Images are a useful tool for effectively communicating a message and bringing attention to a topic, even on X (formerly Twitter), a site that does not prioritise visual content. You can upload a variety of file types to X, including animated GIFs, JPGs, and PNGs. It can be difficult to make sure your images adhere to the platform's criteria, though, because each of these file types has unique requirements regarding aspect ratio, file size, and dimensions, especially considering that tutorials like this one quickly go out of date.

Images on X: General Details

If you want to make sure your images look good on X, they don’t get cropped or end up being blurry, it’s wise to know the specs of the images.

Aspect ratios for images on X (Twitter) range from 16:9 to 1:1, and the latter is recommended. As for the GIFs, the aspect ratio needs to be between 1:1 and 3:1 with the maximum file size being 5 MB on mobile devices and up to 15 MB on the web. The maximum file size for photos is 2 MB.

X Header Image Size

Up to 2 MB
1500 x 1500 pixels
JPG, GIF, and PNG are accepted

You have the chance to create a great first impression with your X-formerly-Twitter header photo, as it’s basically a banner at the top of your profile. This image should be 1,500 pixels by 1,500 pixels in size. Besides, if your header image has text or some important information on it, keep it centred, since it may be trimmed from the top and bottom by about 60 pixels on various devices.

Don't put it in the header's bottom-left corner because your profile picture overlaps with it.

X Profile Image Size

Under 2 MB
400 x 400 pixels

Your X profile image is a representation of who you are. Posting an image of 400 by 400 pixels is recommended. Note, by the way, that even if you upload a square format, the display is circular.

X In-Stream Images

440 x 220 pixels

In-stream images, those that appear directly within a tweet, offer a visual enhancement to your Twitter content. The recommended dimensions for these images are 440 x 220 pixels. It's worth noting, however, that while Twitter will display your image at a maximum size of 1024 x 512 pixels, you still need to ensure your image looks good at this larger size.

Twitter Ads Image Size

Up to 5 MB
Sizes and aspect ratios vary

Images used in Twitter advertising should be at least 600 pixels wide, preferably 1200 pixels for the best quality. There is a 1:1 maximum variation in height.

As for the ratios, these images can be accepted in ratios of 2:1 to 1:1 on desktop, although 16:9 is the default on mobile devices.

Twitter Video Ads and Thumbnail Size

The allowed file types for tweeting videos are MP4 or MOV, with a 1 GB file size limit. Video dimensions should ideally be 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels, or 1:1, to ensure uniform viewing on desktop and mobile devices. JPEG or PNG file types are acceptable for video thumbnails, which should match the aspect ratio of the original file.

Image Sizes on X: Frequently Asked Questions

How to compress an image for X if it’s too big?

If the image you want to upload on X (Twitter) is too large, simply optimise it with any tool of your choice. We recommend 4K Image Compressor , a desktop solution that can optimise any PNG, JPEG, WEBP, HEIC, and even PDF file without quality loss. Beyond that, the tool can optimise several images in bulk, so you won’t need to manually resize and compress them one by one.

Install and launch 4K Image Compressor first. It works with Linux, macOS, and Windows.

2. In the header menu bar, choose the output format and value.

3. Enter the percentage that you wish to use to compress the file if you chose the Percent value option. In case you chose the Size option, input the digit and measurement system (B, KB, MB).

4. Press the Compress button, which is the application window's centre button.

5. Click Open after choosing the image to be compressed in the newly opened window.

Your photo will be reduced and uploaded right away. To locate the file on your computer, move the mouse over the compressed image preview and click the folder icon.