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X (Twitter) Image Dimensions Guide

  • razibitworld
  • May 27, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 14, 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide for maximizing your visual impact on X (formerly Twitter)! In today's fast-paced social media world, eye-catching images can make or break your online presence.

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of X image sizes, ensuring your profile and posts stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a social media novice or a seasoned pro, this guide has got you covered.

For optimal results on X (Twitter), use a profile picture of 400x400 pixels, a header photo of 1500x500 pixels, and in-stream images of 1600x900 pixels.

Your Profile Picture: Your Digital Face

Your profile picture is like your digital handshake. It's the first thing people see, so make it count! Here's what you need to know:

  • Best size: 400 x 400 pixels

  • Smallest size allowed: 200 x 200 pixels

  • Shape: Square (1:1 ratio)

  • Max file size: 2MB

  • File types: JPG, GIF, or PNG

Pro tip: Use a clear, friendly photo of yourself or your brand logo. Keep it simple – remember, it'll be pretty small on most screens!

Header Photo: Your Billboard

Think of your header photo as a billboard for your brand. It's your chance to show off your personality or showcase what you do. Here's the scoop:

  • Best size: 1500 x 500 pixels

  • Shape: Rectangle (3:1 ratio)

  • Max file size: 5MB

  • File types: JPG, GIF, or PNG

Heads up! Your profile picture will cover part of the bottom left corner of your header. Keep important stuff away from that spot to avoid any awkward cropping.

In-Stream Images: The Scroll-Stoppers

These are the images in your regular posts – the ones that make people stop scrolling and pay attention. Here's how to nail them:

  • Best size: 1600 x 900 pixels

  • Smallest size: 600 x 335 pixels

  • Shape: It depends!

    • On computers: Anything between 2:1 and 1:1 works

    • On phones: 2:1, 3:4, or 16:9 are your best bets

  • Max file size:

    • On phones: Up to 5MB

    • On computers: Up to 15MB

  • File types: JPG, GIF, or PNG

Remember, people use X on all sorts of devices. Test your images on different screens to make sure they look great everywhere.

Twitter Card Images: Link Preview Power

When you share a link, X creates a preview with an image. These are called Twitter Cards. To make them look awesome:

  • Smallest size: 120 x 120 pixels

  • Max file size: 1MB

  • File types: JPG, GIF, or PNG

Bigger is usually better here – use the largest size you can for the best quality.

Ad Images: Stand Out and Sell

If you're running ads on X, you've got a few more options:

  • Square ads (1:1): 1200 x 1200 pixels

  • Landscape ads (1.91:1): 1200 x 628 pixels

  • Max file size: Up to 5MB for pictures, up to 15MB for videos

Top Tips for X-cellent Images

  1. Always use the biggest file size allowed. It future-proofs your images and keeps them looking crisp.

  2. For your header photo, keep the important stuff in the middle. This way, it won't get cut off on different screens.

  3. Test, test, test! Look at your images on phones, tablets, and computers to make sure they look great everywhere.

  4. Keep it simple. Clean, clear images usually work best on X.

  5. Stay on brand. Use colors and styles that match your overall look and feel.

Final Thought

There you have it – your complete guide to X image sizes! By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning X profile that grabs attention and keeps your followers coming back for more. Remember, great visuals can really boost your X game, so take the time to get your images just right. 

FAQs

What's the best file format for X (Twitter) images?

JPG, GIF, and PNG are all supported on X. JPG is great for photographs and complex images, offering good quality with smaller file sizes. PNG works well for graphics with text or logos, preserving sharpness. GIFs are perfect for animated content, adding movement to your posts.


How can I ensure my header photo looks good on all devices?

To make your header photo look great across devices, use the recommended size of 1500x500 pixels. Keep important elements centered and away from the edges. Remember, your profile picture will overlap the bottom left corner, so avoid placing crucial content there. Always preview on different devices before finalizing.


What's the difference between in-stream images and Twitter Card images?

In-stream images are those you directly attach to your tweets, ideal for sharing photos or graphics. Twitter Card images appear when you share a link, automatically pulling an image from the linked website. In-stream images offer more control, while Twitter Cards provide a preview of external content.


Can I use the same image sizes for paid ads on X?

While similar, ad images have slightly different requirements. For image ads, use 1200x1200 pixels for square formats or 1200x628 pixels for landscape. Video ads have their own specifications. Always check X's current ad guidelines, as they may update requirements for optimal performance.


How often should I update my profile and header images?

There's no strict rule, but refreshing your profile and header images periodically can keep your profile engaging. Consider updating seasonally, for special events, or when launching new products or campaigns. Consistent branding is key, so ensure any changes align with your overall brand identity.


Why do my images sometimes appear blurry on X?

Blurry images often result from uploading files smaller than the recommended sizes. Always use the largest file size allowed (e.g., 2MB for profile pictures, 5MB for header photos). Compressing images too much can also cause blurriness. Use high-quality images and avoid excessive editing to maintain clarity.

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