Preparing Images for Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) – Sizes, Formats & Tips

Date published: October 15, 2025
Last update: September 13, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka

Category: Image Formats Explained
Tags: Facebook image sizes, Image compression, Instagram image sizes, JPG vs PNG, Social media images, Social media optimization, TikTok thumbnails, WebP

Not sure how to prepare images for Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok? This guide explains ideal sizes, formats, and best practices so your posts always look perfect.

In today’s digital world, visuals are everything. Whether you’re running a business, building a personal brand, or just sharing memories, images drive engagement on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

But here’s the catch: each platform has different image requirements. The wrong size or poor compression can make your posts look unprofessional, pixelated, or cut off.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The ideal image sizes and formats for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• How to optimize images for speed and quality.
• The best practices for editing, exporting, and uploading images to maximize reach and engagement.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to prepare your visuals so they look stunning across all major social networks.

General Principles

Before we dive into specific platforms, it’s good to know the general principles for preparing images for social media:

📂 File formats

• JPG (JPEG): Best for photos → small size, good quality.
• PNG: Best for graphics, text, or when you need transparency.
• WebP / AVIF: Modern alternatives with even better compression (when supported).

👉 For most uploads, JPG at high quality (80–90%) is the safest choice.

⚖️ Compression

• Use lossy compression for smaller file size, but don’t overdo it.
• Aim for images under 1 MB for quick loading.
• Tools like PixConverter help reduce size without visible quality loss.

📐 Aspect ratios

• Social platforms often crop or adjust images if the ratio isn’t right.
• Common ratios:
  • 1:1 (square) → Instagram posts.
  • 4:5 (portrait) → Instagram feed (takes up more space in feed).
  • 16:9 (landscape) → Facebook posts, TikTok video thumbnails.

🖼 Resolution

• Always start with high resolution. Platforms compress images anyway, but if your source is low-quality, it will look worse after upload.
• For crisp results, export at 2× the required size (so-called “Retina ready”).

🎨 Consistency & Branding

• Use the same color palette, fonts, and style to build brand recognition.
• Add subtle watermarks or logos if needed, but avoid clutter.

Facebook Image Guidelines

Facebook is still one of the biggest platforms, so it makes sense to prepare images to look good on all devices.

👤 Profile Picture

• Recommended size: 400 × 400 px
• Displays as 170 × 170 px on desktop, 128 × 128 px on smartphones.
• Use a square ratio (1:1).
• JPG for photos, PNG for logos/graphics.

🖼 Cover Photo

• Recommended size: 851 × 315 px
• Safe area (so text/logo isn’t cut off): 640 × 312 px center zone.
• For best results, upload PNG.

📢 Feed Posts

• Landscape: 1200 × 630 px (ratio 1.91:1).
• Square: 1080 × 1080 px (ratio 1:1).
• Portrait: 1080 × 1350 px (ratio 4:5).

👉 Square and portrait formats usually perform better because they take more screen space in the feed.

📊 Facebook Ads

• Carousel: 1080 × 1080 px.
• Single image: 1200 × 628 px.
• Stories: 1080 × 1920 px (vertical, full screen).

⚡ Tips

• Keep text minimal → Facebook penalizes images with too much text in ads.
• Export in high quality JPG, under 1 MB if possible.
• Always preview on both desktop and mobile before publishing.

Instagram Image Guidelines

Instagram is the number one visual platform, so proper image preparation is key to a quality presentation.

👤 Profile Picture

• Size: 320 × 320 px minimum (displays at 110 × 110 px).
• Circle crop → keep important elements in the center.
• Best format: PNG (for logos) or JPG (for photos).

📷 Feed Posts

• Square: 1080 × 1080 px (1:1 ratio).
• Portrait: 1080 × 1350 px (4:5 ratio). → most space in the feed, often the best engagement.
• Landscape: 1080 × 566 px (1.91:1 ratio).

⚠️ Instagram compresses images → export in higher quality (80–90% JPG).

📚 Carousels

• Same dimensions as feed posts.
• Keep consistent style across all slides for professional look.

📖 Stories

• 1080 × 1920 px (9:16 ratio).
• Leave margins at the top and bottom (cca 250 px) → text/CTA by Instagram will not be covered.

🎬 Reels

• Same as stories: 1080 × 1920 px (9:16).
• Thumbnail cover: 420 × 654 px (choose carefully, as it appears in your feed).

📊 Instagram Ads

• Square: 1080 × 1080 px.
• Vertical: 1080 × 1350 px.
• Stories/Reels Ads: 1080 × 1920 px.

⚡ Tips

• Use portrait images (4:5) for posts → more space = higher engagement.
• Keep file size < 1 MB.
• Maintain brand colors, filters, or overlays for consistency.
• Test different formats (carousel vs. single image).

