Social media image sizes and safe zones

Use common platform presets as a starting point, then keep faces, text, logos, and products inside the safe area before you upload.

Last updated: July 9, 2026

Common export presets

PlatformUsePixelsSafe-zone note
InstagramSquare post1080 x 1080Keep key content away from the outer edge.
InstagramStory1080 x 1920Avoid top and bottom UI areas.
YouTubeThumbnail1280 x 720Keep titles and faces away from the border.
TikTokVertical cover1080 x 1920Leave room for mobile UI overlays.
LinkedInBanner1584 x 396Put brand text near the center, not the corners.
XHeader1500 x 500Center the main subject vertically.
FacebookCover1640 x 624Check both desktop and mobile previews.

Why upload prep still matters

Most platforms include a cropper, but it usually works one upload at a time. If the same image must become a feed post, a story, a thumbnail, and a banner, preparing the files first is faster and easier to hand off.

Safe zones are practical guides, not platform guarantees. Interfaces and previews can vary by app version, device, and account surface, so always check the final upload preview before publishing.

Which Pixlery tool to use

Social Media Image Toolkit

You need several platform sizes, safe-zone overlays, and ZIP delivery from one source image.

Social Media Image Toolkit

Image Cropper

You only need one exact ratio and want a focused manual crop.

Image Cropper

Image Compressor

The size is already correct, but the upload file is still too large.

Image Compressor

Before you publish

Do

  • Export each placement from the same source image when you need a consistent campaign.
  • Keep text, faces, logos, and products inside the dashed safe area.
  • Use ZIP export when you need to send files to a teammate or client.

Don't

  • Assume one square crop will work for stories, thumbnails, and banners.
  • Place tiny text at the edge of a vertical image where app UI may cover it.
  • Treat common preset sizes as a promise that the platform will never change.
Can Pixlery upload these images to social networks?

No. Pixlery prepares downloadable files only. Upload them yourself in the platform or app you use.

Are these official dimensions?

They are common export presets for current publishing workflows, not a permanent guarantee. Platform displays can change.

Should I still use the platform preview?

Yes. Pixlery helps you prepare and check safe zones before upload; the final platform preview is still the authority.

Use Pixlery tools

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