Meta Ads Size Guide 2026: All Facebook Ad Specs

Get every Meta ads size for 2026. Interactive preview tool, size cheat sheet, and Facebook ad specs explainers included.

Quick Answer: All Meta Ad Sizes at a Glance

Here's what you need to know about meta ads size requirements in 2026:

Meta ads size requirements vary by placement: Feed (1080×1080 or 1080×1350), Stories (1080×1920), Reels (1080×1920). All Meta ad sizes now match Facebook ad dimensions exactly since they're the same platform. The most flexible meta ads size is 1080×1080 square, which works across 80% of placements.

Download Complete Size Cheat Sheet PDF

Why Meta and Facebook Ad Sizes Are Identical

If you're confused about meta ads size versus facebook ad dimensions, here's the simple truth: they're exactly the same. When Facebook rebranded to Meta in 2021, the ad platform kept all the same specifications. The terminology shifted, but the underlying platform and all technical requirements remained unchanged.

This means all your existing Facebook ad dimensions knowledge still applies. Your saved templates, your design workflows, your facebook ad size specs cheat sheets? All still valid under the Meta rebrand.

Meta Ads Size Preview Tool

See exactly how your ad will look across main placements before uploading.

Our preview tool helps visualize how your creative might look across different Meta placements. Upload your image to get a feel for how it appears in feed, Stories, and other formats. The tool can suggest sizing adjustments and help you spot potential cropping issues before uploading to Ads Manager.

Using the wrong meta advertising dimensions can result in cropped logos, cut-off text, or blurry images. This preview gives you a sense of what users might see, helping you make adjustments before launching your campaign. Compare different crops and formats to find what works best for your creative.

Facebook Feed & Instagram Feed - Meta Ads Size Specifications

The feed remains the most important placement for most advertisers, and getting your facebook ad dimensions right here is crucial for performance.

Image Ad Specifications

For image ads in the Facebook and Instagram feed, here are the facebook ad image size requirements:

• Recommended: 1080×1080 (1:1 ratio) or 1080×1350 (4:5 ratio)
• Minimum: 600×600 pixels
• File types: JPG, PNG
• Max file size: 30MB
• Best practice: Use 1440×1440 or higher for sharper display on retina screens

The 4:5 vertical format is particularly powerful. Testing has shown that advertisers typically see significantly higher click-through rates using 4:5 vertical images compared to square or horizontal formats. This makes sense given that mobile users (who make up the vast majority of Facebook's audience) see more of your ad with vertical dimensions for a facebook ad.

Why 4:5 works so well: The format takes up more screen real estate on mobile devices, appearing more native in the feed. Users are accustomed to vertical content from organic posts, making ads in this format feel less intrusive and more engaging.

Video Ad Specifications

Video dominates Meta's platforms, with video ads now accounting for the majority of all ad impressions on the platform. Here are the facebook video ad size requirements:

• Recommended: 1080×1080 (1:1) or 1080×1350 (4:5)
• Vertical video: 1080×1920 (9:16) also supported
• Length: 1 second to 241 minutes (though 15-60 seconds performs best)
• File types: MP4, MOV
• Max file size: 4GB
• Frame rate: Up to 30fps
• Audio: Required (even if just music)

Why 4:5 Video Format Excels in Feed

The 4:5 aspect ratio (1080×1350) deserves special attention for video content. This facebook video format and size has become the gold standard for feed video ads for several compelling reasons:

Mobile Viewing Optimization: When users hold their phones vertically (which they do for the vast majority of browsing time), 4:5 videos fill significantly more screen space than square videos. This creates a more immersive viewing experience that holds attention longer.

Performance Advantages: In our experience, 4:5 video ads consistently outperform square video in key metrics:

• Higher view completion rates due to the immersive format
• Better engagement rates as the content feels more native
• Lower scroll-past rates since the video commands more visual attention
• Improved sound-on rates as users are more likely to unmute larger videos

Technical Benefits: The 4:5 format works seamlessly across both Facebook and Instagram feeds without any cropping or letterboxing. Unlike 9:16 videos that get significantly reduced in feed, 4:5 maintains its impact while still being versatile enough for multiple placements.

