Twitter/X Post Dimensions
Recommended size: 1200 × 675 pixels
Twitter/X displays in-stream images at 1200×675 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is the default crop for single-image tweets in the timeline. X's algorithm determines a focal point for cropping when images don't match 16:9 exactly. Since March 2021, images with aspect ratios between 2:1 and 3:4 display uncropped in the timeline, but 16:9 remains the standard recommendation for maximum compatibility.
Specifications
| Width | 1200px |
| Height | 675px |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Platform | |
| Category | social |
How X Crops and Displays Images
X's image cropping behavior varies by device and image count:
- Single image: Displays at 16:9 (1200×675) in timeline. Images between 2:1 and 3:4 show uncropped with rounded corners
- Two images: Side by side, each cropped to roughly 7:8 portrait
- Three images: One large left (7:8) + two stacked right (roughly 1:1)
- Four images: 2×2 grid, each roughly 1:1
X uses a saliency-based cropping algorithm that tries to keep the most visually important part of the image visible. However, it doesn't always get it right — especially with text or faces near edges. Design with the center of your image as the guaranteed visible area.
Image Specifications and Limits
X accepts the following image formats and sizes:
- Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP
- Maximum file size: 5 MB for images, 15 MB for GIFs
- Minimum dimensions: 600×335 for large card display
- Recommended: 1200×675 (16:9) for single images
- Maximum dimensions: 4096×4096 pixels
X applies moderate JPEG compression to all uploads. Unlike Instagram, X preserves PNG transparency in some contexts but still compresses the file. For photographs, JPEG quality 85+ produces the best results after X's re-compression.
Twitter Cards for Links
When sharing links, X displays a Twitter Card using the page's meta tags:
- Summary Card: Small square image (144×144 minimum) + text
- Summary Card with Large Image: Full-width 1200×628 image above text — this is the most common and effective format
- Use
twitter:cardmeta tag set tosummary_large_imagefor the full-width treatment - The card image is separate from images you attach directly to a tweet
For link sharing, ensure your site has proper twitter:image meta tags pointing to a 1200×675 image. Without them, X may pull a random image from the page or show no preview at all.
Quick Tips
- → Use 1200×675 for single-image tweets to avoid cropping
- → Keep important content centered — edge content may be cropped in multi-image layouts
- → Add twitter:card meta tag with summary_large_image for link previews
- → Test your Twitter Cards with the Card Validator before sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should images be for Twitter/X posts?
1200×675 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) for single-image tweets. This ensures your image displays without unexpected cropping in the timeline. For Twitter Cards (link previews), use 1200×628. X accepts images up to 4096×4096 pixels and 5 MB file size.
Does Twitter/X crop images in the timeline?
Since 2021, X shows images with aspect ratios between 2:1 and 3:4 uncropped in the timeline. Images outside this range get cropped to 16:9 using a saliency algorithm. For guaranteed control over what's visible, use 1200×675 (16:9) or design your image so the important content is centered.
Why does my Twitter Card image not show up?
Common causes: missing twitter:image meta tag, image URL returns 404, image is smaller than 144×144 pixels, or the image hasn't been cached yet. Use X's Card Validator tool to test and force-refresh the cache. Also ensure your image URL uses HTTPS — X won't display images served over HTTP.