebook supports several image shapes, so the best size depends on what you’re posting.
For a normal photo post, you don’t necessarily have to use one specific dimension. However, starting with a reasonably large image and using a sensible aspect ratio gives Facebook enough information to display it well.
Facebook says uploaded photos are optimized for visual quality, and recommends a strong Wi-Fi or mobile connection when uploading for the best quality.
Practical Facebook post sizes
| Format | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square post | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Portrait post | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
| Landscape post | 1200 × 630 px | Approximately 1.91:1 |
| Link preview | 1200 × 630 px | Approximately 1.91:1 |
| Story | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
For a general Facebook post, 1080 × 1080 pixels is an easy, versatile choice.
If you want a taller image that takes up more space on a phone, 1080 × 1350 pixels is worth considering.
LinkedIn Image Sizes
LinkedIn is a little different because people use it for both personal and professional content.
A correctly sized image can make a post, company update, portfolio example, or announcement look much more polished.
LinkedIn currently recommends uploaded photos be at least 552 × 276 pixels, with 1080 pixels wide recommended. It supports aspect ratios from 3:1 through 4:5 for single-photo posts.
Recommended LinkedIn post sizes
| Format | Recommended Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Square post | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 |
| Portrait post | 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 |
| Landscape/link image | 1200 × 627 px | 1.91:1 |
| Profile photo | 400 × 400 px | 1:1 |
| Personal background | 1584 × 396 px | 4:1 |
For regular LinkedIn posts, 1080 × 1080 pixels is a straightforward square option. For a portrait post, 1080 × 1350 pixels fits within LinkedIn’s supported 4:5 ratio.
For LinkedIn link previews, LinkedIn specifically recommends a 1.91:1 ratio, commonly represented as 1200 × 627 pixels.
Quick Comparison: Instagram vs Facebook vs LinkedIn
If you want a simple reference, use this table:
| Platform | Best General-Purpose Size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 1080 × 1350 px | 4:5 | |
| 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 | |
| 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 | |
| Instagram Story/Reel | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
| Facebook Story | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 |
| LinkedIn link preview | 1200 × 627 px | 1.91:1 |
These are useful working sizes rather than a promise that every placement on a platform will always display at exactly those dimensions. Social networks can change their layouts and specifications.
What Is the Best Size for All Three Platforms?
This is where things get a little tricky.
There isn’t one image size that is perfect for every Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn placement.
If you’re creating one image that needs to work across multiple platforms, a 1080 × 1080 pixel square is a practical starting point.
Why?
Because:
- It works well for Instagram feed posts.
- It works well for Facebook posts.
- It works well for LinkedIn posts.
- It is easy to design.
- It doesn’t require an unusually wide or tall canvas.
However, if you’re designing specifically for Instagram, a 1080 × 1350 portrait can be a better choice.
And if you’re creating a LinkedIn website-link image, use the 1200 × 627 landscape format instead.
Don’t Confuse Image Size With File Size
When someone says:
“What image size should I use?”
they could mean two completely different things.
Dimensions
This refers to the number of pixels:
1080 × 1350 pixels
File size
This refers to how much storage the file uses:
350 KB
or
2 MB
You can have two images with exactly the same dimensions but very different file sizes.
For example:
1080 × 1350 JPG — 250 KB
and
1080 × 1350 JPG — 2 MB
Both have the same dimensions, but one has been compressed more heavily.
Should You Compress Images Before Uploading?
Usually, yes—but don’t overdo it.
Social media platforms process uploaded images themselves, so there’s little benefit in uploading a huge, uncompressed file if a properly optimized version will look just as good.
For example, you might have an original camera photograph that is:
6000 × 4000 pixels — 8 MB
You may not need to upload the original file.
Instead, create an appropriately sized version such as:
1080 × 1350 pixels — 500 KB
The exact file size will depend on the photograph and the format you use.
The goal isn’t simply to make the file as small as possible. You want a reasonable balance between image quality and file size.
How to Resize an Image for Social Media
You don’t need complicated photo-editing software for a simple resize.
A typical workflow looks like this:
Step 1: Find out where you’re posting
Decide whether the image is going to Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or several platforms.
Step 2: Choose the correct dimensions
For example:
Instagram portrait: 1080 × 1350
Step 3: Maintain the aspect ratio
If your original image doesn’t have the same proportions, decide whether you want to crop it or resize it with empty space around it.
Don’t simply stretch the image.
Step 4: Check the important content
Make sure faces, logos, headlines, and other important details aren’t too close to the edges.
Step 5: Save in an appropriate format
JPG is generally a practical choice for photographs.
PNG can be useful for graphics, transparency, screenshots, and images where you want to preserve sharp edges.
Step 6: Check the final image
Open the resized version before uploading it.
Look for:
- Blurry text
- Cropped faces
- Distorted objects
- Excessive compression
- Missing details
How to Resize an Image for Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn With ResizeHero
If your image is the wrong size, you can use the ResizeHero Image Resizer to prepare it for social media.
The process is simple.
1. Open the Image Resizer
Go to the ResizeHero image resizing tool.
2. Upload your image
Select the photo or graphic you want to use.
3. Enter the dimensions
For example:
1080 × 1350 pixels
for an Instagram portrait post.
