- The recommended Facebook ad image size for feed ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels.
- Using a 1:1 aspect ratio for feed ads prevents cropping on mobile and desktop.
- Stories ads work best with a vertical 1080 x 1920 pixel size for full-screen display.
- High image resolution is essential for clarity and professional presentation.
- Text should stay within the central safe zone to avoid cropping.
- Experimenting with different aspect ratios and image sizes can improve ad performance.
Creating eye-catching Facebook ads is key to driving engagement and conversions for your business. Choosing the right ad formats, placements, and copy are all important, but many people forget size—and yes, size does matter.
Image size is one of the most important factors in creating successful Facebook ads. The wrong size can cause your ad to be cropped, distorted, or even rejected by Facebook, all of which can have dire consequences for your advertising campaign.
Today, we’ll discuss the best image size for Facebook ads and the ins and outs of why size matters for Facebook image ads. Keep reading to find out what the Facebook ad recommended image size is.
What is the best image size for Facebook ads?
The best image size for Facebook feed ads is 1080 x 1080 pixels. This recommended size will give you the highest quality image and avoid any cropping or distortion.
However, Facebook does allow for some flexibility in image sizes. The minimum image size is 600 x 600 pixels, and you can use images with aspect ratios ranging from 1.91:1 to 4:5.
To avoid unwanted cropping, it is recommended that you use the 1080 x 1080 pixel size while keeping any important text or visuals within the center 1080 x 1080 pixel safe zone.
Example of an optimized Facebook ad image
Here's an example of a Facebook ad image from Boulevard that follows the recommended size and aspect ratio as discussed above:
This ad is a square image, ideally sized for social media feeds like Facebook or Instagram, where a 1080 x 1080 pixel format works well.
The image captures a high-quality, eye-catching visual featuring a woman lying down, positioned with her head to the lower right of the frame and her eyes directed toward the viewer. This positioning draws attention and creates a connection with the audience, inviting them to engage with the ad.
The text is in the upper left corner, in clean, bold font, and reads, “Salon Owners: Managing multiple locations? We’ve got you covered.”
This simple, direct message immediately addresses the ad’s target audience and offers a solution without overwhelming them with information. The minimal, well-spaced text ensures that it remains legible and impactful, even on smaller screens.
At the bottom left, the brand name “BOULEVARD” is subtly included, providing brand presence without overshadowing the primary message. This layout effectively uses the center "safe zone" of 1080 x 1080 pixels, keeping essential details within view across various devices and placements.
Overall, the ad combines a warm, visually engaging background with clear, concise messaging to appeal directly to salon owners. With just a few well-placed elements, it conveys professionalism and relevance.
When creating your own Facebook ad images, aim for a similar level of quality and clarity. Use bright, contrasting colors and keep any text concise and easy to read.
Use Foreplay’s Discovery tool to find millions more examples just like this. Let’s now discuss Facebook ad image size specifications based on the type of ad.
Facebook ad image size specifications
Now that you know the best overall image size for Facebook ads, let's discuss the specific size requirements for each ad type, including feed carousel, and story ads.
Here’s what you need to know about Facebook ad image size specs:
Facebook feed ad image sizes
For the best quality, use images that are at least 1080 x 1080 pixels for feed ads. The recommended aspect ratio is 1:1, but you can use ratios from 1.91:1 to 4:5. Any text should be within the center 1080 x 1080 pixel safe zone to avoid cropping.
In the example below, the ad from True Classic is effective for several reasons related to size and content.
The ad uses a high-quality, well-composed image that fits a 1080 x 1080 pixel square format, which is ideal for Facebook and Instagram feed placements. This square aspect ratio ensures that the ad displays well across different devices and doesn't require cropping, keeping all the key elements visible.
The image communicates the product's benefits through visuals and minimal, well-placed text. Labels like "All-day comfort," "Super stretchy," and "Modern fit" are strategically placed near the areas they describe, making it easy for viewers to understand the unique features of the chinos at a glance.
