We get the question "What size image is best to use?" frequently, but as long as the aspect ratio of the picture matches the ratios below, you will be okay.
The aspect ratio (x:y) of an image is the proportional relationship between its width (x) and height (y).
For example, a group of images with the same aspect ratio of 16:9 can include one image 16 inches wide and 9 inches high, another 16 centimeters wide and 9 centimeters high, and a third 8 inches wide and 4.5 inches high.
In short, the aspect ratio is the relationship between the width to the height, not the image's actual size.
Landscape
- Size: 1920 x 1080 px
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
Portrait
- Size: 1080 x 1920 px
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Square
- Size: 1080 x 1080 px
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1
Grid or Feed View
COMING SOON! This aspect ratio is new to the social media world! Headliner is actively working on ways to support this style aspect ratio.
- Size: 1080 x 1350 px
- Aspect Ratio: 4:5
What aspect ratios should I use?
Headliner helps podcasters create and share videos across all major social platforms and YouTube. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best aspect ratio for each platform. These are best practices—not hard rules—as most platforms support multiple formats.
Landscape (16:9)
Best for full-length videos and clips over 10 minutes.
Recommended for:
- YouTube
Portrait (9:16)
Perfect for short-form content, especially in vertical, scrollable feeds that prioritize video.
Recommended for:
- TikTok
- Instagram Reels
- YouTube Shorts
- Facebook Reels
- LinkedIn Reels
- Threads
Square
Square aspect ratios are considered universally acceptable for all social media platforms.
Recommended for:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Bluesky
A Note on Safe Zones: Making Your Designs Optimized
Each platform has overlays (like captions, buttons, likes, etc.) that can hide parts of your video. That’s where safe zones come in. Safe zones ensure all important design elements are visible across device types and landing pages within social platforms and YouTube.
Here are the recommended safe zones for each aspect ratio. It is important to note that some platforms, like TikTok, have slightly different specifications that alter the technical safe zone area.
**Note: These are general recommendations, not absolutes.
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Portrait (9:16): Keep text, logos, and faces centered. Generally, you should avoid the top and bottom 250px. However, some platforms, like TikTok, have additional elements and UI that can cover up more parts of a video. In these cases, you should keep all content 250 px away from the edges.
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Square (1:1): Keep key content 135px away from all edges.
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Landscape (16:9): Content should fit the center 80% of the design. That means leaving 192 px of horizontal padding on the left and right, and 108 px of vertical padding on the top and bottom to avoid platform overlays and UI elements.