Short, sweet, and to the point.
X, formerly Twitter, is a social media platform that allows users to communicate through short messages called tweets—all under 280 characters, of course. In addition to text-based tweets, users can also share images to enhance their message.
We all know a picture is worth a thousand words. However, to ensure images are displayed correctly on X (Twitter), it’s important to adhere to the platform’s image specs.
Understanding X (Twitter)’s image specifications is important if you want to effectively communicate on the platform. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your images are displayed correctly and in high quality, enhancing the message and increasing engagement with your audience.
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Understanding X (Twitter) image specifications
X (Twitter) supports various file types, including PNG, GIF, JPG, and even animated GIFs. Each file type has specific requirements for aspect ratio, file size, and dimensions.
X (Twitter) supports images with aspect ratios of 16:9 and 1:1, the latter being recommended. For animated GIFs, the aspect ratio must be between 1:1 and 3:1. The maximum file size for images is 5 MB, while for animated GIFs, it’s 15 MB.
The recommended image size for X (Twitter) is 1200 x 675 pixels for landscape images, 900 x 900 pixels for square images, and 506 x 253 pixels for 2:1 aspect ratio images. For profile pictures, the recommended size is 400 x 400 pixels, while the header image size is 1500 x 500 pixels.
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It's worth noting that X (Twitter) cards and website cards have specific image requirements, including the image size and aspect ratio. For example, the X (Twitter) card image size for summary cards with large images is 280 x 150 pixels, while the recommended size for X (Twitter) card images is 800 x 418 pixels.
Optimizing images for X (Twitter) involves ensuring that they meet the required specifications while maintaining high quality. This includes choosing the right file type, compressing images to reduce file size, and adding captions or descriptions to enhance the user experience.
Let’s spec it out.
X (Twitter) image dimensions
X (Twitter) is a popular social media platform that allows users to share their thoughts, opinions, and images with others. To ensure your images look their best on X (Twitter), it’s important to understand the platform’s image dimensions.
X (Twitter)’s social media image sizes and specifications have evolved over time, and it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes to ensure that your images look their best on the platform.
Currently, Twitter supports JPEG, GIF, and PNG file formats. 1200 x 1200 pixels is recommended for a 1:1 aspect ratio, and 1200 x 628 pixels is recommended for a 1.91:1 aspect ratio.
X (Twitter) profile image
- Under 2 MB
- 400 x 400 pixels
Your X (Twitter) profile photo is the image that appears next to your username on your profile page and in your tweets. It’s often the first thing a new user will see, so it’s important you get this one right! A low-quality profile picture can reflect poorly on your business, so make sure to choose the right image.
The recommended dimensions for a X (Twitter) profile picture are 400 x 400 pixels. However, X (Twitter) will display your profile image at a maximum of 200 x 200 pixels. Your avatar can be in a JPEG, PNG or GIF format, but be careful not to use media that exceeds the maximum size of 2 MB.
Pro tip: Use the same profile picture across all of your social media profiles, so customers and new users can easily identify you. Brand recognition plays a key part in your sales funnel, so consistency is key. 🔑
X (Twitter) cover photo
- Up to 2 MB
- 1500 x 1500 pixels
Once you’ve selected your icon, it’s time to jazz up your X (Twitter) profile! Select a simple but engaging header photo or banner to run along the top of your Twitter profile that matches your brand, and gives a cohesive, professional look to your account.
Your X (Twitter) banner image, also known as a cover image, is the large image that appears at the top of your profile page. The recommended dimensions for a Twitter banner are 1500 x 500 pixels. However, your profile will display your X (Twitter) banner photo at a maximum of 1263 x 421 pixels, so it’s important to make sure your X (Twitter) header image looks good at that size as well.
X (Twitter) image post size
- Landscape: 1600 x 900 pixels
- Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Portrait: 1080 x 1350 pixels
- Aspect ratio between a 2:1 and 1:1 for desktop, and either 2:1, 3:4, or 16:9 for mobile
Now that your profile is created and looking amazing, it’s time to start posting to your feed! It goes without saying that it’s best practice to select the best, most engaging photos when posting to your feed, but be wary of positioning and sizing!
X (Twitter) will cut off your images to fit in with its own ideal sizing, so be sure to crop and chop your images to the recommended size before uploading to your feed.
When you share an image in a tweet, X (Twitter) will display it at a maximum of 1024 x 512 pixels. However, it's recommended to use an image with a minimum size of 600 pixels to ensure it looks good on all devices. Additionally, X (Twitter) will automatically crop your image to a 2:1 aspect ratio, so keep that in mind when choosing your image.
X (Twitter) card images
- 1200 x 628 pixels
- 1.91:1 aspect ratio
X (Twitter) cards are a type of tweet that allows you to include additional information, such as a title, description, and image. The recommended dimensions for a X (Twitter) card image are 1200 x 628 pixels. However, X (Twitter) will display your image at a maximum of 4096 x 4096 pixels.
