Twitter (now known as X) is one of the world's most influential social media platforms with over 500 million active users.
It's where thought leaders, businesses, and individuals share ideas, engage in conversations, and build their personal or professional brand.
Your Twitter/X profile banner (also known as your header image, background image, or cover photo) is one of the first visual elements visitors see when they visit your profile—making it crucial to get the size, dimensions, and measurements right for maximum impact.
Why Your Twitter/X Header Matters
Your Twitter/X banner (or header image) is prime real estate on your profile. This background image is displayed prominently at the top of your profile page and takes up significant visual space.
A well-designed header immediately communicates your brand identity, personality, or professional focus. It sets the tone for your entire profile before visitors even read your bio or tweets.
Followers and potential connections form first impressions in seconds. A professional, properly-sized banner shows attention to detail and demonstrates that you take your online presence seriously.
On the other hand, a blurry, pixelated, or incorrectly cropped banner can undermine your credibility and make your profile appear unprofessional or neglected.
The Right Twitter/X Banner Size & Dimensions
Twitter/X recommends uploading a header image with exact dimensions of 1500 x 500 pixels. This is the optimal banner size and measurement that displays perfectly across all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile.
The aspect ratio for your Twitter/X header is 3:1, which means your background image is three times wider than it is tall. This horizontal format gives you plenty of room to display your message, logo, or visual branding elements.
Twitter/X Header File Requirements
Twitter/X accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF formats for your background image, and your file must not exceed 5 MB. PNG is preferred if your header design includes text or sharp graphics, as it maintains better quality without compression.
Safe Zone & Measurement Guidelines
Keep in mind that your profile picture overlaps the header image on the left side. The safe area for important content is the right two-thirds of your banner. Avoid placing critical text or elements where your profile picture will cover them.
On mobile devices, the header image is cropped differently, showing less height. Keep your most important elements centered vertically to ensure they're visible on all screen sizes.
Always preview your header image on both desktop and mobile before publishing to ensure it looks great everywhere. What looks perfect on your computer screen might have important elements cut off or covered on smaller screens.