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Medium

Specs last changed: · Verified against sources

Medium scales images across article pages and social shares. Favor wide, high-contrast covers with minimal text and a single focal point. Keep logos simple for profile use and export gently compressed JPG/PNG.

Best Practices

  • Use wide hero images (16:9 or 3:2) at 1400px+ width.
  • Minimize on-image text; keep it readable on phones.
  • Export JPEG/PNG with gentle compression to avoid banding.
  • Keep logos simple and centered for profile uses.
  • Test images in dark and light themes.

Pro Tips

  • Crop for a clear subject in the top half of the frame.
  • Use plain backgrounds or subtle gradients behind type.
  • Be consistent with cover style across a series.
  • Add alt text for accessibility and SEO.
  • Preview social share (OG) rendering.

Sizes

Tap a size to see its safe zones.

Article Header (Recommended)

1920×1080 · 16:9 · Image

1920 x 1080 px

Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.

Article Header (3:2 Alt)

1800×1200 · 3:2 · Image

1800 x 1200 px

Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.

Story Preview Thumbnail

2000×1000 · 2:1 · Image

2000 x 1000 px

Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.

Full-Width Inline Image

1400×788 · 16:9 · Image

1400 x 788 px

Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.

Profile/Publication Logo

512×512 · 1:1 · Image

512 x 512 px

Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.

FAQ

What size works for Medium article headers?
Aim for 1600–2000 px wide so it stays sharp on high-DPI screens; 1920×1080 (16:9) is a versatile default. Full-width inline images only display at about 1400 px on desktop, so anything wider is for retina crispness rather than layout.
What size should a Medium profile logo be?
Square, 512×512 or larger. Medium displays it as a circle in most surfaces so keep subjects centered with breathing room around the edges.
Does Medium have image safe zones?
Not typically. Just avoid edge-hugging text and keep a clean center, since responsive layouts may crop the sides on narrow viewports.
Should I use 16:9 or 3:2 for article headers?
16:9 (1400×788) matches social previews best; 3:2 (1500×1000) leaves more vertical space for mood and storytelling. Either works — just be consistent across a series.
What's the best file format for Medium images?
JPEG for photography and gradients, PNG for screenshots and text-heavy graphics. Medium re-encodes uploads, so start with high-quality sources to avoid visible banding.
Do I need alt text on Medium images?
Yes. Medium lets you add alt text and captions per image — it improves accessibility, SEO, and screen reader support.