facebook banner size

When it comes to making a lasting first impression on social media, few visuals matter more than your Facebook banner size. As the first thing users notice when they visit your page, your Facebook cover photo defines your brand identity and communicates professionalism. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or content creator, understanding the right dimensions and optimization techniques for Facebook banners is crucial to creating a visually appealing and high-performing presence. This guide is your complete resource on Facebook banner size, covering everything from dimensions, design best practices, mobile responsiveness, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

What is the Ideal Facebook Banner Size in 2025?

As of 2024, the recommended Facebook banner size (also referred to as cover photo size) is:

  • **Recommended dimensions:** 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall on desktop
  • **Mobile display dimensions:** 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall
  • **Minimum size:** 400 x 150 pixels
  • **File types supported:** JPG, PNG (use PNG for images with text or logos)
  • **File size:** Facebook recommends an optimized file under 100 KB for faster loading

Always use high-quality images to ensure your cover photo looks sharp on all devices. If you’re uploading promotional graphics or branded artwork, stick to PNG files for best results.

Why Facebook Banner Size Matters

The Facebook cover photo occupies one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on your Facebook page. Here’s why the correct dimensions are important:

  • First impressions count – Users form opinions within seconds when visiting your profile or business page.
  • Maintains professionalism – Pixelated or cropped banners reflect poorly on your brand.
  • Mobile optimization – Over 80% of users access Facebook on mobile, so responsive design is key.
  • Brand storytelling – A banner is your shot at showcasing your brand identity, products, or services.

Using the correct Facebook banner size ensures your visuals are tailored for visibility, impact, and cross-platform consistency.

Desktop vs. Mobile Display: Why You Need a Safe Zone

The image display changes depending on the device used. Although the full banner is 820 x 312 pixels on desktop, only portions are visible on mobile.

Safe Zone Guidelines

To avoid having key elements like text or logos cut off, always keep critical content within the “safe zone”:

  • Safe zone width: 640 pixels
  • Safe zone height: 312 pixels
  • Leave extra space on the sides (90px on each side) as these may be cropped on mobile

Design your banners in a way that essential parts—like contact info, call-to-action (CTA), or your brand logo—are centered and stay within the safe zone.

Tips to Design the Perfect Facebook Banner

Now that you’re familiar with the technical specs, let’s dive into tips that help your banner stand out:

1. Use High-Resolution Images

Always start with images that are at least 820 x 360 px in resolution to maintain clarity across devices. Blurry or pixelated banners are a big no-no.

2. Keep Text to a Minimum

Simple, punchy messaging works best. Avoid overcrowding your banner with text. Too much information can appear cluttered, especially on mobile.

3. Align with Your Brand Identity

  • Use your brand’s color palette
  • Incorporate your logo subtly but visibly
  • Reflect your brand tone—professional, fun, innovative, etc.

4. Consider Seasonal Updates or Promotions

Change your Facebook cover photo seasonally or to promote events, product launches, or sales. This keeps your page fresh and engaging.

5. Add a CTA Strategically

You can use space within your safe zone to prompt visitors to take action—visit your site, check out products, sign up for a newsletter, etc.

Facebook Banner Size for Different Page Types

Not all Facebook pages are the same. The recommended Facebook banner size may apply differently depending on your profile type:

  • Personal profile: 820 x 312 px
  • Business page: 820 x 312 px, optimized for mobile and promotional material
  • Facebook group: 1640 x 856 px (ratio 1.91:1)
  • Facebook event: 1920 x 1005 px

Each type of page displays images slightly differently. For example, Facebook groups use a wider image ratio, so take this into account when designing banners specifically for groups or event pages.

How to Upload or Change Your Facebook Banner

Follow these simple steps to upload a cover photo that fits your strategy:

  1. Go to your Facebook profile or business page
  2. Hover over the cover photo section
  3. Click on “Edit Cover Photo” and choose “Upload Photo”
  4. Select your optimized banner image
  5. Reposition if needed, then click “Save Changes”

Make sure to preview how it looks on mobile and desktop and adjust accordingly if your main content is being cropped.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Designing a perfect Facebook banner requires attention to detail. Here are common mistakes that could sabotage your results:

  • **Using the wrong size** – Avoid uploading images smaller than 820 x 312 px.
  • **Text outside the safe zone** – Don’t place important text near the edges.
  • **Ignoring mobile optimization** – Always preview your design on mobile devices.
  • **Oversized file format** – Large files may take longer to load or appear blurry.
  • **Neglecting branding** – Your banner should reflect your product, mission, or value proposition.

By understanding the right Facebook banner size and design principles, you can avoid these common mistakes and create a banner that strengthens your social media presence.

Optimize Your Facebook Banner for SEO & Engagement

While images themselves aren’t crawled the same way text is by search engines, using Facebook’s alt-text feature can improve searchability and accessibility:

  • **Add keywords** to your image’s filename before uploading (e.g., facebook-banner-size-2024.png)
  • **Use descriptive alt-text** when possible
  • **Create a design that encourages engagement** (clicking links, comments, sign-ups)

Consider pairing your cover photo with a compelling profile picture and a pinned post that expands on your CTA or promotion.

Use ViralPulseAI to Supercharge Your Social Media Visuals

Designing and managing visuals for various platforms can be tedious—but not with ViralPulseAI. From idea generation to image sizing and performance tracking, our platform makes it effortless to create scroll-stopping content tailored for each platform’s specifications.

  • Resize and auto-optimize images based on platform requirements
  • AI-powered templates for professional-looking Facebook covers
  • Real-time preview of how your image looks on desktop and mobile
  • Analytics and engagement tracking for banner updates

Learn more about how to create dynamic social content using our AI tools.

FAQs About Facebook Banner Size

What are the current Facebook banner dimensions?

The ideal size is 820 x 312 pixels on desktop and 640 x 360 pixels on mobile.

Does Facebook resize images when uploading?

Yes, especially if your image exceeds size limits. Always optimize your image to fit within the recommended dimensions and file size.

Should I use PNG or JPG?

Use PNG for banners with text, logos, or sharp edges; JPG is better for photographs without text.

Can I use animated GIFs as a banner?

Currently, Facebook doesn’t support GIFs or videos for page covers—but you can post them on your timeline or in Stories.