Creative Considerations for 4:5 Video:

• Design for vertical viewing from the start, not as an afterthought
• Place key visual elements in the center 80% to ensure visibility
• Use the extra vertical space for product demonstrations or storytelling
• Consider how text overlays will appear in the taller format
• Test both with and without sound to optimize for both experiences

Character Limits & Text Requirements

Getting your ad dimensions for facebook right is only half the battle. Text limits are equally important:

• Primary text: 125 characters (visible without expansion)
• Headline: 40 characters
• Description: 25-30 characters
• Image text: Keep under 20% of image area for best delivery

These facebook advertising sizes for text ensure your message displays properly across all devices without truncation. While Meta removed the hard 20% text rule, ads with less text overlay typically see better delivery and lower costs.

Stories & Reels - Vertical Meta Ads Size Guide

Stories and Reels represent the fastest-growing placement on Meta, with Reels driving billions of daily views across Facebook and Instagram. Getting your meta ads size right for these vertical formats is critical. As of January 2026, the standalone Instagram Explore feed has been retired, and that traffic now flows into Reels, making 9:16 vertical creative more important than ever.

Stories Specifications

Here are the complete Stories specifications:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
• Safe zone: Keep important elements within central 1080×1420 area
• Duration: Up to 15 seconds per story card (video)
• Display time: 5 seconds (image)
• Text placement: Avoid top 250px and bottom 250px

The safe zone is crucial for fb ad dimensions in Stories. Meta's UI elements (profile picture, buttons, captions) cover approximately 14% of the top and 20% of the bottom of your creative. Design accordingly to avoid having your call-to-action or logo cut off.

Reels Specifications

Reels follow similar dimensions for a facebook ad but with some key differences:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
• Safe zone: Even more restricted - keep 35% bottom clear
• Duration: Up to 30 seconds for ads
• Sound: On by default (optimize for sound-on viewing)

Meta's guidance suggests keeping approximately 14% top, 35% bottom, and 6% sides clear for UI elements in Reels ads.

Creating Effective Vertical Content

When designing for Stories and Reels, consider these best practices:

1. Front-load your message: The first 3 seconds determine whether users will watch or skip
2. Use motion: Static images in Stories only display for 5 seconds - video performs better
3. Include captions: Many users watch without sound despite Reels defaulting to sound-on
4. Test safe zones: Always preview your content to ensure nothing important gets cut off

Carousel Ads - Multi-Image Meta Ads Specifications

Carousel ads let you showcase multiple products or tell a story across swipeable cards. Understanding specs for Facebook carousel ads is essential for e-commerce advertisers.

Carousel Technical Requirements

• Cards: 2-10 images or videos per carousel
• Dimensions: 1080×1080 recommended for each card
• Consistency: All cards must share the same aspect ratio
• Mix media: Combine video and images in the same carousel
• File size: 30MB per image, 4GB per video
• Video length: Up to 240 minutes per card (though shorter is recommended)

Carousel Performance Tips

Experience shows that square images (1:1) significantly outperform landscape images in carousel ads. This is because square formats display consistently across all devices and placements without awkward cropping.

For optimal carousel facebook ad specs performance:

• Make each card compelling as a standalone ad (many users don't swipe past the first card)
• Use consistent visual style across cards
• Include your key message on the first card
• Test different card sequences to find what resonates

Carousel Character Limits

Per card specifications:

• Headline: 40 characters per card
• Description: 20 characters per card
• Primary text: 125 characters (applies to entire carousel)
• Landing URL: Can be unique per card

The Meta/Facebook Transition: What Marketers Need to Know

The confusion around meta ads size versus facebook ad dimensions is real, but here's what matters:

They're the same platform. Facebook Ads Manager = Meta Ads Manager. Every facebook advertising dimension remains unchanged post-rebrand. When you're looking for "ad sizes facebook" or "meta advertising dimensions," you're searching for identical specifications.

The rebrand was purely cosmetic from a technical standpoint. All specifications, requirements, and best practices that applied to Facebook ads continue to apply to Meta ads without any changes.

