Let’s face it: posting on social media can sometimes feel like trying to fit a square peg into a rectangular hole. It just never quite fits, does it? Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or a newbie trying to figure out why your Instagram Reels look wonky on TikTok, understanding aspect ratios is the secret sauce to making your content shine. After all, nobody wants their masterpiece to look like it’s been through a digital blender.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about aspect ratios for organic posts across Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, BlueSky, Facebook, YouTube, and more. We’ll cover static pictures, videos, stories, and posts, and even throw in some tips for repurposing content without losing your sanity (or your audience). So grab a cuppa, and let’s dive in!

Why Aspect Ratios Matter

Imagine showing up to a party wearing a clown costume when everyone else is in black tie. That’s what it’s like when your content doesn’t fit the platform’s preferred aspect ratio. It sticks out—and not in a good way. Aspect ratios determine how your content is displayed, and getting them right can mean the difference between a scroll-stopping masterpiece and a post that gets lost in the void.

For example, a vertical video might look stunning on TikTok but awkward on YouTube. Similarly, a square image might work on Instagram but look cramped on Facebook. By optimising your aspect ratios, you’re not just making your content look good—you’re also boosting engagement, reach, and overall vibes.

Platform-Specific Delivery Requirements

Instagram

Ah, Instagram—the land of perfectly curated grids and endless scrolling. Here’s what you need to know:

• Static Posts: Stick to a 1:1 square ratio (1080×1080 pixels) for classic posts. However, 4:5 (1080×1350 pixels) works better for mobile feeds, as it takes up more screen real estate.
• Stories: Go vertical with a 9:16 ratio (1080×1920 pixels). This ensures your story fills the screen without awkward cropping.
• Reels: Also 9:16 (1080×1920 pixels). Keep videos under 90 seconds for maximum engagement.
• Carousel Posts: Use 1:1 or 4:5 ratios, but keep all images consistent to avoid a disjointed look.

Pro Tip: Repurpose your Instagram Reels for TikTok by trimming them to 60 seconds and adding platform-specific captions. For more Instagram tips, check out the Instagram Help Center.

TikTok

TikTok is all about vertical, full-screen content. Here’s the lowdown:

• Videos: Stick to 9:16 (1080×1920 pixels). Videos can be up to 10 minutes long, but shorter clips (15-60 seconds) tend to perform better.
• Tips for Cross-Posting: When resizing TikTok videos for YouTube Shorts, ensure the resolution remains at 1080×1920 pixels. YouTube Shorts also uses a 9:16 ratio, so your TikTok content should translate seamlessly.

Fun Fact: TikTok’s algorithm loves native content, so avoid watermarks from other platforms when reposting. For more insights, visit the TikTok Creator Portal.

Twitter (X)

Twitter’s a bit of a wildcard, but here’s how to tame it:

• Images: Use 16:9 (1200×675 pixels) for landscape images or 1:1 (1200×1200 pixels) for squares.
• Videos: Stick to 16:9 (1280×720 pixels) for horizontal videos or 9:16 (720×1280 pixels) for vertical ones. Videos can be up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds long.

Quirk Alert: Twitter compresses images, so keep file sizes under 5MB for photos and 15MB for GIFs. For more details, check out Twitter Media Guidelines.

BlueSky

BlueSky is the new kid on the block, but it’s gaining traction fast. Here’s what we know so far:

• Images: Aim for 1:1 (1000×1000 pixels) or 16:9 (1200×675 pixels).
• Videos: Similar to Twitter, 16:9 (1280×720 pixels) works best. Keep videos under 90 seconds for optimal engagement.

Pro Tip: BlueSky’s interface is clean and minimalist, so avoid cluttered visuals.

Facebook

Facebook is like that friend who’s always changing their mind. Here’s the latest:

• Static Posts: Use 1:1 (1200×1200 pixels) or 4:5 (1200×1500 pixels).
• Videos: 16:9 (1280×720 pixels) for horizontal videos or 9:16 (720×1280 pixels) for vertical ones. Videos can be up to 240 minutes long, but shorter clips (15-60 seconds) perform better.
• Stories: 9:16 (1080×1920 pixels), just like Instagram.

Repurposing Hack: Resize Instagram Stories for Facebook Stories—they use the same aspect ratio, so it’s a no-brainer.

YouTube

YouTube is the OG of video content, but it’s evolved a lot over the years:

• Standard Videos: 16:9 (1920×1080 pixels) is the gold standard. Videos can be up to 12 hours long, but let’s be real—nobody’s watching a 12-hour vlog.
• Shorts: 9:16 (1080×1920 pixels), with a maximum duration of 60 seconds.

Cross-Posting Tip: When resizing TikTok videos for YouTube Shorts, ensure the resolution is crisp and the captions are centred. For more YouTube tips, visit the YouTube Help Center.

Other Platforms

• LinkedIn: Use 1:1 (1200×1200 pixels) for images and 16:9 (1920×1080 pixels) for videos.
• Pinterest: Go vertical with 2:3 (1000×1500 pixels) for pins.

Practical Tips for Repurposing Content

1. Start with the Largest Size: Always create your content in the highest resolution possible. It’s easier to downsize than to upscale without losing quality.
2. Use Editing Tools: Apps like Canva, Adobe Premiere Rush, and CapCut make resizing a breeze. See this post on best free video editing software
3. Tailor Captions: What works on TikTok might not work on YouTube. Adjust your captions and hashtags to suit each platform.
4. Test and Tweak: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes a slight tweak in aspect ratio can make all the difference.

Comprehensive Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Mastering aspect ratios might seem like a daunting task, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without this cheat sheet. Remember, the key is to tailor your content to each platform while maintaining your unique style. And don’t forget to have fun with it—after all, social media is supposed to be social!

So go forth, create, and conquer the digital world. And if all else fails, just remember: a square peg might not fit in a rectangular hole, but with the right aspect ratio, it’ll look darn good trying.

Happy posting! 🚀