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What are the Recommended Aspect Ratios for Posting?

Understanding aspect ratios is key to making sure your content looks great across every platform. Whether you're posting in-feed, creating stories, or running ads, this guide breaks down the best sizing formats to use by channel. 

Instagram

Instagram is a visual-first platform, and using the optimal ratio ensures your posts grab attention without being cut off.

Feed Posts:

  • Square: 1:1
  • Portrait (Recommended): 4:5
  • Landscape: 1.91:1

Reels & Stories: 9:16

  • Vertical Full-Screen (9:16): Designed for immersive, mobile-first viewing. Always go vertical here.

Facebook

Facebook supports a mix of aspect ratios, but square and vertical formats tend to perform better on mobile.

Feed Posts:

  • Square: 1:1
  • Horizontal: 1.91:1
  • Vertical: 4:5

Stories & Reels: 

  • Vertical Full-Screen (9:16): Best for immersive storytelling and mobile engagement


LinkedIn

LinkedIn prioritizes professional content. Landscape formats are preferred, especially for thought leadership videos or carousel ads.

Feed Posts (Image/Video):

  • Landscape (Recommended): 1.91:1
  • Square: 1:1

X (formerly Twitter)

Content on X moves fast. Choose the right ratio to ensure your message stands out clearly.

Image Posts:

  • Horizontal: 16:9
  • Vertical: 4:5 (may crop in preview)
  • Square: 1:1

Video Posts:

  • 16:9 or 1:1: Both formats are supported — pick based on how you want the video to display.

TikTok

TikTok is a vertical video platform. Anything other than full-screen vertical may result in black bars or poor performance.

All Posts & Videos: Vertical Full-Screen (9:16): Always use this format for TikTok content.


YouTube

YouTube supports both traditional horizontal videos and Shorts. Make sure you’re using the correct one for your content type.

Videos:

  • Standard Videos: 16:9
    • The default format for YouTube videos — use this for long-form content.
  • Shorts: (9:16) Made for mobile — Shorts must be vertical to appear in the Shorts feed.

💡 Quick Tips

  • Vertical content (9:16) works best for stories, reels, and mobile-first platforms like TikTok.

  • Square content (1:1) is a safe universal choice across most feeds.

  • Landscape formats (16:9 or 1.91:1) are ideal for video-focused platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn.


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