Threads Image Sizes 2026: The Complete Guide for Meta’s Text-First Platform
Threads has rapidly grown to over 200 million monthly active users since its 2023 launch, establishing itself as Meta’s answer to Twitter/X. While Threads prioritizes text conversation, visual content significantly boosts engagement and reach on the platform.
This comprehensive guide covers every Threads image dimension you need in 2026, from post images to profiles and cross-posting from Instagram—plus strategies to maximize your visibility in the feed.
What’s New for Threads in 2026
Threads continues rapid development with new features:
Recent Platform Updates
- Fediverse integration: Connect with Mastodon and decentralized networks
- Following feed: Chronological option alongside For You
- Trending topics: Hashtag-style discovery
- Desktop web app: Full posting and browsing on desktop
- DMs (coming): Direct messaging feature rollout
- Extended video: Up to 5 minutes for videos
- Enhanced search: Full-text post search
- Post scheduling: Built-in scheduling tools
- Analytics: Creator insights for all accounts
Algorithm Changes Affecting Content
- Engagement-based recommendations drive the For You feed
- Image and video posts receive 40% more reach than text-only
- Cross-posted Instagram content performs well
- Original content prioritized over reposts
- Early engagement (first 30 minutes) impacts distribution
- Following connections weighted heavily
Quick Reference: All Threads Image Sizes 2026
| Content Type | Dimensions (px) | Aspect Ratio | File Size | Best Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profile Picture | 320 x 320 minimum | 1:1 | < 10 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Portrait Post | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 | < 8 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Square Post | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | < 8 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Landscape Post | 1080 x 608 | 1.91:1 | < 8 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Carousel Images | 1080 x 1350 each | 4:5 | < 8 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Video Post | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | < 1 GB | MP4, MOV |
| Square Video | 1080 x 1080 | 1:1 | < 1 GB | MP4, MOV |
| GIF | 1080px wide | Various | < 15 MB | GIF |
| Link Preview | 1200 x 630 | 1.91:1 | N/A | Auto-pulled |
Pro Tip: Use Image for Post to create Threads-ready images with perfect dimensions—design once, post everywhere!
Threads Post Images: Visual Content Basics
While Threads is text-first, images significantly boost engagement:
Image Post Specifications
- Maximum images per post: 10 (carousel)
- Minimum width: 500 pixels
- Recommended width: 1080 pixels
- Aspect ratios: 4:5, 1:1, 1.91:1, and 9:16
- File format: JPG, PNG
- Maximum file size: 8 MB per image
- Color space: sRGB
Aspect Ratio Recommendations
| Ratio | Dimensions | Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 | Best | All content, most feed space |
| 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 | Good | Cross-posting from Instagram |
| 1.91:1 | 1080 x 608 | Moderate | Wide shots, screenshots |
| 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 | Good | Stories, vertical video |
Image Best Practices
1. Optimize for Mobile Viewing
- 85%+ users browse on mobile
- Keep important content centered
- Use readable font sizes (14px+ equivalent)
- Test visibility at small sizes
2. Text on Images
- Minimal text works best
- High contrast for readability
- Don’t duplicate caption text
- Leave space for the post text above
3. Image Quality
- Sharp, well-lit photos
- Avoid heavy filters that reduce clarity
- Professional appearance builds credibility
- Original content over stock photos
4. Consistent Visual Style
- Develop recognizable aesthetic
- Match colors to personal brand
- Consistent editing style
- Creates follower recognition
Carousel Posts: Multi-Image Content
Carousels are powerful for storytelling and engagement:
Carousel Specifications
- Maximum images: 10 per post
- All images same ratio: Recommended but not required
- Recommended size: 1080 x 1350 pixels each
- Mixing media: Can combine photos and videos
