Social Media Specification Updates for 2018

When posting to social media channels, seemingly minor formatting mistakes can render your well-crafted content into a sloppy mess. From time to time, social media platforms update their format requirements. Image dimensions vary according to their function and placement, including elements like profile pictures, timeline images, and even digital advertising.

As the social media marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, the need to optimize your content per the regulations of each platform is more important than ever. Use this guide from Front Porch Solutions as a cheat sheet for social media specification updates for 2018.

Top Platforms’ Social Media Specification Updates

Keep your social media profiles in tip-top shape in 2018 with these updated specifications.

Facebook

As the most popular social media platform, Facebook currently boasts over 2 billion monthly users. With such a saturated market, you’ll want to make sure that your brand’s profile follows the rules, so your profiles are easy to find.

• Profile Picture: 180 x 180 pixels
• Cover Photo: 820 x 310 pixels
• Post Image: 1200 x 628 pixels

TIP: If your brand uses Facebook Advertising for self-promotion, there are several more advertising options (and therefore varying image dimensions) to be aware of. For example, Carousel ads require square pictures with a recommended size of 1080 x 1080 pixels, while Canvas ads have an image spec size of 1200 x 628 pixels. Check out this more in-depth guide to Facebook Advertising image sizes.

Instagram

After Facebook acquired it in 2017, Instagram has grown exponentially to over 800 million monthly users. As we all know, Instagram is a platform that relies heavily on compelling visuals so select imaging that’s up to par. But first, make sure you know the basic specs so your subject matter displays correctly. Then, work on how to stand out from the crowd.

• Profile Picture: 110 x 110 pixels
• Photo Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Stories Images: 1800 x 1920 pixels

TIP: Instagram Stories, a relatively newly released and increasingly popular aspect of the platform, works best with vertical images. But there are a few workarounds including rotating your landscape picture 90 degrees in your phone’s photo app before uploading. Or download an app that expands Instagram Stories features, like Infinite Stories for iOS.

Twitter

After a stagnant period, Twitter is enjoying new user growth, and the company is narrowing their projected losses to a four percent drop in profitability. The company is ramping up efforts to attract and retain users including increasing character limits to 280 per tweet and adding new features like live video capabilities.

• Profile Picture: 400 x 400 pixels
• Header Photo: 1500 x 500 pixels
• Post Image: 440 x 220 pixels

TIP: With the influx of users came fierce competition and as a result, many brands have felt the effects of decreased engagement. Instead of relying solely on mass messaging your followers, try initiating one-on-one conversations and creating personalized experiences. Third-party software like Hootsuite or SproutSocial can help streamline these efforts and keep your communication organized.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a platform for professional social media networking. With more than 530 million active business professionals—nearly 50 percent of those employed as decision-makers for their company—brands can grow through referrals, endorsements, networking and mentorships via LinkedIn.

• Profile Picture Company Page: 400 x 400 pixels
• Cover Image Company Page: 1536 x 768 pixels
• Post Image Company Page: max. 1200 x 627 pixels

TIP: Take your LinkedIn strategy to the next level by utilizing some of the 1.6 million LinkedIn Groups. LinkedIn Groups can help strengthen your brand’s online reputation through networking with like-minded professionals, receiving constructive feedback on posted content, and sharing valuable, industry-relevant information. If your industry or topic doesn’t have a group yet, create one!

YouTube

Through the YouTube social media network, small businesses have the opportunity to compete with big brands. Every day, more than 1 billion hours of videos are watched on YouTube, which makes it a perfect platform to showcase your company’s short videos. Don’t have a big budget for video production? Try using slides or still images set to music with recorded voice-over commentary for an easy, effective approach to video content.

• Channel Cover Picture: 2560 x 1440 pixels for desktop, 1855 x 423 pixels for tablets, 1546 x 423 pixels for mobile, and 2560 x 1440 pixels for TV
• Video Uploads: 1280 x 760 pixels (or 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Video Thumbnail: 1280 x 720 pixels

TIP: Set up a customized YouTube Channel for your brand. Your business’ channel houses all your published videos and acts as your business profile page where you can add company information. Be sure to use keywords and keyword tags within your channels structure to optimize it for search.

Pinterest

Though Pinterest isn’t a social media mammoth like Facebook or Instagram, it is still thriving network with over 200 million active monthly users. Pinterest is the place to be for Millennials and 68 percent of U.S. women, ages 25-54. No longer just a place to save wedding inspiration or trendy recipes, Pinterest is proving itself to be a vital platform for businesses.

• Profile Picture: 165 x 165 pixels
• Board Display Image: 222 x 150 pixels
• Pin Sizes: max width of 238 pixels

TIP: First, add Save buttons to your brand’s website so visitors can Pin your content quickly and easily. Then utilize Rich Pins which pull metadata from your site to provide additional information for users about what they will find when they click on a Pin. For articles, Rich Pins will include a headline, author, date of publication, a summary, and an optional call-to-action.

Social media has long been a powerful tool when it comes to brand building. But to make your efforts worthwhile, you must follow the parameters set in place by the platforms. Looking for more guidance or wondering where to start with social media set-up? Contact Front Porch Solutions. Our highly skilled team members are social media experts who ready to help your brand grow its online presence.