Being on social networks has become an “indispensable requirement” for small and large companies, so you should be prepared to increase your efforts in the channels in which you already have a profile. One of the best ways to do this is to improve your positioning in social networks through a consistent message and a good brand image.
One of your priorities should be to make sure that your message matches the audience you have in each channel. Of course, providing a consistent image. One of the best ways to achieve this is through visual design.
At first, you may find it a bit difficult to get a consistent image on different social networks. However, as these websites evolve and are updated, it is becoming easier to use your design skills to create a recognizable brand across all channels.
In this “reference sheet” you have a brief guide with image size recommendations for many of the main social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Medium). With this information, you can develop a consistent presence and brand image and comply with the dimensions of the images that are required in each channel.
Profile image size
If you want the same profile picture for all channels, it is necessary that you adapt them properly to the size of each social network. Below we indicate the sizes you need in each of them.
| Social network | Size |
| Twitter profile | 400px x 400px |
| Facebook profile | 180px X 180px |
| Instagram profile | 110px x 110px (min.) |
| Pinterest profile | 165px X 165px |
| LinkedIn profile (personal) | 400px x 400px |
| LinkedIn profile (company) | 300px x 300px |
| YouTube profile | 800px x 800px** |
| Google + profile | 250px x 250px |
| Medium profile | 250px x 250px |
| Tumblr profile | 128px x 128px |
Cover image or header image
The cover image or header image is the one that takes most of the eyes. Unlike profile images, which are usually square, different social networks use different image sizes for these photos. Some tips to keep in mind:
- A .png file is probably more appropriate than a .jpg file.
- As these images are usually cropped or covered with other interface elements, place the important elements in the center and verify that the key parts of the image are visible when used in production.
- Images are not displayed the same on all devices. Make sure that the most important details of your image are displayed correctly.
| Social network | Size |
| 1500px x 500px | |
| 400px x 150px | |
| 217px x 147px | |
| LinkedIn (personal) | 1548px x 396px |
| LinkedIn (company) | 400px x 400px |
| YouTube | 2560px x 1440px on desktop |
| Google+ | 1080px x 608px |
| Tumblr | 3000px x1055px |
| Medium | 1400px x 1120px |
Images of your publications
The publication of quality content, including images, is increasingly important in social networks. Creating images with the appropriate size for each social network minimizes distortion or unnecessary cuts.
| Social network | Size |
| 1024px x 512px | |
| 1200px x 630px | |
| 1080px x 1080px | |
| 735px x unlimited | |
| 350px x 250px | |
| YouTube | 16:9 ratio (Video) |
| Google+ | 497px x 373px |
| Medium | 900px wide by any height |
| Tumblr | 500px x 750px |
Images of the links you share
A very common question is “why does Facebook choose this particular image from a link?” or, “why do the images of the links I share do not look as they should?” There are two reasons that can answer these questions. First, you must make sure that the social network knows what image you want to highlight when you share a link. This is usually done with the Open Graph tags or other metadata.
Secondly, you must make sure that the images included in a page or publication have the appropriate size. If the shape of the image is not correct for this social network, it will be distorted or they will simply not let you upload it.
| Social network | Size |
| 1024px x 512px | |
| 1200px x 628px | |
| 238px x 238px | |
| 235px x 800px; 68px x 68px | |
| 180px x 110px | |
| YouTube | 1280px x 720px |
| Google+ | 497px x 373px |