TikTok Image Guidelines

TikTok is primarily a video platform, but images play an important role in profiles, thumbnails, and ads. Properly crafted visuals can help attract attention and increase views.

👤 Profile Picture

• Recommended: 200 × 200 px minimum (better 400 × 400 px for crispness).
• Displayed as a circle → keep main content centered.
• JPG for photos, PNG for logos.

🎞 Thumbnails (Video Covers)

• Ratio: 9:16 (vertical).
• Recommended size: 1080 × 1920 px.
• Safe zone: keep text/logos in the center to avoid cropping in feed previews.
• These act as a poster for your video — make them bold and engaging.

📊 TikTok Ads

• In-feed ads:
  • Ratio 9:16 (recommended), 1:1 or 16:9 also accepted.
  • Size: 1080 × 1920 px.
• TopView / Branded Ads: same vertical format (9:16), optimized for fullscreen.

📷 TikTok Photo Posts (Carousel-like feature)

• Format: 1080 × 1920 px.
• Works like a slideshow → prepare multiple images in consistent style.

⚡ Tips for TikTok Visuals

• Bright, high-contrast designs perform better.
• Keep text minimal but bold — remember videos are short, covers must grab attention instantly.
• Stick to 9:16 vertical → platform is designed for mobile fullscreen.
• Preview on different devices to avoid awkward cropping.

Best Practices for Social Media Images

Whether you’re uploading to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, there are a few universal principles that will improve the appearance and performance of your images.

⚖️ Optimize Compression

• Export in JPG (80–90% quality) for photos → best quality/size ratio.
• Use PNG for logos, text or graphic assets.
• Convert to WebP or AVIF (if platform supports) → even smaller size at the same quality.

📐 Stick to Correct Ratios

• Facebook → 1.91:1 (landscape), 1:1 (square).
• Instagram → 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), 9:16 (stories/reels).
• TikTok → 9:16 (vertical).

⚠️ If you upload a different ratio, the platform will automatically crop or adjust the image → important elements are often lost.

🎨 Consistent Branding

• Use the same color scheme, fonts, and logo across platforms.
• This will help users quickly recognize you.
• Add a subtle watermark (but not too distracting).

📝 Workflow Pro Tip

1. Create a master file (large original in high quality).
2. Export multiple versions → optimized for every platform.
3. Use PixConverter for fast conversion and compression → easily turn a single image into a JPG, PNG, or WebP for various social networks.

⚡ Engagement Boosters

• Use bright colors & contrast → they will catch attention in a crowded feed.
• Add a short text overlay (max 3–5 words) with the key message.
• Test different variations (A/B testing of advertising visuals).

Tools & Workflows for Preparing Social Media Images

The right tools and a good process will save time and ensure your images look perfect on every platform.

🖥 Software & Apps

• Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom → professional editing, export to exact dimensions.
• Canva → templates directly for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
• Figma → good for teams and graphic sets creation.
• GIMP → open-source alternative to Photoshop.
• Snapseed / VSCO → mobile apps for fast editing.

🌐 Online Tools

• PixConverter.io → fast convert and image optimization (JPG → PNG, WebP, AVIF).
• TinyPNG / TinyJPG → image compression.
• Remove.bg → background removal for profile pictures or product photos.

🔄 Suggested Workflow

1. Design / Edit Master File
   • Create a master version of the image in high resolution.
2. Export Variants by Platform
   • Facebook feed → 1200 × 630 px.
   • Instagram portrait → 1080 × 1350 px.
   • TikTok thumbnail → 1080 × 1920 px.
3. Compress & Convert
   • Use PixConverter → reduces file size without visible loss of quality.
4. Final Check Before Upload
   • Verify on mobile and desktop.
   • Check that text/logos are not cropped.

⚡ Pro Tip

Automate the process: prepare templates in Canva or Photoshop with recommended dimensions → save time with each new post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is the best image format for social media?

• JPG is best for photos (small size, good quality).
• PNG works better for graphics, logos, or transparency.
• WebP/AVIF provide modern compression but aren’t fully supported everywhere.

❓ What resolution should I use for Instagram posts?

• Square: 1080 × 1080 px
• Portrait: 1080 × 1350 px
• Landscape: 1080 × 566 px

❓ Why do my images look blurry after uploading?

Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) automatically compress images. To minimize blur:

• Upload at the recommended size.
• Export at high quality (80–90% JPG).
• Keep file size under 1 MB.

❓ What size should TikTok thumbnails be?

• 1080 × 1920 px (9:16).
• Keep text and important elements in the center.

❓ How can I prepare one image for multiple platforms?

• Create a master file in high resolution.
• Export different crops/ratios for each platform.
• Use a tool like PixConverter to compress and convert quickly.

❓ Should I use lossless or lossy images for social media?

• Lossy (JPG) is usually fine for social media → smaller, faster to load.
• Lossless (PNG) is best if you need sharp text or transparent backgrounds.