X Image Sizes in 2026 for Posts, Profile Photos and Headers
Use 400 × 400 pixels for an X profile photo and 1500 × 500 pixels for the header, and attach up to 4 photos to a post at up to 5MB each. Animated GIFs can be up to 15MB on the web and 5MB on mobile, and a GIF goes in a post on its own.
Last checked November 2026. Every figure below links to its source.
X image sizes at a glance
| Image | Size or limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Profile photo | 400 × 400 px recommended, 1:1, max 2MB | X Help: profile photo |
| Header (banner) | 1500 × 500 px recommended, 3:1 | X Help: profile photo |
| Profile and header formats | JPEG, PNG or GIF; animated GIFs are not supported | X Help: profile photo |
| Photos per post | 1 to 4 | X Help: pictures and GIFs |
| Photo file size in a post | Up to 5MB | X Help: pictures and GIFs |
| Animated GIF file size | Up to 15MB on web, 5MB on mobile | X Help: pictures and GIFs |
| GIFs per post | 1, and not alongside other photos | X Help: pictures and GIFs |
| Media through the X API | Images 5MB, animated GIFs 15MB; up to 4 photos, 1 GIF or 1 video per post | X API media docs |
Sizes for photos in posts
X sets file limits for post images and leaves pixel dimensions open. Advertising specs are the closest official guide to shapes that display well: X's ad creative specs list 1:1 and 1.91:1 images, and X's aspect ratio announcement adds 1080 × 1080 (1:1), 1440 × 1800 (4:5) and 1080 × 1920 (9:16) among others. For an ordinary post, a 1080 × 1080 square or a 1440 × 1800 portrait image is a safe, sharp choice.
Where sources disagree. X's current ad specs list 800 × 418 and 800 × 800 pixels, an older version of the same page listed 1200 × 628 and 1200 × 1200, and the newer announcement lists larger sizes again. All of them describe the same shapes; upload at the larger size for a sharper result.
By account type
Free accounts
- Up to 4 photos at 5MB each, or one GIF, per post.
- Profile photo 400 × 400 and header 1500 × 500.
X Premium
- The same photo and GIF limits apply. Premium raises video and text limits; see video limits and character limit.
Common mistakes
- Mixing a GIF with photos. X's help page says an animated GIF cannot share a post with multiple images.
- Uploading an animated GIF as a profile photo or header. X shows it as a still image or rejects it.
- Putting text at the edges of the header. The profile photo covers the lower left and screens crop the header differently. Use the banner size guide and template.
- Exporting a 6MB photo. Anything over 5MB fails to upload; export as JPEG at high quality instead.
- Leaving out image descriptions. Add alt text so people using screen readers get the point of the image.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best image size for an X post?
X publishes file limits and no single required size. A 1080 × 1080 square or 1440 × 1800 portrait (4:5) image shows well in the timeline and matches shapes X lists for ads.
How many images can I add to one post?
Up to 4 photos, or one animated GIF.
What size should my X profile picture be?
400 × 400 pixels, square, under 2MB, as JPEG, PNG or GIF.
What size is the X header?
1500 × 500 pixels, a 3:1 ratio. Our banner size page has a free blank template with safe zones.
Make the image fit the post
Once your image is ready, draft the words in the post checker or turn a finished post into a shareable picture with the post mockup maker. Every other X limit is on the X specs hub.