Image ads
- Up to 5 MB
- Sizes and aspect ratios vary
Like other images, image ads must be PNG, JPEG, or GIF. GIFs will automatically render as a static image, so keep that in mind—video may be the way to go if you want to incorporate some motion. The maximum image file size for X (Twitter) ads is 5 MB.
X (Twitter) also recommends the following:
- Image ads with app buttons: 800 x 418 pixels recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio, and 800 x 800 pixels recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio
- Image ads with conversation buttons: 800 x 418 pixels and 1.91:1 aspect ratio
- Image ads with polls: 800 x 418 pixels recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio, and 800 x 800 pixels recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio; 1:1 will crop to 1.91:1 in mobile timeline
- Image ads with website buttons: 800 x 418 pixels recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio, and 800 x 800 pixels recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio
- Standalone image ads: 1200 x 1200 pixels recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio, and 1200 x 628 pixels recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio; larger images are better for when users click to expand images
- Image carousel: 800 x 418 pixels recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio, and 800 x 800 pixels recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio
In-stream images
- 440 x 220 pixels
In-stream images are images that appear within a tweet, rather than as a separate tweet. The recommended dimensions for in-stream images are 440 x 220 pixels. However, X (Twitter) will display your image at a maximum of 1024 x 512 pixels, so it's important to make sure that your image looks good at that size as well.
X (Twitter) image file types and sizes
X (Twitter) accepts the following image file types:
- JPG
- PNG
- GIF
- WebP
You can’t use other image file types like BMP, PDF, etc.
JPG
JPG or JPEG is the most commonly used image file format on X (Twitter). It’s a compressed file format that works well for photographs and images with a lot of colors. X (Twitter) recommends using JPG for images that have a lot of detail or are photographic in nature. The maximum file size for a JPG on X (Twitter) is 5 MB.
PNG
PNG is another commonly used image file format on X (Twitter). It’s a lossless file format that works well for images with transparent backgrounds or text. X (Twitter) recommends using PNG for images with a lot of text or graphics. The maximum file size for a PNG on X (Twitter) is 5 MB.
GIF
GIF is a popular file format for animated images on the X (Twitter) app. It’s a compressed file format that supports animation and transparency. X (Twitter) recommends using GIF for short animations or simple graphics. The maximum file size for a GIF on Twitter is 15 MB.
WebP
WebP is a newer image file format that’s gaining popularity on X (Twitter). The compressed file format works well for images with a lot of detail or are photographic in nature. X (Twitter) recommends using WebP for images that are high in quality but need to be compressed for faster loading times. The maximum file size for a WebP on Twitter is 5 MB.
X (Twitter) image aspect ratios
When it comes to sharing images on X (Twitter), it’s essential to understand different aspect ratios that work best on the platform. Using the correct aspect ratio can help your images look their best and ensure that they don't get cropped or distorted on your X (Twitter) account.
1:1
The X (Twitter) image aspect ratio 1:1, also known as square, is the most common aspect ratio used on X (Twitter). Images with this aspect ratio are perfect for sharing on the platform, as they take up a lot of space in users’ feeds and are easy to view. The recommended size for a 1:1 image on X (Twitter) is 1200 x 1200 pixels.
16:9
The 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for sharing landscape images on X (Twitter). This aspect ratio is commonly used for videos and images that are wider than they are tall. The recommended size for a 16:9 image on X (Twitter) is 1200 x 675 pixels.
3:1
The 3:1 aspect ratio is perfect for sharing panoramic images on X (Twitter). This aspect ratio is commonly used for landscape images that are extremely wide. The recommended size for a 3:1 image on X (Twitter) is 1200 x 400 pixels.
1:3
The 1:3 aspect ratio is perfect for sharing vertical or portrait images on X (Twitter). This aspect ratio is commonly used for images that are taller than they are wide. The recommended size for a 1:3 image on X (Twitter) is 1200 x 3600 pixels.
Optimizing X (Twitter) images for web and mobile
X (Twitter) is a popular social media platform that allows users to share text, images, and videos. However, to make your content stand out on X (Twitter), it’s important to optimize your images for both web and mobile devices. Let’s cover some best practices for optimizing X (Twitter) images.
X (Twitter) image size and resolution
When it comes to X (Twitter) images, size matters. X (Twitter) image sizes should be at least 1200 x 675 pixels for optimal display on both web and mobile. X (Twitter) will automatically resize images that don’t meet these specifications, which can result in poor image quality.
In addition to size, resolution is also important. Images should be at least 72 dpi to ensure they look crisp on both web and mobile.
