Recommended image dimensions for Facebook posts
For general Facebook posts in the feed, use an aspect ratio of 1.91:1 (landscape) with dimensions of 1200 x 630 pixels. This size aligns with Facebook’s link preview settings and ensures your image appears clearly on both desktop and mobile. For square posts, 1080 x 1080 pixels is a reliable choice; for portrait vertical content, use 1080 x 1350 pixels. These dimensions help maintain sharpness, avoid cropping, and support fast loading.
Why image size matters on Facebook
Image size affects visual clarity, platform behavior, and reach. Correctly sized images display in-feed previews without compression artifacts or unwanted cropping, improving readability and engagement. Properly optimized visuals also load faster, which supports retention and shares. When images are too small or an incorrect shape, Facebook may downscale or crop them in ways that obscure important content, diminishing the post’s effectiveness.
Common use cases and recommended sizes
- Link posts and shared articles: 1200 x 630 pixels (1.91:1)
- Square photos or carousels: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1)
- Portrait stories or mobile-first visuals: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5)
- Cover photos and headers: minimum width 820 pixels, height varies
File formats and size limits
Use JPEG for photographic images to balance quality and file size, and PNG for graphics with text, logos, or transparency. Keep total upload size under 8 MB for standard posts; lower sizes help faster uploads and reduce bandwidth. For animated content, GIFs or MP4 videos are better supported than animated PNGs. Always export with sRGB color profile for consistent color appearance across devices.
How Facebook displays images in different placements
Images may appear differently depending on where a post is shown—in the News Feed, in a group, on mobile, or as a link preview. Link previews auto-generate thumbnails from the shared URL; to control appearance, add Open Graph meta tags with an og:image at least 1200 x 630 pixels. Cover photos and profile pictures have fixed dimensions and serve distinct branding roles and should not be repurposed as primary post visuals.
Best practices for crisp, future-proof visuals
Design images at or above the recommended dimensions to allow safe margins and prevent auto-cropping. Place key messaging away from edges and the center area where mobile cropping may occur. Compress oversized files with lossless methods or trusted tools to reduce load times without quality loss. Maintain sufficient color contrast and readable text within the image, and test posts on desktop and mobile before publishing. Consistent sizing and formatting support brand clarity and save time over repeated edits.