Twitter / X
Last updated:
X moves fast—design for tiny previews. Keep profile images centered, and place header essentials in the middle third. In-stream 16:9 crops cleanly. Use high contrast, minimal text, and export sharp JPG/PNG; MP4 (H.264) for video.
Best Practices
- Center subjects for circular profile crops.
- Keep header essentials in the central band.
- Prefer 16:9 for predictable crops in-stream.
- Use bold, high-contrast type; avoid fine details.
- Export JPEG/PNG for images; MP4 H.264 for video.
Pro Tips
- Design with dark mode in mind—test contrast.
- Use simple, repeatable templates for threads.
- Minimize on-image text; push detail to the tweet.
- Pick OG images that summarize the link at a glance.
- Avoid busy backgrounds that reduce legibility.
Visual Previews
Profile Photo
1:1 · Image
400 x 400 px
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
Header Photo
3:1 · Image
1500 x 500 px
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
In-Stream Post
16:9 · Image/Video
1600 x 900 px
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
Vertical Video
9:16 · Video
1080 x 1920 px
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
Sizes
Profile Photo
- Dimensions:
- 400 x 400 px
- Aspect Ratio:
- 1:1
- Format:
- Image
Header Photo
- Dimensions:
- 1500 x 500 px
- Aspect Ratio:
- 3:1
- Format:
- Image
In-Stream Post
- Dimensions:
- 1600 x 900 px
- Aspect Ratio:
- 16:9
- Format:
- Image/Video
Vertical Video
- Dimensions:
- 1080 x 1920 px
- Aspect Ratio:
- 9:16
- Format:
- Video
| Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Photo | 400 x 400 px | 1:1 | Image |
| Header Photo | 1500 x 500 px | 3:1 | Image |
| In-Stream Post | 1600 x 900 px | 16:9 | Image/Video |
| Vertical Video | 1080 x 1920 px | 9:16 | Video |
FAQ
What image size works best in-stream on X (Twitter)?
16:9 at 1600×900 is reliable and previews cleanly across devices. Avoid 1:1 unless you want a square preview in the timeline.
How do I avoid X header cropping?
The header is 1500×500, but mobile crops the edges. Place logos and critical text in the center third to ensure they show on every device.
Why do my X images look washed out?
JPEG compression plus dark mode. Use high contrast, avoid thin lines and small type, and upload PNG for graphics with flat color or text.
What's the best X profile photo size?
400×400 pixels minimum at 1:1. X displays it as a circle, so keep subjects centered and leave breathing room around the edges.
What video specs does X support?
MP4 (H.264, AAC) up to 512 MB. Aspect ratios between 1:2.39 and 2.39:1 are supported; 16:9 and 9:16 preview best.
How long can X videos be?
Up to 2 minutes 20 seconds for free accounts, or up to 4 hours for X Premium. Shorter videos (under 60 seconds) typically drive higher completion rates.