X (Twitter) Image & Video Sizes (2026)
X (formerly Twitter) displays images in a 16:9 crop in the timeline by default. Understanding this cropping behavior is essential for ensuring your visuals look great without requiring a click to expand.
X (Twitter) Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Content Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Image (Single) Best | 1200x675 | 16:9 | 5MB |
| Post Image (Two images) | 700x800 | 7:8 | 5MB per image |
| Header / Banner | 1500x500 | 3:1 | 5MB |
| Profile Picture | 400x400 | 1:1 | 2MB |
The Golden Format for X (Twitter)
While X (Twitter) supports many shapes, the Post Image (Single) format at 1200x675 is currently the highest-performing layout for visibility and user engagement.
Fills the screen optimally on mobile devices.
Avoids platform-specific UI overlays in safe zones.
Provides the cleanest base for the platform's compression algorithm.
All X (Twitter) Dimensions
Post Image (Single)
Popular1200×675
Tip: 16:9 displays without cropping in the timeline. For images with text, this is the safest choice to ensure everything remains visible.
Post Image (Two images)
700×800
Tip: When posting two images, X displays them side by side in a tall crop. Design for 7:8 to avoid unexpected cropping.
Header / Banner
1500×500
Tip: Your header is cropped on mobile. Keep important elements in the center 60% of the image to ensure they are always visible.
Profile Picture
400×400
Tip: Displayed as a circle at 48x48 in the timeline. Upload at 400x400 for crispness on profile pages and high-DPI screens.
Video
1280×720
Tip: X supports 1:1, 16:9, and vertical video — but 16:9 landscape gets the most consistent display across devices.
Card Image
1200×628
Tip: This is the image that appears when a link is shared. Set it in your Open Graph meta tags to control how your links look on X.
Why Quality Sizing Matters for X (Twitter)
X uses an aggressive center-crop algorithm in the timeline. In 2026, X (Twitter)'s algorithm uses technical quality as a direct ranking signal.
X uses a center-crop algorithm
wrong ratios get text, faces, or details cut off
16:9 images display without any cropping in the timeline
Optimizing your content for X (Twitter) ensures your visuals remain sharp and professional across all devices.
Most users scroll fast and won't tap to see the full uncropped image
Optimizing your content for X (Twitter) ensures your visuals remain sharp and professional across all devices.
X (Twitter) Optimization Pro Tips
Always use 16:9 for single-image tweets to prevent the timeline crop from hiding your content.
X compresses PNG files aggressively. For photographs, use high-quality JPG to maintain better quality after compression.
GIFs autoplay in the timeline — use them for eye-catching animations that stop the scroll.
When sharing links, set a 1200x628 Open Graph image to control the card preview. Without it, X picks a random image from your page.
Expert Insights & Editorial Notes
"X uses a center-crop algorithm in the timeline. Images that aren't 16:9 will have their top and bottom trimmed — always preview how your image looks after cropping before posting."
"X Premium subscribers can upload longer videos and higher-resolution images. If you have Premium, take advantage of the extended limits for richer media."
"Open Graph card images (1200x628) are critical for link previews. If you share links frequently, setting a proper OG image in your site's meta tags is one of the highest-ROI SEO tasks you can do."
How to Use These Sizes
Find Your Content Type
Browse the cards above to find the specific content type you're creating — feed post, story, reel, or profile picture.
Note the Dimensions
Copy the exact width, height, and aspect ratio. Use these when exporting from your design tool or camera app.
Resize & Publish
Use our free image resizer or your preferred tool to match the dimensions, then upload with confidence.
Recommended Tools Need more help with X (Twitter)? Check out our free tools:
Looking for sizes for other platforms? Visit our complete Social Media Sizes Guide covering all 8 major platforms.
Official Sources
Platform Changelog
- 2026-02-23 — Initial publication with all current X (Twitter) dimensions and specs.
X (Twitter) Sizes FAQ
What is the best image size for X (Twitter) in 2026?
The most recommended size for X (Twitter) is 1200x675 (16:9) for Post Image (Single). This format provides the best visibility and engagement on the platform. Check the full list above for all supported content types and their specific dimensions.
What aspect ratio should I use for X (Twitter)?
X (Twitter) supports multiple aspect ratios depending on the content type. The most commonly used ratios are: 16:9 for Post Image (Single). Using the correct aspect ratio prevents automatic cropping that can cut off important parts of your content.
What is the maximum file size for X (Twitter)?
File size limits on X (Twitter) vary by content type: 5MB for Post Image (Single), 5MB per image for Post Image (Two images), 5MB for Header / Banner, 2MB for Profile Picture, 512MB for Video, 5MB for Card Image. Staying under these limits ensures your uploads process quickly without compression issues.
What video format does X (Twitter) support?
X (Twitter) supports MP4 as the primary video format. Video: Up to 140 seconds (2 min 20 sec). Upload at the highest quality possible — the platform will re-encode your video for optimal delivery.
How often does X (Twitter) update its image sizes?
X (Twitter) occasionally updates its dimension requirements, usually a few times per year. We monitor these changes and update our guide accordingly. Check the "Last updated" date at the top of this page to see when we last verified these specifications.
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Now that you know the right dimensions for X (Twitter), use Tactic Social to schedule and cross-post your content across all platforms.
- Cross-post to 8+ platforms at once
- Built-in image resizing
- Schedule content in advance
