X (Twitter) Image Sizes

When it comes to creating engaging content on X (Twitter), understanding the platform’s image sizes is important. Whether you’re looking to optimize your profile picture, header photo, in-stream images, or ads, knowing the right dimensions and specifications can make all the difference. Learn more about image sizes for X (Twitter) below, to help you create visually appealing and effective content that resonates with your audience.

X (Twitter) Profile Picture Size

Your profile picture is one of the first things people notice when they visit your X (Twitter) account, so it’s important to get it right.

Here are the X (Twitter) profile picture specs: 

• Ideal image size: 400×400 pixels
• Minimum image size: 200×200 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 1:1
• Maximum file size: 2MB
• Supported file formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG

While your profile picture will upload as a square, it will display on your X (Twitter) profile as a circle. To avoid losing any important details or having your image look distorted use a simple, high-contrast design that is easy to recognize even when cropped. Avoid images with lots of small text or details that may get cut off.

X (Twitter) Header Size

Your X (Twitter) header is a horizontal image that spans the top of your profile, providing a prime opportunity to showcase your brand, personality, or message. As a larger image compared to your profile picture, your header can make a strong visual impact.

To create an effective header, keep these specifications in mind:

• Ideal header size: 1500×500 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 3:1
• Supported file formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG

Your header photos may be cropped by around 60 pixels on both the top and bottom depending on the device it’s being viewed on. Keep important information near the center of your header to ensure it remains visible.

X (Twitter) In-Stream Image Size

When it comes to in-stream images on X (Twitter), you have a lot of flexibility in terms of size and aspect ratio. 

Here are the key specs to keep in mind:

• Display image size: 440×220 pixels
• Desktop aspect ratio: Any ratio between 2:1 and 1:1
• Mobile aspect ratio: 2:1, 3:4, and 16:9
• Maximum file size: 5MB (mobile), 15MB (desktop)
• Supported file formats: JPEG, GIF, and PNG

Remember if you’re uploading a GIF it should loop. GIFs that don’t loop will be displayed as a static image. 

X (Twitter) allows you to include up to four images in a single post, with the display varying based on the number of images you include.

• Single image: Any aspect ratio between 2:1 and 1:1 on desktop, or 2:1, 3:4, and 16:9 on mobile. The image will be cropped in the feed but displayed in full when clicked.
• Two images: They will appear side-by-side in the feed, each with a 7:8 aspect ratio.
• Three images: The first image will appear in a 7:8 ratio, and the other two in 4:7 ratio.
• Four images: They will be arranged in a 2×2 grid, with each image having a 2:1 aspect ratio.

X (Twitter) Video Dimensions

When it comes to sharing videos on X (Twitter), understanding the platform’s video dimensions, file size, and duration limits is crucial to ensure your content looks its best. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications you need to know:

• Maximum file size: 8 GB
• Accepted file types: .MP4, .MOV
• Maximum resolution (landscape, up to 2 hrs): 1920×1080
• Recommended resolution (landscape, up to 3 hrs): 1280×720
• Recommended resolution (square): 720×720
• Video specification: AVC encoding (H264)
• Recommended video bitrate: 5-8 Mbps
• Maximum video framerate: 60 FPS
• Audio specification: Stereo/Mono AAC (LC)
• Subtitles: CEA 608/708 embedded, .SRT sidecar

The allowed video duration on X (Twitter) depends on how you upload the video and whether you are a verified premium subscriber.

✅ Premium subscriber (uploaded from web):

• Premium subscribers can upload videos up to ~3 hours long and up to 8GB file size.
• Videos shorter than 2 hours (1080p) should not exceed 8GB file size.
• Videos above 2 hours and under 3 hours must be at 720p and should not exceed 8GB file size.

✅ Non-premium subscribers:

• Videos can be up to 140 seconds long with a maximum file size of 512MB.

✅ Uploaded from mobile:

• Maximum video length is 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

X (Twitter) Ads Sizes

X (Twitter) has different ad formats that seamlessly integrate into users’ feeds as they scroll through the platform. Each ad type has specific size requirements and display characteristics to keep in mind. Here are some of the most common ad formats on X (Twitter) and their key specs:

Image Ads

Image ads are single, static ads that appear in the X (Twitter) feed. To create effective image ads, keep the following requirements in mind:

✅ File Types: PNG and JPEG (GIFs will render as static images)

✅ File Size: Maximum 5MB

✅ Image Size:

• 1:1 Aspect Ratio: 1200 x 1200 pixels
• 1.91:1 Aspect Ratio: 1200 x 628 pixels

Video Ad

Video ads showcase your message through engaging video content on Twitter. Here are the key specs for creating video ads:

✅ Video Size:

• For a 1:1 aspect ratio, the recommended video size is 1200 x 1200 pixels.
• If you prefer a 16:9 aspect ratio, the recommended size is 1920 x 1080 pixels.

✅ File Types:

• Twitter supports MP4 and MOV video file formats.

✅ File Size:

• The maximum file size allowed is 1 GB, but for optimal performance, it’s strongly recommended to keep your videos under 30 MB.

✅ Video Length:

• Aim for 15 seconds or less for the best results.
• Videos up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds are supported.
• In some special cases, select advertisers may be able to request longer videos, up to 10 minutes. However, it’s still best to keep videos under 9 minutes and 55 seconds to accommodate different file types. 

Carousel Ads

X (Twitter) carousel ads are an ad format that displays 2-6 images or videos in a single ad unit. Each card can have a unique headline and landing page, which is great for multi-product and multi-destination campaigns.

✅ Image Carousels Ads:

• Number of Slides: 2-6
• Media Size: 800 x 418 pixels (recommended for 1.91:1 aspect ratio) or 800 x 800 pixels (recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio)
• Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 or 1:1 

✅ Video Carousels:

• Supported Files: MP4 or MOV files
• Number of Slides: 2-6
• Media Size: 800 x 450 pixels (recommended for 16:9 aspect ratio) or 800 x 800 pixels (recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 1:1 

✅ Special Cases: For Carousels with both image and video, aspect ratios should remain consistent (1:1 image and 1:1 video).

Tips for Posting Images on X (Twitter)

Images are a powerful tool for showcasing your brand’s personality and connecting with your target audience on X (Twitter). To make the most of your visual content, consider these tips:

• Visually appealing images: Ensure images are crisp, clear, and on-brand to grab attention.
• Engaging videos: Use short, engaging videos to tell your brand’s story and drive engagement.
• Consistent branding: Use consistent filters, styling, and branded elements to create a recognizable brand image.
• Relevant hashtags: Include popular hashtags related to your industry to increase visibility.
• Product showcase: Share striking images and videos of your products to captivate your audience.
• Expand your message: Use images with text overlays or infographics to pack more info into a visual format.
• Encourage engagement: Post interactive images like polls or questions to encourage engagement.

Gretchen Oestreicher , 04 June 2024