The Best Twitter Header Size 

Have you ever noticed the big photo on the top of your Twitter profile? That photo is called your Twitter header. It is also sometimes referred to as a Twitter banner. It is one of the first things someone will notice when they are checking out your profile on Twitter. That’s why it is important to choose the right photo and size it correctly. Particularly if you are using Twitter for marketing purposes, you will want to have a great header photo! In this article, we will break down the best Twitter header size dimensions, as well as some other tips for choosing and sizing your header correctly.

The Best Twitter Header Size

So, first of all, what is the best Twitter header size? Twitter recommends that your header photo dimensions are 1500 pixels wide by 500 pixels high. Panoramic photos are the best option to use for a banner image of any kind. Even when you expand or shrink your browser window on a desktop computer, the Twitter header picture size remains the same.

The social media platform actually offers some Twitter header templates and options for you to work with, if you so choose. However, we recommend choosing an original photo for your header that works with the rest of your social media marketing.

Don’t forget when you choose your photo that Twitter automatically crops the top and bottom edges of photos, even the ones that meet the requirements for the size of a Twitter banner. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that none of the major details in your header are not along the top or bottom edges of the photo, or they will be cut out. The image you choose is not the exact image displayed.

Also, keep in mind that the profile picture appears in the bottom left of the Twitter header image and covers some of the photo. So, make sure not to include anything important in that corner, either. As you can see in the example below, McDonald’s made sure the text and logo on their banner are well out of the way of their profile picture.

Twitter Profile Picture Size

Your Twitter profile pic should be 400 pixels wide by 400 pixels high. When you view a Twitter profile on a desktop, your profile picture is shown in the lower left side of your header image.

As you shrink the browser window, the profile image floats further to the left side, and the header image scales down. This is why it’s so important not to include any important elements or information in the lower left corner of your Twitter banner image. There are several tips to keep in mind when creating your profile photo.

Twitter Header Image Quality

Size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to Twitter headers: quality matters, too. Twitter converts all header and profile images to JPEG files, then compresses the files. While this process conserves bandwidth and helps improve loading speeds, it actually diminishes the quality of the image. This is especially true if you choose an image that has been saved and compressed repeatedly, or if you try to increase the size of a small image by scaling it up.

So, for the best possible header image, choose a photo that has as little prior compression as possible. If you edit your header or profile photo, save it at the highest quality setting. If you have too many colors, smooth gradients, logos, or text, they may look blurry unless they are saved at a high resolution and are the correct size.

Because of this, you might want to choose a header image that has clean lines and few colors. Try to avoid effects like drop shadows. Always, always test your header image on both desktop computers and mobile devices (like cell phones or tablets) to make sure they do not appear distorted.

Tips for Twitter Banner Photos

Here are some tips from our social media experts for what to do and what not to do when you choose your Twitter header photo:

Choose Scenic Shots

Scenic shots are a definite “do” for Twitter header photos. As you can see above, we chose a shot of the Chicago skyline for our photo. It’s simple, matches our branding and our company name and location, and looks great!

Center the Best Details

The most interesting details of your Twitter header photo should be at or near the center of the page. You want to draw the reader’s eye to the rest of your profile.

Create a Collage

Why choose just one header photo, when you can choose several? Try creating a collage to use for your Twitter banner. You can use a website like Canva to create a Twitter header collage for free! Just remember to still adhere to the rules. Choose high-resolution images, stick to the Twitter header size requirements, and remember that it will be compressed.

As you can see, Bill Gates chose a collage for his Twitter header. (And it seems to have paid off. He has more than 50 million followers!)

Display Your Work

Your Twitter banner image is the perfect place to show off your work or showcase your message.

Choose Continuity

Whatever you ultimately choose for your Twitter header, make sure the image is consistent with the rest of your page. Not to mention, it should also be part of your cohesive branding across all of your social media marketing and your entire brand presence online.

How to Change a Twitter Banner

If you need to change your Twitter banner, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Twitter.com or open the app.
2. Go to your profile.
3. Click or tap the “Edit” button and you can change or edit your banner photo.

Choose Your Twitter Header Image

Remember, not every photo is a good option when it comes to your Twitter header. Keep in mind the Twitter banner size requirements, your image size, and the composition of the photo when making your decision. If you need help creating a Twitter header, or could use some other successful Twitter content creation strategies, contact SEO Design Chicago today!

FAQ: The Best Twitter Header Size

1. What happens if I upload a Twitter header image that’s not exactly 1500×500 pixels?

Twitter will automatically resize your image to fit the 1500×500 pixel dimensions, which can result in distortion, cropping, or poor image quality. If your image is smaller than the recommended size, Twitter will stretch it, making it appear pixelated and blurry. If it’s larger, Twitter will crop parts of your image, potentially cutting out important details. For the best results, always resize your image to exactly 1500×500 pixels before uploading using photo editing software or free tools like Canva.

2. Can I use the same image for my Twitter header on both desktop and mobile?

Yes, Twitter uses the same header image for both desktop and mobile, but the display changes slightly. On mobile devices, the header appears more cropped and the profile picture positioning may shift. Always test your header image on both desktop and mobile to ensure important elements remain visible and the composition looks good on all screen sizes. Avoid placing crucial information near the edges or in areas that might be covered by the profile picture.

3. What file format should I use for my Twitter header image?

While you can upload images in various formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF), Twitter automatically converts all header images to JPEG format and compresses them. For best quality, upload high-resolution images saved at the highest quality settings. PNG files often work well for images with text or logos since they maintain crisp edges better before conversion. However, remember that Twitter’s compression will still affect the final image quality regardless of your original format.

4. How often should I change my Twitter header image?

There’s no set rule for how often to change your Twitter header, but consider updating it for special events, seasonal campaigns, new product launches, or rebranding efforts. Many businesses change their headers monthly or quarterly to keep their profile fresh and engaging. However, consistency is also important for brand recognition, so avoid changing it too frequently. If you’re just starting out, focus on creating one high-quality header that represents your brand well and can work for several months.

5. Can I include text in my Twitter header image?

Yes, you can include text in your Twitter header image, but be cautious about placement and readability. Keep text away from the bottom-left corner where your profile picture will cover it, and avoid placing text too close to the top or bottom edges where Twitter crops the image. Use large, bold fonts that remain readable even after Twitter’s compression. Test your header on mobile devices to ensure text remains legible at smaller sizes. Consider that too much text can make your header look cluttered.

6. Why does my Twitter header look blurry or low quality after uploading?

Blurry headers usually result from Twitter’s automatic compression process, uploading low-resolution images, or scaling up small images. To minimize quality loss, start with a high-resolution image that’s exactly 1500×500 pixels, save it at the highest quality setting, and avoid images that have been previously compressed multiple times. Images with smooth gradients, many colors, or fine details are more susceptible to compression artifacts. Choose images with clean lines and fewer colors for the best results.

7. What should I avoid when designing my Twitter header?

Avoid placing important elements in the bottom-left corner where your profile picture will cover them, or along the top and bottom edges where Twitter crops the image. Don’t use images that are too small and will be stretched, avoid busy or cluttered designs that won’t compress well, and steer clear of copyrighted images. Also avoid using drop shadows or complex effects that may appear distorted after compression. Keep your design simple, high-contrast, and aligned with your overall brand aesthetic across all social media platforms.