4. Keep the proportions correct
If your original image has a different aspect ratio, you may need to crop it first rather than forcing it into the new dimensions.
5. Download the result
Save the resized image and check it before uploading it to your social media account.
This approach is particularly useful when you already have an image but need a different version for another platform.
What Happens If Your Image Is Too Small?
Uploading a low-resolution image can result in a soft or blurry appearance.
For example, suppose you have:
400 × 400 pixels
and try to turn it into:
1080 × 1080 pixels
The software has to create additional pixels that weren’t present in the original.
The result may look less sharp.
Whenever possible, start with a larger, high-quality original and resize down to the dimensions you need.
This is usually much better than taking a tiny image and making it several times larger.
What Happens If Your Image Is Too Large?
A very large image isn’t necessarily better.
A modern smartphone may produce an image several thousand pixels wide, but your social media post may not need all of those pixels.
A huge image can mean:
- Larger file size
- Longer upload time
- More storage
- More data usage
The social platform may resize the image anyway.
Creating an appropriately sized version before uploading gives you more control over the result.
Keep Text Away From the Edges
This is particularly important when creating social media graphics.
Suppose you’re designing an Instagram image with a headline:
“10 Tips for Better Photos”
Don’t put the text directly against the edge of the canvas.
Leave some breathing room.
This becomes even more important for vertical content such as Stories and Reels because platform controls can overlap parts of the creative.
The same basic rule applies to Facebook and LinkedIn:
Keep important information comfortably inside the image rather than right at the edge.
Should You Use the Same Image on Every Platform?
You can, but it isn’t always the best approach.
A single square image can work across several platforms, which is convenient.
But if you’re serious about presentation, create platform-specific versions.
For example:
1080 × 1350
1080 × 1080
1080 × 1080
Stories/Reels
1080 × 1920
This lets you use the available screen space more effectively.
A Simple Social Media Image Checklist
Before uploading an image, ask yourself:
✓ Is the image large enough?
Avoid starting with a tiny image and enlarging it substantially.
✓ Is the aspect ratio correct?
Make sure the image isn’t stretched.
✓ Is important text away from the edges?
Leave enough space around headlines and logos.
✓ Is the file unnecessarily large?
Resize and compress when appropriate.
✓ Does the image look sharp?
Check the final version at normal viewing size.
✓ Am I using the right format?
JPG, PNG, or another suitable format depending on the image.
Final Recommended Sizes
If you just want the numbers, save this list:
| Platform | Image Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Feed portrait | 1080 × 1350 px | |
| Feed square | 1080 × 1080 px | |
| Stories/Reels | 1080 × 1920 px | |
| General post | 1080 × 1080 px | |
| Portrait post | 1080 × 1350 px | |
| Link image | 1200 × 630 px | |
| Story | 1080 × 1920 px | |
| Square post | 1080 × 1080 px | |
| Portrait post | 1080 × 1350 px | |
| Link preview | 1200 × 627 px | |
| Profile photo | 400 × 400 px | |
| Personal background | 1584 × 396 px |
LinkedIn’s official help currently confirms the 1080-pixel recommended width for photos and its 3:1-to-4:5 supported range, while its profile guidance lists 400 × 400 pixels for profile photos and 1584 × 396 pixels for the personal background image.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best image size for Instagram?
For a portrait feed post, 1080 × 1350 pixels is a practical choice. Square posts can use 1080 × 1080 pixels, while Stories and Reels use the vertical 1080 × 1920 pixel format.
What is the best image size for Facebook?
For a general Facebook post, 1080 × 1080 pixels is a simple choice. You can also use a 1080 × 1350 portrait image when you want a taller format.
What is the best image size for LinkedIn?
For a regular LinkedIn post, 1080 × 1080 pixels is a practical square size. LinkedIn also supports portrait images up to a 4:5 ratio, making 1080 × 1350 pixels a useful option.
Can I use one image size for Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn?
Yes. 1080 × 1080 pixels is a convenient general-purpose size for regular feed posts on all three platforms. However, platform-specific sizes can produce better results when the image is designed specifically for each placement.
Why does my social media image look blurry?
Your original image may be too small, or it may have been compressed too heavily. Start with a high-quality original, resize it to appropriate dimensions, and avoid excessive compression.
Should I resize photos before uploading them?
If your original photo is much larger than necessary, resizing it first can help you control the dimensions and file size. It also gives you more control over cropping and composition.
Is 1080 × 1080 better than 1080 × 1350?
Neither is universally better. A square image is convenient and works across multiple platforms. A 1080 × 1350 portrait image is useful when you want to occupy more vertical space in supported feeds.
Summary
You don’t need to memorize every social media specification.
For most everyday posts, remember these three numbers:
1080 × 1350 — portrait
1080 × 1080 — square
1080 × 1920 — vertical Stories/Reels
Start with a good-quality original, choose the dimensions for the platform you’re using, keep the aspect ratio correct, and check the final image before posting.
If your existing image doesn’t match the dimensions you need, you can use the ResizeHero Image Resizer to create a properly sized version before uploading it.
Platform specifications can change over time. Check the relevant platform’s current help documentation when exact requirements are important.
