PLATFORM UPDATE JANUARY 5, 2025

Threads Updates Image Specifications for January 2025

Meta's Threads platform has updated its image dimension requirements. Get the latest specs for optimal post visibility.

What's New

Threads, Meta's text-based conversation app that launched in July 2023, has quietly updated its image specifications for the new year. While the changes aren't as dramatic as Instagram's recent updates, they're significant enough that content creators should take note.

The updates primarily affect image quality thresholds, aspect ratio handling, and multi-image post layouts. Meta has also improved Threads' image processing pipeline to reduce compression artifacts and better preserve image quality, especially for high-resolution uploads.

These changes reflect Threads' evolution from a primarily text-focused platform to one where visual content plays an increasingly important role. With over 150 million active users as of January 2025, getting your images right on Threads can significantly impact engagement.

Updated Specifications

Profile Picture

Recommended: 400×400 pixels (increased from 320×320)

Format: JPEG, PNG, or WebP

Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)

File Size: Maximum 8MB

Profile pictures now support higher resolution for better clarity on high-DPI displays. The image is displayed at various sizes throughout the app, so uploading at 400×400 ensures it looks sharp everywhere.

Single Image Posts

Recommended: 1440×1800 pixels (for portrait) or 1440×1440 (for square)

Aspect Ratio: Supports 1:1, 4:5, and 16:9

Format: JPEG, PNG, WebP, or HEIC

File Size: Maximum 25MB per image (increased from 15MB)

The increased file size limit is particularly notable — it allows for higher quality uploads with less aggressive compression. Portrait orientation (4:5) now takes up more feed real estate, similar to Instagram.

Multi-Image Posts

Maximum Images: 10 per post (unchanged)

Recommended Size: 1440×1440 pixels

Layout: Threads automatically arranges multiple images in optimized grid layouts

When posting multiple images, Threads now intelligently crops and arranges them based on aspect ratios. Images maintain better quality in grid view compared to the previous version.

Link Preview Images

Recommended: 1200×630 pixels (Open Graph standard)

Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1

Format: JPEG or PNG

File Size: Maximum 8MB

Link previews are now displayed larger in the feed, making the preview image more important for click-through rates. Follow Open Graph best practices for optimal display.

Complete Specs Table

Image Type Dimensions Aspect Ratio Max File Size
Profile Picture 400×400 px 1:1 8 MB
Square Post 1440×1440 px 1:1 25 MB
Portrait Post 1440×1800 px 4:5 25 MB
Landscape Post 1440×810 px 16:9 25 MB
Multi-Image Post 1440×1440 px 1:1 recommended 25 MB each
Link Preview 1200×630 px 1.91:1 8 MB

Comparison with Instagram

As a Meta product, Threads shares some similarities with Instagram's image requirements, but there are key differences worth noting:

Similarities

  • Resolution standards: Both platforms now recommend 1440-pixel width for optimal quality
  • Aspect ratios: Both support 1:1, 4:5, and 16:9 ratios
  • File formats: Same supported formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP, HEIC)
  • Compression: Both use similar algorithms for image processing

Differences

  • File size limits: Threads allows 25MB per image vs Instagram's 8MB limit
  • Stories: Threads doesn't have a Stories feature (as of January 2025)
  • Video: Instagram emphasizes video content (Reels) more heavily
  • Multiple images: Threads allows 10 images per post vs Instagram's limit of 10 in carousel
  • Image priority: Instagram is image-first; Threads is text-first with image support

Strategic Implications

If you're creating content for both platforms, you can generally use the same image assets. Export at 1440 pixels width, use supported aspect ratios, and your content will work well on both platforms. However, optimize file sizes differently — you can use higher quality on Threads due to the larger file size limit.

Optimal Dimensions for Maximum Engagement

Portrait Format (4:5) — Best for Engagement

Use: 1440×1800 pixels

Portrait images take up more vertical space in the feed, making them more visually prominent. Data from early Threads analytics suggests portrait posts see 15-20% higher engagement than square or landscape posts, likely due to increased visibility.

Best for: Product photos, portrait photography, infographics, quote graphics, before/after comparisons

Square Format (1:1) — Most Versatile

Use: 1440×1440 pixels

Square images are the safest choice for multi-platform posting. They display well on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn without requiring reformatting.

Best for: Logos, profile pictures, simple graphics, food photography, product shots

Landscape Format (16:9) — For Context

Use: 1440×810 pixels

Landscape images work well for wide scenes but take up less feed space. Use them when the content requires the wider format (panoramas, group photos, wide screenshots).

Best for: Landscape photography, wide screenshots, event photos, banners, panoramic views

Migration Tips

Updating Your Profile Picture

  1. Export your current profile picture at 400×400 pixels
  2. Save as PNG for logos/graphics, JPEG for photos
  3. Ensure important elements are centered (edges may be cropped in some views)
  4. Upload through the Threads app for best results

Preparing New Content

For designers: Create templates in your design tool (Figma, Canva, Photoshop) at 1440×1800 for portrait and 1440×1440 for square. Save these as reusable templates.

For photographers: Export your photos at 1440 pixels on the shortest side. Use 80-90% JPEG quality to balance file size and quality. With the 25MB limit, you can afford higher quality settings.

For brands: If you have existing social media templates, you can likely reuse your Instagram templates for Threads. Just verify the dimensions match the new recommendations.

Batch Updating Existing Content

If you've been cross-posting from Instagram and want to improve quality on Threads:

  • Identify your top-performing posts (most engagement)
  • Re-export those images at the new recommended sizes
  • Use higher quality settings — take advantage of the 25MB limit
  • Consider re-posting if the content is evergreen and valuable

Best Practices

Image Quality

  • Use high-quality sources: Start with the highest resolution possible, then downsize to Threads specs
  • Optimize compression: Even with the 25MB limit, use appropriate compression to ensure fast loading
  • Test on mobile: Most Threads users are on mobile — preview your images on a phone before posting
  • Avoid over-sharpening: Threads applies its own processing; over-sharpened images can look artificial

Content Composition

  • Safe zones: Keep important elements 5% away from edges to avoid cropping
  • Text on images: Use large, readable fonts. Test readability in dark mode and light mode
  • Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility and visibility in various viewing conditions
  • Focal point: Place your main subject in the center or upper portion of the image

Workflow Efficiency

  • Create once, use everywhere: Design at the largest size you'll need (Instagram at 1440px works for Threads)
  • Build a template library: Save commonly-used layouts as templates
  • Use modern formats: Consider using WebP for better compression and quality
  • Automate when possible: Use tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later that auto-optimize for each platform

What This Means for Creators

Higher Quality Standards

The increased resolution recommendations and larger file size limits signal that Threads is prioritizing visual quality. This is good news for photographers, designers, and brands that invest in high-quality visual content.

Mobile-First Design

Portrait orientation getting more feed space confirms Threads' mobile-first approach. Design with vertical formats in mind, and consider how your content looks on a phone screen first, desktop second.

Cross-Platform Considerations

With specs now closely aligned with Instagram, it's easier than ever to create content that works across Meta's platforms. This reduces the overhead of maintaining separate assets for each platform.

Looking Ahead

Threads is still evolving rapidly. Based on Meta's patterns with Instagram, we can expect:

  • Video enhancements: Improved video support and possibly a Stories-like feature
  • Creator tools: More native creation and editing features within the app
  • Analytics: Better insights into image performance and engagement
  • Advertising: As Threads monetizes, expect ad-specific image requirements

Stay tuned to our blog for updates as Threads continues to evolve. We'll update our Threads specs page whenever new requirements are announced.

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