The Perfect Thumbnail Size for Every Platform 2024

Thumbnails are an essential part of your online presence, and using the correct Thumbnail Size ensures that your content is displayed optimally across all platforms. In 2024, these sizes and best practices will help you create eye-catching thumbnails that drive engagement and success. This guide will walk you through the ideal thumbnail sizes 2024 across major platforms, helping you optimize your visuals for the best impact.

Before reading this blog post, check out our previous post How to Sell Digital Products Online Step-by-Step Guide. Selling digital products online is a scalable and profitable business model if done right.

Why does Thumbnail Size matter?

Thumbnails are the first thing viewers see before they click on your content. A well-designed thumbnail can significantly impact click-through rates, viewer engagement, and overall success. However, using the wrong size can lead to distorted images, poor resolution, and a lack of professionalism. By adhering to the recommended sizes for each platform, you ensure your thumbnails look sharp and appealing.

Thumbnail Size for Every Platform 2024

YouTube Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• File Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF
• File Size: Under 2MB

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for video content, and having a compelling thumbnail is essential for attracting viewers. The recommended size for YouTube thumbnails is 1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size ensures that your thumbnail looks great on both desktop and mobile devices. Keep your file size under 2MB to ensure fast loading times.

Facebook Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1200 x 630 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1
• File Format: JPG or PNG

For Facebook, the ideal thumbnail size is 1200 x 630 pixels. This size is perfect for shared links and images, ensuring your content appears crisp and clear in the News Feed. With a 1.91:1 aspect ratio, your thumbnails will display well across all devices, providing a consistent viewing experience.

Instagram Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1080 x 1080 pixels (Square), 1080 x 1920 pixels (Stories)
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (Square), 9:16 (Stories)
• File Format: JPG or PNG

Instagram supports various content types, from posts to stories. For regular posts, the ideal thumbnail size is 1080 x 1080 pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This ensures your images look great on the grid and in users’ feeds. For Instagram Stories, use a 1080 x 1920 pixel size with a 9:16 aspect ratio to make the most of the vertical format.

Twitter Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1200 x 675 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• File Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF

Twitter’s fast-paced environment demands eye-catching thumbnails to stop users from scrolling past your content. The recommended size for Twitter thumbnails is 1200 x 675 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size helps your images stand out in users’ feeds, maximizing engagement.

LinkedIn Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1200 x 627 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1
• File Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF

LinkedIn is a professional network, and having the right thumbnail size is crucial for maintaining a polished image. For LinkedIn posts, the recommended thumbnail size is 1200 x 627 pixels with a 1.91:1 aspect ratio. This size ensures your content looks professional and aligns well with LinkedIn’s layout.

Pinterest Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1000 x 1500 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 2:3
• File Format: JPG or PNG

Pinterest is a visual platform where vertical images perform best. The ideal size for Pinterest thumbnails is 1000 x 1500 pixels with a 2:3 aspect ratio. This size helps your pins stand out in users’ feeds and increases the likelihood of them being repinned and shared.

TikTok Thumbnail Size

• Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16
• File Format: JPG or PNG

TikTok is all about vertical video content, and having the right thumbnail size is essential for attracting viewers. The recommended size for TikTok thumbnails is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This size ensures your content looks great on mobile devices, which is where the majority of TikTok users engage with the platform.

Custom Thumbnails: Tips for All Platforms

• Consistency: Use the same style, fonts, and color schemes across all your thumbnails to create a cohesive brand image.
• High Contrast: Ensure that your thumbnails have high contrast between the background and the text or main elements. This makes them more readable at a glance.
• Minimal Text: Keep text to a minimum and make sure it’s large enough to be legible even on small screens.
• Clear Imagery: Use high-resolution images that are relevant to your content. Avoid blurry or pixelated images.
• Test Across Devices: Always check how your thumbnails look on different devices, including mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Conclusions

Creating the perfect thumbnail size for each platform is essential for maximizing your content’s reach and impact. By following the recommended sizes and best practices for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and more, you can ensure your thumbnails are always optimized for success. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or business owner, getting your thumbnails right is a small but powerful step toward achieving your online goals in 2024.