Practical implications:

• Use "Meta" in client presentations for future-proofing
• "Facebook" terminology still works in the interface
• All your facebook ad size specs knowledge transfers directly
• Bookmarked facebook advertising image size guides remain valid

Search Behavior Insights

The rebrand has created an interesting search landscape. Some marketers search for "Meta ads specifications" while others still use "Facebook ad dimensions." By understanding both terms refer to the same platform, you can:

• Find resources using either search term
• Communicate effectively with clients regardless of their preferred terminology
• Access both old Facebook guides and new Meta documentation

This rebrand confusion actually presents an opportunity for marketers who understand the equivalence. You can capture broader search traffic and establish expertise by bridging both terminologies in your content and communications.

2026 Updates: Latest Meta Ads Size Changes

Staying current with meta ads specifications is crucial. Here's what changed recently:

Recent Updates (as of January 2026):

• Instagram Explore feed removed: The standalone scrollable Explore feed was retired in January 2026. Ads previously running there now serve in Reels. Instagram Explore Home (the grid-tile layout you reach from the Explore tab) is still live and uses 1:1 (1080×1080) creative.
• Reels are the dominant vertical surface: With Explore feed gone, expect even more delivery to flow into Instagram Reels, so placement-optimized 9:16 creative matters more than ever.
• Everything else is unchanged: Feed (1:1, 4:5), Stories (9:16), Marketplace (1:1), Right Column (1:1 square only), Audience Network, Messenger, and all character limits remain the same as 2025.

Platform Evolution Trends

The shift toward vertical and square formats is now largely complete. With mobile dominating Meta's surfaces (the vast majority of Facebook and Instagram access is mobile), expect:

• Continued emphasis on 9:16 vertical for Stories and Reels
• 4:5 as the de facto best practice for Feed
• Tighter integration between Reels and Instagram surfaces post-Explore-removal
• Enhanced support for mixed media carousels

Staying Updated

To keep current with specification changes:

1. Check Meta's official Ads Guide quarterly
2. Test new formats in small campaigns before full rollout
3. Monitor your ad performance by format
4. Join our mailing list for specification update alerts

Platform-Specific Size Requirements

Beyond the main placements, Meta's ecosystem includes several specialized ad locations with unique facebook ad pixel dimensions. Understanding these helps you maximize reach across Meta's full network.

Messenger Ad Specifications

Messenger represents a unique opportunity with less competition:

• Recommended size: 1200×628 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
• Minimum: 600×314 pixels
• Character limit: 20 characters for headline (no description field)
• File types: JPG, PNG
• File size: 30MB maximum

Best practices for Messenger ads:

• Use bold, simple imagery (displays at small size)
• Include your key message in the image itself
• Test bright colors to stand out in the message list
• Consider the context - users are in conversation mode

Marketplace Ad Specifications

Marketplace ads appear among organic listings, requiring a native approach:

• Image size: 1080×1080 (matches feed specs)
• Video: Same as feed video specifications
• Text limits: Same as feed (125/40/30 characters)
• Unique requirement: Product-focused imagery performs best

Marketplace users have high purchase intent, so showcase your product clearly and include pricing information when relevant.

Audience Network Specifications

Audience Network extends your reach to third-party apps:

Native/Banner formats:

• Recommended: 1200×628 (1.91:1) for clarity
• Minimum: 398×208 (avoid - too small for quality)
• Best practice: Design for small display sizes

Interstitial (full-screen):

• Vertical: 1080×1920 (9:16)
• Horizontal: 1920×1080 (16:9)
• Square: 1080×1080 (1:1)

Design adaptive creatives or provide multiple aspect ratios since Audience Network placements vary widely across apps.

Right Column Specifications (Desktop Only)

Right column remains desktop-exclusive with specific requirements:

• Current requirement: 1080×1080 (1:1 square only)
• Display context: Much smaller than feed
• Text: Headline only, 40 characters maximum
• No video support: Images only

While the upload size is 1080×1080, the actual display is much smaller, so design with clarity in mind - avoid small text or detailed imagery.

