If you’ve ever wondered how big to make your Facebook header or found your uploaded photo looking pixelated, here’s the complete guide to the perfect Facebook header size and making sure it works across desktop and mobile in 2022.
FACEBOOK HEADER DIMENSIONS IN 2022
The Facebook header size is 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels high on desktop and 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels high for mobile. Given that you can only upload one image to your Facebook page, make it the desktop size and put all essential parts of your image, text or graphics in the centre of your header.
This means that although the far left and far right of your header image will be cut off for mobile viewers, they will still see everything they need to.
Here’s what that looks like:
There’s just one trick to keep in mind: because some people will see the page on a high-resolution retina screen, you might like to double these dimensions so that your images remain clear and crisp. For the retina screen option, your Facebook header size is 1640 pixels by 624 pixels.
BEST FORMAT FOR FACEBOOK HEADER
Facebook suggests that the fastest loading header image is a JPG file that is less than 100 kilobytes. For header images with your logo or text, you might get a better result with a PNG file. If getting the exact colours right is important to you, Facebook also suggests using the sRGB colour space.
YOUR PAGE’S PROFILE PHOTO DIMENSIONS
Your page’s profile dimensions appear at 170 pixels by 170pixels on your Facebook page and 128 pixels square on smartphones. This square will become a circle in Facebook ads, so bear that in mind if you’re thinking of paid promotions on the platform.
Like your Facebook header, you may want to double these dimensions to keep the images sharp. Many business owners choose to use a logo in this place rather than their face. Although this may be appropriate for larger businesses, using a friendly, smiling headshot is more welcoming.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR FACEBOOK HEADER
You can simply upload a photo that is the right dimensions and you’re done. You might also choose to add your logo and/or text that explains more about your business or what you currently have on offer.
To create either option in the correct size, you need some kind of photo or graphics editor. My favourite for this is free online graphic design tool Canva. It has built-in Facebook templates and it’s easy to compare layout variations with one-click layout duplication.
KEY FEATURES OF A PERFECT FACEBOOK HEADER
Ideally, you want your Facebook header photo to tell the complete story of your page. If you’re a wedding photographer, you want a photo of you working with a couple on their wedding day, so you’re visible. Simply having a photo of newlyweds says ‘wedding’, but could also be promoting a make-up artist, florist, venue, planner or dress designer.
You want your photo to be super clear because Facebook users are often scrolling quickly on their phones while they’re out and about. You only have a few seconds to make it clear what you offer and most of the time, on a small mobile screen.
The same applies to text or a logo. Use up to five words and be aware that a logo with writing may not be clear, especially if it’s in a script font or contains unfamiliar words that the eye doesn’t recognise in a quick scan.
Use your branding colours and fonts if possible. It helps existing fans of your business recognise you and helps build brand recognition for those who are new.
WHERE TO FIND PHOTOS FOR YOUR HEADER
The best photos for Facebook are authentic ones – some would say ‘messy’ or believable, rather than perfectly taken, photoshopped commercial images. Your clients might share perfect examples of this with you, using your product or sharing how they benefitted from your services. Just get their permission! This is also known as user generated content or UGC.
If you are going to use stock images, try to avoid the very common ones that have been seen multiple times across other businesses, especially those from free stock sites. If that’s not possible, then take a little time to think of less common search terms. For example, look for ‘designer-makers’ rather than ‘creative business owners’. And do spend some time scrolling through the search results rather than picking one from the very top – it makes it less likely that the photo you choose is already familiar to your page visitors and associated with other businesses.
Also, make sure your header fits Facebook’s terms. This means avoiding misleading claims, swearing and being appropriate for all ages as the page is open to everyone on Facebook.
That’s everything you need to create a Facebook header that works flawlessly across desktop and mobile and clearly shows what your business has to offer in a few seconds.