File format
X (Twitter) supports several file formats for images, including JPEG, PNG, and GIF. JPEG is the most commonly used format and is recommended for photographs. PNG is best for images with transparent backgrounds, while GIF is ideal for animated images.
Compression
To ensure your images load quickly on both web and mobile, it’s important to compress them. X (Twitter) recommends using JPEG compression for photographs and PNG compression for graphics. However, be careful not to over-compress your images, as this can result in poor image quality.
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Accessibility
Finally, it’s important to ensure your images are accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. This can be done by adding alt text to your images, which describes the content of the image for users who are unable to see it.
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How X (Twitter) image specs compare to other social media platforms
When it comes to image sizes, Facebook and X (Twitter) have similar specifications. However, Facebook’s images tend to be larger and more detailed. Facebook recommends uploading images with a resolution of 1200 x 630 pixels for optimal display. This size is larger than X (Twitter)’s recommended size of 1024 x 512 pixels. Facebook also allows for larger file sizes, with a maximum of 8MB compared to X (Twitter)’s 5MB.
Another difference between Facebook and X (Twitter) is the way images are displayed. Facebook automatically crops images to fit its square format, while X (Twitter) keeps the original aspect ratio. This means that images on Facebook may appear differently than on X (Twitter), and users may need to adjust their images accordingly.
Instagram is a platform entirely focused on images and videos, so it’s no surprise image sizes are a critical part of the platform. Instagram’s image sizes are similar to Facebook, with a recommended resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels for square images and 1080 x 1350 pixels for portrait images. Instagram also has a maximum file size of 8MB, the same as Facebook.
One significant difference between Instagram and X (Twitter) is the aspect ratio of images. Instagram only allows for square or portrait images, while Twitter allows for any aspect ratio. This means users may need to adjust their images when posting on Instagram to fit the platform’s requirements.
X (Twitter) ads and images
X (Twitter) ads are a great way to promote your brand and reach a wider audience. Images play a crucial role in X (Twitter) ads, as they help to capture the attention of users and convey your message effectively. Here are some important things to keep in mind when creating X (Twitter) ads with images:
X (Twitter) ad image specs
X (Twitter) ad image specs are important to ensure that your images look great and are displayed correctly in your ads. The image size for X (Twitter) ads is 1200 x 675 pixels, with a maximum file size of 15MB. X (Twitter) supports a variety of image formats, including PNG, JPEG, and GIF.
X (Twitter) cards and website cards
X (Twitter) cards and website cards are a great way to showcase your content. They allow you to add rich media to your tweets, such as images, videos, and audio. X (Twitter) cards and website cards can help to increase engagement and drive traffic to your website.
Lead generation cards
Lead generation cards are another powerful tool for marketers. They allow you to collect leads directly from X (Twitter) users, without the user having to leave the platform. Lead generation cards can be used to collect email addresses, phone numbers, and other important information from your audience.
Branding and audience
Branding is an important aspect of X (Twitter) ads. Your ads should be consistent with your brand image and messaging. This helps to build trust with your audience and increase brand awareness. When creating X (Twitter) ads, it’s important to consider your audience and tailor your messaging and images to their interests and needs.
Moving forward with your X (Twitter) images
When it comes to X (Twitter) image specs, the most important things to keep in mind are the file formats, size, and aspect ratio requirements. X (Twitter) supports a range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, and GIF, but it’s important to choose the right format for your image to ensure it looks its best. Additionally, X (Twitter) has specific size requirements for images, and your images must meet these requirements to avoid distortion or cropping.
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X (Twitter) image specs FAQs
How many images can you upload to Twitter per tweet?
You can upload up to four images to X (Twitter) per tweet.
What are the recommended image dimensions for Twitter?
Twitter recommends using a minimum resolution of 440 pixels by 220 pixels and a maximum resolution of 8192 pixels by 8192 pixels for images. For best results on the feed, it recommends using a 2:1 aspect ratio.
What is the aspect ratio for Twitter images?
The recommended aspect ratio for Twitter images is 2:1. This means the width of the image should be twice the height.
How large can Twitter images be?
Twitter allows images up to 5 MB in size for most images, and up to 15 MB for animated GIFs. However, it’s recommended to use images smaller than 3 MB for faster loading times.
What is the best image size for Twitter posts?
The best image size for Twitter posts is 1024 pixels by 512 pixels. This size ensures the image will look good on all devices and will not be cropped or distorted.
What are the dimensions for Twitter portrait images?
Twitter portrait images should have a minimum resolution of 600 pixels by 800 pixels and a maximum resolution of 8192 pixels by 8192 pixels. The recommended aspect ratio for portrait images is 3:4.
What is the maximum file size for Twitter images?
Twitter allows image files up to 5 MB in size. It’s recommended to use images that are smaller than 3 MB for faster loading times.