Search Results Ads

A newer placement with growing importance:

• Image size: 1080×1080 (1:1)
• Video: Supported with same specs as feed
• Context: Appears in Facebook search results
• Best practice: Include relevant keywords in your creative

Meta Ads Size Best Practices

While specific campaign data varies, industry trends and Meta's official guidance provide clear direction on optimal facebook advertising sizes.

Why Square and Vertical Formats Dominate

Square and vertical formats consistently outperform landscape for several reasons:

• Mobile optimization: Square and vertical formats claim more screen space on mobile devices
• Platform preference: Meta's algorithm appears to favor formats optimized for mobile
• User behavior: Mobile users engage more with content that fills their screen
• Native feel: Vertical content mimics organic posts

In testing, square image ads typically produce significantly more leads and substantially lower cost-per-lead than horizontal images in the same campaign. On Instagram, the performance difference can be even more dramatic.

The 4:5 Advantage for Feed Performance

Multiple sources confirm 4:5 as optimal for feed placements:

1. More screen coverage: Vertical images naturally occupy more mobile screen real estate
2. Native feel: 4:5 mimics organic content proportions
3. Flexibility: Works well across both Facebook and Instagram feeds
4. Engagement: Users spend more time viewing larger format ads

Meta specifically recommends 4:5 for both images and videos in the Facebook Feed, despite the default upload interface suggesting 1:1.

Image Quality Impact

Higher resolution images provide multiple benefits:

• Sharper display on retina screens
• Better performance after Facebook compression
• Improved Quality Ranking scores
• Professional appearance that builds trust

Best practice: Use 1440×1440 or higher even though 1080×1080 is the stated recommendation. The extra resolution ensures quality after compression.

Format Selection Strategy

Based on industry best practices, here's when to use each size for a facebook ad:

Use 1:1 Square (1080×1080) when:

• Creating one asset for multiple placements
• Budget doesn't allow multiple creative versions
• Testing new creative concepts quickly
• Running Audience Network placements

Use 4:5 Vertical (1080×1350) when:

• Optimizing specifically for feed placement
• Mobile performance is your priority
• You have resources for placement-specific creative
• Brand awareness is the goal

Use 9:16 Vertical (1080×1920) when:

• Creating Stories or Reels content
• Building full-screen immersive experiences
• Targeting younger, mobile-first audiences
• Running video-first campaigns

Troubleshooting Common Meta Ads Size Issues

Even experienced advertisers encounter sizing problems. Here's how to fix the most common issues.

Issue: Blurry or Low-Quality Images

Symptoms: Pixelated ads, especially on mobile devices

Causes:

• Uploading at minimum resolution (600×600) instead of recommended
• JPEG compression set too low
• Upscaling smaller images

Solutions:

• Always use 1080px minimum, preferably 1440px or higher
• Export JPGs at 90-100% quality
• For images with text, use PNG format
• Start with high-resolution source files (never upscale)

Some advertisers report success using 2400px images to ensure maximum quality after Facebook's compression, though this isn't officially required.

Issue: Important Content Cut Off

Symptoms: Logos, text, or key visuals cropped out

Common scenarios:

• Stories ads with text behind UI elements
• Feed ads cropped differently on desktop vs mobile
• Carousel cards showing inconsistently

Solutions based on placement:

For Stories/Reels: Keep critical elements in the center 1080×1420 area, leaving 250px top and bottom free for UI elements.

For Feed ads:

• Design with flexible compositions
• Place key elements centrally
• Test across devices using preview tools

Issue: "High Text" Warning Reducing Reach

The evolution of Meta's text policy:

While Meta officially removed the 20% text rule, ads with higher amounts of image text tend to experience reduced delivery and higher costs.

Best practices:

• Move text to ad copy fields (primary text, headline)
• Use imagery to convey your message
• If text is essential, make it large and minimal
• Focus on one key message per image

Issue: Video Upload Failures

Common causes and solutions:

1. Wrong codec: Use H.264 video with AAC audio
2. File too large: Keep under 4GB (compress if needed)
3. Unusual dimensions: Stick to standard ratios
4. Frame rate issues: Export at 30fps or lower

Recommended export settings:

• Format: MP4
• Codec: H.264
• Audio: AAC, 128kbps or higher
• Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080 max)
• Bitrate: 5,000-10,000 kbps for 1080p

Issue: Cross-Platform Display Problems

Symptom: Ad looks good on Facebook but poor on Instagram (or vice versa)

This is common when using Automatic Placements without customization.