The main tagline, “Like LULU but half the price,” grabs attention and compares the product to a well-known brand, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers without excessive text. Moreover, the text stays within the "safe zone" of the image, ensuring it won't be cropped out or difficult to read on different screens.
Facebook carousel ad image sizes
Carousel ads allow you to showcase multiple images or videos in a single ad. For carousel ad images, use a minimum size of 1080 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 1:1. The maximum number of carousel cards per ad is 10.
The displayed image ad from Portronics works well for Facebook due to its effective composition and optimal use of space. The 1080 x 1080 pixel dimensions fit Facebook’s recommended size for feed ads, ensuring that it displays clearly on both mobile and desktop.
The high-quality, realistic visual captures attention. It shows the portable tyre inflator in action, instantly communicating its purpose to the viewer. The ad emphasizes its portability and ease of use in an emergency by placing the product prominently in the foreground.
The minimal, descriptive text is strategically positioned within the central "safe zone," avoiding cropping on Facebook’s platform while keeping the message concise and easy to read.
Facebook stories ad image sizes
Stories ads are full-screen vertical ads that appear between user stories on mobile. For these ads, use an image size of 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio of 9:16. Since Stories ads are designed for mobile, ensure that your visuals are clear and easy to understand at a glance.
This ad for MDExam is an effective Facebook stories ad because it follows the recommended 1080 x 1920 pixel size, filling the full vertical screen for maximum visibility on mobile devices.
The text is bold, clear, and minimal, making it easy to read at a glance, which is essential for Stories ads that are viewed quickly. Key information is displayed near the center, ensuring important details are not cut off.
The image emphasizes the product with a clean background that prevents distractions, while the call-to-action is clear and engaging, encouraging immediate response. This format effectively leverages Facebook's full-screen Stories layout, making it visually impactful and informative for users scrolling through Stories.
Facebook Marketplace image ad sizes
The best image size for Facebook Marketplace ads is at least 1080 x 1080 pixels to ensure good quality, with higher resolutions recommended if they meet aspect ratio requirements.
Facebook doesn’t have a maximum resolution limit for Marketplace images, so uploading a high-resolution image within the correct aspect ratio can improve clarity.
The recommended aspect ratio is 1:1 for Marketplace ads, although other Facebook ad formats may support ratios from 16:9 to 9:16, depending on the placement.
This Dreamy Deals Facebook ad nails the essentials for an effective car promotion. The ad uses a square aspect ratio, perfect for catching attention across different placements like the Facebook feed and Instagram grid.
The car is beautifully framed in the center, drawing the viewer's eyes directly to the sleek lines and high-end appeal of the Ferrari without any visual distractions. This placement and ratio make it easy for the image to stand out, especially when viewers are scrolling quickly.
The simple, inviting caption, "Explore Top Used Prestige Cars, Learn More!" adds to the appeal without overwhelming the viewer with too much information. It’s straight to the point, letting the visuals do most of the talking while encouraging clicks for those interested in exploring luxury vehicles through Dreamy Deals.
If you'd like to use these examples for your analysis, you can save them in your Swipe File, courtesy of Foreplay.
Now that we know what sizes are best for Facebook image ads, let’s examine the benefits of using the right size.
Benefits of using the correct Facebook ad image size
Using the correct image size for your Facebook ads has several important benefits, such as improved visibility, engagement rates, and brand perception. These can improve your ad performance and help you achieve your marketing goals.
Here’s why the right Facebook ad image size dimensions and aspect ratio matter:
Improved ad visibility
When you use the recommended image size of 1080 x 1080 pixels, your ads will appear clear and high-quality in the news feed. This makes them more likely to catch the eye of your target audience and stand out among other content.
Ads with properly sized images are also less likely to be cropped or distorted, negatively impacting their visibility and effectiveness.
This Facebook ad from Audien Hearing is a great example of effective design for a social media feed. The square aspect ratio makes it versatile for various placements on Facebook and Instagram, ensuring the ad will display well on mobile devices where most users scroll quickly.
The layout is clean and easy to scan, using a split screen to compare ordinary hearing aids with Audien's product, which immediately highlights the benefits at a glance.
