Each social media platform has its own image requirements and compression algorithms. Using the right format and dimensions ensures your images look their best when shared.

Quick Reference Guide

Platform	Best Format	Max Size	Recommended Dimensions
Instagram	JPEG	30 MB	1080x1080 (square)
Facebook	JPEG/PNG	30 MB	1200x630 (link preview)
Twitter/X	JPEG/PNG	5 MB	1600x900 (landscape)
LinkedIn	JPEG/PNG	5 MB	1200x627 (link preview)
Pinterest	JPEG/PNG	20 MB	1000x1500 (2:3 ratio)

Platform-Specific Guidelines

Instagram

Instagram heavily compresses uploaded images, so start with high quality:

Format: JPEG at 80-100% quality
Square posts: 1080x1080 pixels
Portrait: 1080x1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)
Stories: 1080x1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
Tip: Avoid text-heavy images - compression affects text clarity

Facebook

Facebook supports both JPEG and PNG well:

Photos: JPEG at 80% quality
Graphics with text: PNG for sharper text
Feed posts: 1200x630 pixels
Cover photo: 820x312 pixels
Tip: Facebook re-compresses everything, so upload slightly larger than needed

Twitter/X

Twitter has strict size limits but good quality preservation:

Format: JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics
In-stream photos: 1600x900 pixels
Header image: 1500x500 pixels
Max file size: 5 MB (important!)
Tip: Keep images under 5 MB or they'll be rejected

LinkedIn favors professional, clean images:

Format: JPEG or PNG
Shared posts: 1200x627 pixels
Company banner: 1128x191 pixels
Tip: Use PNG for infographics and charts

Vertical images perform best on Pinterest:

Format: JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics
Standard pin: 1000x1500 pixels (2:3 ratio)
Infographics: 1000x3000 pixels max
Tip: Taller pins get more engagement

JPEG vs PNG for Social Media

Use JPEG for:

Photographs and images with many colors
Images without text overlays
When file size is a concern

Use PNG for:

Graphics with text
Screenshots
Images with flat colors and sharp edges
Logos and branded graphics

Why Not WebP?

While WebP is excellent for websites, most social media platforms:

Don't accept WebP uploads
Convert everything to JPEG anyway
Have their own compression algorithms

Stick with JPEG and PNG for social media uploads.

Optimization Tips

1. Start with the Right Dimensions

Don't upload a 4000px image when the platform displays it at 1080px. Resize first for better quality control.

2. Compress Before Uploading

Pre-compressing gives you control over quality. Aim for:

JPEG: 80-90% quality
PNG: Maximum compression (lossless)
Keep files under 1-2 MB when possible

3. Test Before Posting

Upload to a test account or use scheduling tools with preview features to see how your image will look.

4. Save Originals

Always keep your original high-resolution files. You may need to resize for different platforms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading huge files - Platform compression will destroy quality
Wrong aspect ratios - Images get cropped awkwardly
Text too small - Compression makes small text unreadable
Over-compressing - Artifacts become visible after platform re-compression

Conclusion

For social media success, use JPEG for photographs and PNG for graphics. Always resize to the platform's recommended dimensions before uploading, and pre-compress at 80-90% quality to maintain control over how your images look.

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