- Swipe direction: Horizontal
Carousel Best Practices
- Hook on first image—determines if users swipe
- Consistent dimensions across all images
- Tell a story or provide sequential value
- End with CTA on last image
- Number your slides for context
- Maximum 5-7 images for best completion rates
Carousel Content Ideas
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Before/after transformations
- Product feature breakdowns
- Quote collections
- Data visualizations
- Behind-the-scenes sequences
- Tips and tricks lists
Threads Video Content
Video posts capture attention in the text-heavy feed:
Video Specifications
- Maximum length: 5 minutes
- Recommended length: 30-60 seconds
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 (9:16) or 1080 x 1080 (1:1)
- Frame rate: 30 fps standard
- File format: MP4, MOV
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Codec: H.264 recommended
Video Best Practices
- Add captions—videos autoplay muted
- Hook in first 2 seconds
- Vertical format matches mobile viewing
- Keep it brief—shorter videos complete more
- Loop potential for short clips
Video Performance by Length
| Length | Completion Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15s | 70-90% | Quick tips, reactions |
| 15-30s | 50-70% | Explanations, demos |
| 30-60s | 30-50% | Tutorials, stories |
| 1-5 minutes | 15-30% | In-depth content |
Profile Picture: Your Threads Identity
Your profile picture is synced from Instagram:
Profile Picture Specifications
- Source: Synced from Instagram
- Minimum size: 320 x 320 pixels
- Display: Circular crop at various sizes
- Format: JPG, PNG
- File size: Under 10 MB
Profile Picture Best Practices
- Matches Instagram for cross-platform recognition
- Face photos work best for personal accounts
- Logo works for brands and businesses
- High contrast for visibility at small sizes
- Simple design—details get lost
Display Sizes Across Threads
| Location | Display Size (approx) |
|---|---|
| Post in feed | 40 x 40 pixels |
| Profile page | 88 x 88 pixels |
| Notifications | 32 x 32 pixels |
| Reply thread | 36 x 36 pixels |
Link Previews: Sharing URLs
When sharing links, Threads generates automatic previews:
Link Preview Behavior
- Image pulled from: Open Graph (og:image) meta tag
- Ideal OG image: 1200 x 630 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1.91:1
- Title and description: From OG tags
- Display: Card preview with image
Optimizing Your Website for Threads
Ensure your website has proper Open Graph tags:
<meta property="og:title" content="Your Page Title">
<meta property="og:description" content="Your page description">
<meta property="og:image" content="https://yoursite.com/image-1200x630.jpg">
<meta property="og:image:width" content="1200">
<meta property="og:image:height" content="630">Link Preview Best Practices
- Use high-quality OG images at 1200 x 630
- Include text on images for context
- Match brand colors for recognition
- Test preview before posting important links
- Descriptive titles encourage clicks
Instagram Cross-Posting
Threads deeply integrates with Instagram:
Cross-Post Specifications
When sharing from Instagram:
- Image dimensions: Original retained
- Carousels: All images included
- Captions: Imported (can be edited)
- Tags/mentions: May need manual adjustment
Cross-Posting Best Practices
- Use Instagram-ready dimensions (1080 x 1350 or 1080 x 1080)
- Edit caption for Threads style (more conversational)
- Remove Instagram-specific hashtags
- Add Threads-appropriate context
- Time appropriately for each platform’s audience
Platform Comparison: Threads vs Instagram
| Feature | Threads | |
|---|---|---|
| Max images | 10 | 10 |
| Max video | 5 minutes | 90 seconds (feed) |
| Hashtags | Not emphasized | Key discovery tool |
| Link in post | Yes (clickable) | No (bio only) |
| Character limit | 500 | 2,200 |
| Stories | No | Yes |
Content Strategy for Threads
Content Types That Perform
| Content Type | Engagement Level | Best Format |
|---|---|---|
| Hot takes | Very High | Text + image |
| Industry news | High | Text + link preview |
| Behind-scenes | High | Carousel |
| Tutorials | High | Carousel or video |
| Humor/memes | Very High | Image post |