The visuals are well-placed, with the "Ordinary Hearing Aid" on one side and "Audien Hearing Aids" on the other.
This direct comparison format, along with contrasting background colors, guides the viewer’s eye naturally from left to right. Key features are summarized in bullet points with icons, making it easy to digest the benefits of Audien’s product without needing to read too much.
This layout, combined with a clear, engaging headline at the top, captures attention effectively and quickly conveys the value of choosing Audien Hearing over traditional options.
Higher engagement rates
Clear, visually appealing ads tend to receive higher engagement rates through likes, comments, and shares. When your ad images are the correct size and aspect ratio, they will display properly on all devices and placements, making it easier for people to engage with your content.
This ad image is well-suited for Facebook because it uses a high-resolution, square 1:1 aspect ratio, ideal for various placements like the Facebook feed and Marketplace.
The text is simple and direct, positioned clearly within the image’s safe zone, ensuring it remains fully visible without the risk of cropping across placements. The design uses a natural and cozy aesthetic that aligns with the product's organic theme, capturing attention and conveying a sense of calm, which is appealing for users interested in wellness or sleep products.
The clean, minimalistic design and focus on the product’s benefit—“Reconnect Your Sleep”—make it visually appealing and informative, encouraging viewers to learn more about the unique value of organic earthing sheets.
Better ad performance
Facebook's ad delivery system favors ads that are optimized for each placement and device. When you use the correct image sizes and aspect ratios, your ads are more likely to be shown to your target audience, resulting in better overall performance.
Properly sized images can also help improve your ad's relevance score, which measures how well your ad resonates with your target audience. A higher relevance score can lead to lower costs per click and better ad placement.
Enhanced brand perception
Using high-quality, properly sized images in your Facebook ads can help enhance your brand's perception among your target audience.
Consistent, visually appealing ads can make your brand appear more professional and trustworthy, increasing brand loyalty and customer retention.
The Facebook ad below effectively improves brand perception and uses the ideal image size for a story format, 1080 x 1920 pixels, ensuring it displays optimally in a full-screen, vertical format.
The background image of worn leather and hands suggests craftsmanship and durability, subtly communicating the quality of the brand’s products. The overlay text conveys an emotional message about the closing sale, creating urgency and inviting viewers to acquire timeless pieces.
The photo of the brand owners in the top right corner humanizes the ad, reinforcing an image of a small, trusted business rather than a faceless corporation.
This design choice fosters connection and trust, enhancing the brand’s identity built on personal care and commitment to quality. The clean, uncluttered layout focuses on storytelling, making it more likely to resonate with potential customers and drive action while reinforcing a positive brand perception.
With all the benefits covered, let’s discuss some tips for optimizing Facebook ad images.
Tips for optimizing Facebook ad images
Choosing the right image size is just one part of creating effective Facebook ads. To truly optimize your ad images, there are a few best practices you should follow, such as using high-quality visuals, keeping text minimal, and ensuring brand consistency.
Here’s how to optimize your Facebook image ads:
Use high-quality, eye-catching visuals
Your ad image is often the first thing people notice when scrolling through their Facebook feed. Ensure it's high-quality, visually appealing, and relevant to your ad's message. Use bright colors, interesting compositions, and clear, crisp images to grab attention and stand out.
This ad for Leesa features a visually appealing, cozy scene that instantly draws attention. The image showcases a person comfortably lying on a mattress, creating a relatable and inviting vibe.
The soft, neutral tones of the background and bedding highlight the focus on comfort and quality, while the person’s warm, relaxed posture reinforces the ad's message.
The large, clear text effectively communicates the in-store experience for trying award-winning mattresses, making the ad easy to read and impactful at a glance. The logos at the top add credibility and brand recognition, rounding out an effective ad that captures interest and invites viewers to experience the product in-store.
Use Foreplay’s Spyder Ad Spy tool to see what kind of high-quality visuals the competition is using.
