X (Twitter) Image Size and Specs in 2026

An image that looks fine in your editor can land on X cropped, softened, or missing its animation. Two things decide the outcome: the dimensions you upload, and the format and count rules that sit underneath. This is both, in one place.

X Image Sizes

Where	Size (px)	Ratio
In-feed post (recommended)	1600 x 900	16:9
In-feed post, square	1200 x 1200	1:1
Header / banner	1500 x 500	3:1
Profile photo	400 x 400	1:1

The 16:9 shape is the safest default for a single in-feed image, because it matches how the timeline crops previews. Square works well when the subject is centered.

X image specs: up to four images per post, 5 MB each, JPEG PNG GIF WebP, converted to PNG at 1000px width

File Rules That Block Posts

Sizes are the easy part. These are the rules that decide whether the post goes out at all.

Rule	Value
Images per post	Up to 4
Max file size	5 MB per image
Formats accepted	JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP
Images plus video	Not allowed in the same post
In a thread	Images attach to the first post only

The GIF caveat. Publora converts every image to PNG at a maximum width of 1000px before upload, whatever you started with. That keeps uploads consistent, but it means an animated GIF loses its animation. If the motion is the point, post it as a video instead.

Practical Defaults

Use 1600 x 900 unless you have a reason not to. It survives timeline cropping and reads well on mobile.
Keep text large and centered. Previews crop from the edges, so anything near a border can disappear.
Watch the 5 MB ceiling. Export at reasonable quality rather than maximum; nobody sees the difference in a feed.
Plan threads around image placement. Only the first post carries images, so lead with the visual.

The text side of the same post is covered in the X character limit reference, including how emojis and links eat into your 280.

FAQ

What's the best image size for X?

1600 x 900 (16:9) for an in-feed post, or 1200 x 1200 (1:1) for square. Header is 1500 x 500 and profile photo is 400 x 400.

How many images per post?

Up to four. Images and video can't share a post, and in a thread the images go on the first post only.

Which formats work?

JPEG, PNG, GIF, and WebP up to 5 MB. Note that Publora converts images to PNG at max 1000px width, so animated GIFs lose animation, post them as video instead.

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