Image and Video Requirements for Social Marketing
Social Marketing empowers you to post across your most valuable social media platforms. To ensure your content is optimized for both visual impact and technical performance, it's essential to follow specific image and video requirements for each platform. Below is a complete guide to the supported formats, recommended sizes, and platform-specific nuances to help you get the most from your posts.
Image Requirements
Social Marketing supports PNG, JPEG, and GIF image formats. For best results when posting to multiple platforms, use square images (1:1 ratio). Each platform, however, has specific requirements outlined below.
| Social network | Dimensions | Maximum File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended: 1200 x 1200 px (square image | 1:1) 1,080 x 1,350 px (vertical image | 16:9) Minimum: 600 x 315 px Note: Facebook generally scales well with all image dimensions | 4 MB For PNG images, aim for less than 1MB as larger PNGs may appear pixelated on Facebook | • Social Marketing supports 10 images per post on Facebook • When uploading multiple images, Facebook will arrange your images to match the first one uploaded. For best results, we recommended using consistent image sizes when possible. | |
| Recommended: 1,080 x 1,080 px (square | 1:1) 1,080 x 608 px (landscape | 1.91:1) 1,080 x 1,350 px (portrait | 16:9) Minimum: 640 x 640 px (square | 1:1) | 30 MB For PNG images, aim for less than 1MB as larger PNGs may appear pixelated on Instagram | • Social Marketing supports up to 10 images/videos per post using the 'carousel' feature. | |
| Google Business Profile | Recommended: 720 x 720 px (square | 1:1) Minimum: 250 x 250 px (square | 1:1) | 5 MB Cannot be less than 10 KB | • Social Marketing supports 1 image per post for Google Business Profile • The photo should be in focus and well-lit. It should have no significant alterations or excessive use of filters. In other words, the image should represent reality. |
| X | Recommended: 1,200 x 675 px (landscape | 16:9) Minimum: 600 x 335 px (landscape | 1.79:1) | 5 MB (PNG, JPEG) | 15 MB (GIF) | • Social Marketing supports 4 images per post on X • GIFs have additional requirements for X. To ensure your post is successful, try matching the following constraints: - Resolution: <= 1,280 x 1,080 px - Number of frames: <= 350 - Number of pixels: (width * height * number of frames) <= 300 million - Looping: GIFs that do not loop will be uploaded as still images |
| Recommended: 1,200 x 627 px (landscape | 1.91:1) Minimum: At least 200 px wide | 10 MB | • Social Marketing supports 9 images per post for LinkedIn |
Video Requirements
Social Marketing supports MP4 and MOV video formats. Below are the platform-specific requirements for video uploads:
| Social Network | Dimensions | Video Bitrate | Max File Size | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | 10 GB | 4 hours | |
| N/A* | 5 Mbps | 500 MB | 60 seconds | |
| Instagram Reels | Width: 1080 pixels Height: 1920 pixels (aspect ratio 9:16) | 25Mbps max | 500 MB | 3 seconds to 15 mins |
| X | N/A* | 25Mbps max | 1 GB | 60 seconds |
| Min width: 360 pixels Max width: 1920 pixels Min height: 360 pixels Max height: 1920 pixels Min aspect ratio: 9:16 (0.563) Max aspect ratio: 16:9 (1.778) | 25Mbps max | 200 MB | 3 seconds to 30 mins | |
| TikTok | The minimum height and width of the video must be 360 pixels | -- | 1 GB | 3 seconds to 600 seconds |
Video Thumbnails
When uploading videos via Social Marketing, the thumbnail is automatically generated from the first frame.
Custom thumbnails are currently not supported.
To modify the default thumbnail, consider editing the video in tools like CapCut or other video editors.
Image Optimization and Cropping
When uploading images, it's crucial to meet the platform-specific aspect ratio requirements. Failure to do so may result in cropping errors or distorted visuals.
How It Works
- If an image doesn't meet the required aspect ratio, an error message prompts users to crop the image.
- Use the cropping tool to choose from:
- Freeform
- Square (1:1)
- Vertical (4:5)
- Horizontal (1.91:1)
This helps ensure images stay in-frame, look professional, and follow best practices for engagement.
Google Business Profile Notice
"On submission, Google Business will scale the image resolution slightly without a perceptible loss in quality."
By leveraging our enhanced cropping tool, you’ll maintain your image quality, maximize engagement, and showcase your brand effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my image cropped?
If an image does not match the platform's required aspect ratio (e.g., trying to post a wide landscape photo to Instagram's square format), the tool may force a crop to ensure the post is accepted by the network.
Can I upload HEIC files from my iPhone?
Social Marketing generally requires standard web formats like JPG or PNG. HEIC files should be converted to JPG before uploading.
What is the best video format for all platforms?
MP4 is the most widely supported video format. Keeping your video under 60 seconds and in a square (1:1) aspect ratio gives you the best chance of compatibility across all major networks.