Keep text minimal and legible
While text can be an important part of your ad image, keeping it minimal and easy to read is best. Facebook recommends using images with less than 20% text to avoid negative ad delivery impacts. When you do include text, use a clear, legible font and contrasting colors to ensure it's easy to read at a glance.
This Airrosti ad effectively uses minimal, legible text to convey its message quickly, with "Get Relief Today" as the primary attention-grabber. The image of a person holding their knee immediately communicates a focus on pain relief, making the ad highly relatable for those with injuries.
The clean, bold font stands out against the background, ensuring readability, while the call-to-action button, "Schedule Today," in a contrasting color, is strategically placed to encourage immediate engagement.
The overall design is simple yet impactful. It clearly addresses the viewer's need for quick, effective injury solutions without overwhelming them with information.
Test different image variations
One of the best ways to optimize your Facebook ad images is to test different variations and see what works best for your specific audience and goals.
Try using different visuals, colors, and compositions to see which images generate the most engagement and conversions. You can use Facebook's A/B testing tools to easily compare the performance of different image variations.
Ensure brand consistency
While it's important to test different image variations, it's equally important to maintain brand consistency across all your ad campaigns.
Use your brand colors, fonts, and visual style in your ad images to create a cohesive, recognizable brand presence on Facebook. This helps build trust and familiarity with your target audience, which can lead to higher engagement and conversions over time.
This ad for LetsExchange perfectly displays this principle. The colors in the ad, both baby blue, align with the colors of the logo, thus being consistent in terms of visual elements.
How to resize images for Facebook ads
Now that you understand the recommended image sizes and aspect ratios for various Facebook ad placements, you may be wondering how to resize your images to fit these specifications. You can do this using built-in Facebook tools as well as third-party software.
Here’s what you need to know:
Using built-in Facebook ad tools
When creating a new ad in Facebook Ads Manager, you have the option to crop and resize your image directly within the ad creation interface.
After uploading your image, you can adjust the crop area to focus on the most important parts of the visual.
However, this built-in cropping tool is limited in its functionality. Consider using third-party software for more precise control over your image size and composition.
Resizing images with third-party software
There are many free and paid tools available for resizing images, such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or GIMP. These tools allow you to easily adjust the dimensions and resolution of your image to meet Facebook's ad specifications.
When resizing images, it's important to consider file size. Facebook recommends keeping image files under 30MB for optimal load times. If your resized image is too large, consider compressing it or saving it in a different file format like JPG or PNG.
Final thoughts
Choosing the correct Facebook ad image size is crucial for optimizing your ads and ensuring they display effectively across various placements. By following the recommended dimensions, you can create visually appealing and engaging ads that stand out, like the best pixel size of 1080 x 1080 pixels for feed ads or 1080 x 1920 pixels for Stories.
Facebook’s flexible image specs allow for different aspect ratios, but sticking with the recommended sizes prevents unintended cropping and distortion, ensuring your message stays clear and impactful.
Adhering to these Facebook ad image size specifications enhances your ad’s visibility, improves engagement rates, and strengthens brand perception.
Remember to keep key visuals within the safe zone and maintain high image resolution to present your brand professionally. Using the correct Facebook ad image size dimensions allows you to connect more effectively with your audience and maximize your campaign's success.
Foreplay is here to help you achieve your social media advertising goals!
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pixel size image for Facebook ad feed placements?
For feed placements, the ideal Facebook ad image size is 1080 x 1080 pixels with a 1:1 aspect
ratio, ensuring clarity across devices.
Does Facebook automatically adjust image resolution for ads?
Yes, Facebook may adjust the image to fit the placement, but starting with recommended specs like 1080 x 1080 pixels for feeds helps avoid unwanted cropping.
Why is it important to use Facebook ad recommended image size specs?
Using Facebook’s recommended image size specs ensures optimal display, reduces cropping risks, and enhances ad engagement by presenting a high-quality visual.
How do I ensure my Facebook ad image size dimensions prevent cropping?
Keep important text and visuals within the center safe zone and use the recommended image sizes, like 1080 x 1080 pixels, to avoid unintended cropping across placements.