| Quotes | Medium | Image with quote |
| Polls/questions | High | Text-only |
| Threads chains | High | Multi-post story |
Optimal Posting Strategy
- Frequency: 1-3 posts daily
- Best times: 12-2 PM and 7-9 PM local
- Best days: Tuesday through Thursday
- Consistency: Regular schedule builds followers
- Engagement: Reply to comments within 30 minutes
Thread Chains (Multi-Post Stories)
Threads supports long-form content through chains:
- First post hooks with a question or statement
- Each reply adds to the narrative
- Keep each post under 500 characters
- End with takeaway or call-to-action
- Use 3-7 posts for optimal engagement
GIFs and Animated Content
GIFs add movement to the text-heavy feed:
GIF Specifications
- Format: GIF
- Maximum size: 15 MB
- Recommended width: 1080 pixels
- Plays as: Looping video without sound
- Duration: Short loops work best
GIF Best Practices
- Keep loops short (2-5 seconds)
- Optimize file size for fast loading
- Use for reactions and emphasis
- Avoid flashing content (accessibility)
- Consider video for longer animation
Design Tips for Threads
Visual Hierarchy
Structure images for quick scanning:
- Headline in largest text
- Supporting visual or icon
- Brief body text if needed
- Brand element subtle placement
Color Strategy
| Color Use | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Background | Clean, not pure white (reduce glare) |
| Text | High contrast (dark on light) |
| Accent | Brand color for recognition |
| Call-to-action | Contrasting, attention-grabbing |
Typography
- Sans-serif fonts for readability
- Bold headlines for scanning
- Minimum 14px equivalent for mobile
- Limit to 2 font families per image
Export Settings for Threads
Image Export (Photoshop/Canva)
- Format: JPG at 80-90% quality
- Color space: sRGB
- Resolution: 72 DPI
- Dimensions: 1080 x 1350 (portrait)
Video Export
- Container: MP4
- Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 or 1080 x 1080
- Frame rate: 30 fps
- Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Image Appears Blurry
Causes:
- Source under 1080px wide
- Heavy compression
- Wrong color space
Fixes:
- Always export at 1080px+ width
- Use 80%+ JPG quality
- Convert to sRGB
Carousel Images Different Sizes
Causes:
- Mixed aspect ratios in upload
- Different source dimensions
Fixes:
- Crop all to same ratio before upload
- Use 4:5 for all carousel images
Video Won’t Upload
Causes:
- File too large (over 1 GB)
- Wrong format
- Too long (over 5 minutes)
Fixes:
- Compress video file
- Convert to MP4 H.264
- Trim to under 5 minutes
FAQ: Threads Dimensions 2026
What is the best image size for Threads in 2026? The best Threads image size is 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 portrait ratio) for maximum feed presence. Threads also supports square (1:1) and landscape (1.91:1) formats, with portrait performing best for engagement.
What is the maximum number of images in a Threads post? Threads allows up to 10 images per carousel post, matching Instagram’s carousel limit. Each image should be at least 1080px wide for optimal quality.
What’s the Threads profile picture size? Threads profile pictures sync from Instagram and should be at least 320 x 320 pixels. They display as circles at various sizes across the platform.
Can I post videos on Threads? Yes, Threads supports videos up to 5 minutes long at 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio) or other standard aspect ratios. Videos auto-play silently in the feed.
Does Threads support GIFs? Yes, Threads supports GIF uploads. They should be under 15 MB and display as looping videos in the feed with no sound.
How do Threads link previews work? When you share a link, Threads automatically generates a preview using the Open Graph image from the linked page. For best display, ensure your OG images are 1200 x 630 pixels.
Can I cross-post from Instagram to Threads? Yes, you can share Instagram posts directly to Threads. Images retain their original dimensions, so 1080 x 1080 (square) and 1080 x 1350 (portrait) work seamlessly.
Need help creating Threads-ready images? Image for Post helps you design professional visual content with perfect dimensions for Threads and Instagram. Try it free today!