social media image size

1080 x 1350 Ratio Guide for Social Media Image Optimization

Learn how to use the 1080 x 1350 (4:5) image ratio to boost visibility, prevent cropping, and maximize engagement across mobile-first social platforms.

Honghao Wang

— 4 min read
1080 x 1350 Ratio Guide for Social Media Image Optimization

Introduction to the 1080 x 1350 Ratio and Its Importance in Social Media

The 1080 x 1350 ratio—representing a 4:5 aspect ratio—has emerged as a dominant size for vertical images on social media. This format is particularly effective on mobile devices, where vertical content captures more on-screen space, draws the eye, and encourages longer engagement.

In this guide, you’ll learn why the 1080 x 1350 ratio drives higher visibility, which platforms leverage it best, the technical specs to follow, and actionable tips for designing scroll-stopping visuals.

Introduction to the 1080 x 1350 Ratio and Its Importance in Social Media — mastering 1080x1350 ratio social media images

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Platforms That Benefit Most from 1080 x 1350 Images

Although this ratio works across many platforms, it performs best where mobile feeds dominate.

  • Instagram – In the main feed, vertical images consume more space than square formats, boosting impact.
  • Pinterest – While extra-tall pins are common, 4:5 images still perform well for certain boards and layouts.
  • Facebook – Vertical images maximize mobile feed height to grab attention.
  • LinkedIn – Tall images break the monotony of square or horizontal visuals, helping content stand out.
Platforms That Benefit Most from 1080 x 1350 Images — mastering 1080x1350 ratio social media images

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Why 1080 x 1350 Is Ideal for Feed Visibility and Engagement

The 1080 x 1350 format optimizes visual dominance without triggering unwanted cropping—especially important on Instagram, which trims content beyond the 4:5 ratio.

Key Engagement Benefits

  • More Screen Coverage: Taller images naturally fill more viewable space.
  • Better Storytelling: Additional vertical real estate supports layered visuals or embedded text.
  • Higher Interactions: Data shows vertical images often outperform square formats in likes and comments due to increased dwell time.

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Technical Specifications: Pixels, Aspect Ratio (4:5), and File Size Optimization

Correct specs prevent issues like cropping, pixelation, or slow loading.

Core Specs

  • Resolution: 1080 px width × 1350 px height
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:5
  • File Formats: JPEG for photographs, PNG for designs/graphics, WebP for faster delivery
  • Color Mode: RGB (sRGB recommended) for digital
  • Max File Size: Under 2 MB to speed load times and reduce compression loss
Property Value Notes
Width 1080 px Standard for crisp social display
Height 1350 px Maintains 4:5 ratio
Aspect Ratio 4:5 Prevents platform cropping
File Size < 2MB Supports fast, clear uploads

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How to Create 1080 x 1350 Images in Canva, Photoshop, and Mobile Apps

You can produce perfectly proportioned images for any platform using your preferred design tool.

Canva

  1. Open Create a Design.
  2. Set Custom Dimensions: Width 1080 px, Height 1350 px.
  3. Use templates or drag-and-drop assets onto the canvas.

Photoshop

File > New
Width: 1080 px
Height: 1350 px
Resolution: 72 dpi
Color Mode: RGB

Lock the aspect ratio to 4:5 to maintain proportions.

Mobile Apps

  • Use Adobe Express, Over, or PicsArt with manual size settings.
  • Always export at maximum available quality and preview before posting.

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Best Practices for Cropping and Composition in Vertical Images

The 1080 x 1350 ratio benefits from deliberate design choices:

  • Rule of Thirds: Place key focal points strategically along grid lines.
  • Safe Zones: Reserve space at edges for captions or graphics without risk of cropping.
  • Intentional Flow: Guide viewers’ eyes vertically with elements stacked from top to bottom.
content-composition

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Case Studies: Brands Using the 1080 x 1350 Ratio Effectively

Lifestyle Brand on Instagram

A travel gear retailer switched to 1080 x 1350 shots and saw a 28% boost in engagement versus square posts.

Food Blogger on Pinterest

Recipe visuals in 4:5 ratio secured 60% more repins through better display of plated dishes.

Fitness Coach on Facebook

Vertical infographic posts were shared more often as they encouraged scrolling within a static image.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid with the 1080 x 1350 Format

Avoid these pitfalls to keep your visuals sharp and effective:

  • Stretching Images: Scale proportionally to prevent warping.
  • Low-Resolution Sources: Starting with small files leads to pixelation.
  • Overcrowded Text: Keep overlays readable and minimal.
  • Skipping Previews: Always check how platforms render your image before publishing.

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Tips for Repurposing Content into 1080 x 1350

Transform existing visuals while preserving impact:

  1. Re-crop to center key subjects within the ratio.
  2. Add padding with color or gradient backgrounds.
  3. Vertically stack images for carousel-like storytelling in a single post.
  4. Split panoramas into multiple vertical frames.

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Conclusion: Maximizing Reach With Optimized Vertical Content

The 1080 x 1350 ratio is more than a dimension—it’s a proven format for winning attention in crowded social feeds. By pairing technical accuracy with smart composition, you can create vertical images that stand out on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Implementing these best practices, steering clear of common errors, and repurposing content strategically will help your brand gain more engagement, shares, and audience retention.

Ready to elevate your social media visuals? Start designing your next post in 1080 x 1350 and watch the difference it makes in feed performance.

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