Solution: Use Placement Asset Customization

1. In Ads Manager, select "Manual Placements"
2. Upload placement-specific assets:
   • Facebook Feed: 4:5 or 1:1
   • Instagram Feed: 1:1 or 4:5
   • Stories: 9:16
   • Reels: 9:16 with adjusted safe zones

Issue: Poor Performance in Specific Placements

Messenger Inbox ads underperforming?

• Ensure you're using 1200×628 horizontal format
• Keep design simple and bold
• Include key message in the image
• Consider if your audience uses Messenger

Right Column low engagement?

• Remember display size is tiny despite 1080×1080 upload
• Use high contrast and simple imagery
• Focus on brand awareness rather than conversions
• Consider excluding this placement for direct response campaigns

Tools and Resources for Perfect Meta Ad Sizing

Creating properly sized ads requires the right tools. Here are recommended resources for each stage of the process:

Design Tools with Meta Templates

Canva

• Free templates for all Meta placements
• Automatic sizing for each format
• Drag-and-drop simplicity
• Direct publishing to Meta

Adobe Creative Cloud

• Professional-grade tools
• Photoshop templates for static ads
• Premiere Pro/After Effects for video
• Adobe Express for quick edits

Figma

• Collaborative design platform
• Free Meta ad templates
• Component libraries for consistency
• Export in multiple formats

Preview and Testing Tools

Meta Creative Hub

• Official Meta tool
• Preview across all placements
• Share mockups with clients
• No ad account required

Facebook Ads Library

• See how competitors size their ads
• Find inspiration by placement
• Analyze successful campaigns
• Free access to all active ads

Asset Management Solutions

For teams creating multiple ad sizes:

1. Create a master design at the highest resolution
2. Use smart objects or components for easy updating
3. Build templates for each placement
4. Establish naming conventions for easy organization
5. Version control to track changes

When you need to create dozens or hundreds of ad variations at scale, consider using Facebook's bulk upload feature to streamline your workflow and save hours of manual work.

Sizing Checklist for Campaign Launch

Before launching any campaign, verify:

• Images meet minimum resolution (1080px)
• Safe zones respected for Stories/Reels
• File sizes within limits (30MB/4GB)
• Character counts within limits
• Previewed on mobile and desktop
• Multiple aspect ratios for key placements
• Videos include captions
• Audio included for video ads
• Export settings optimized

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should Facebook ads be in 2026?

The optimal facebook ad size depends on placement, but 1080×1080 square works for most placements. For best results, use 1080×1350 (4:5) for feed ads and 1080×1920 (9:16) for Stories and Reels. These dimensions provide the best user experience across devices.

Are Meta ad specs the same as Facebook?

Yes, meta ads size specifications are identical to facebook ad dimensions. The rebrand didn't change any technical requirements - it's the same platform with a new name. All specifications, ad formats, and requirements remain exactly the same.

What's the best image size for Facebook ads?

Based on extensive testing and platform optimization, 1080×1350 (4:5 vertical) performs best for feed placements. This format takes up more mobile screen space and typically sees higher engagement rates than square or horizontal formats. For universal use across placements, 1080×1080 square is the safest choice.

How do I avoid blurry Facebook ads?

Upload images at 1440×1440 or higher resolution, even though 1080×1080 is the recommended size. Use PNG format for graphics with text, high-quality JPG (90%+) for photos. Never upscale smaller images - always start with high-resolution source files.

What are the video specs for Meta ads?

Meta video ads support up to 4GB files, 241 minutes length, in MP4 or MOV format. Recommended dimensions are 1080×1080 (square), 1080×1350 (4:5), or 1080×1920 (vertical). Use H.264 codec with AAC audio for best compatibility. Keep videos between 15-60 seconds for optimal performance.

Do I need different sizes for Instagram?

Instagram uses the same meta advertising dimensions as Facebook. A 1080×1080 image works identically on both platforms' feeds. Stories and Reels share 1080×1920 specifications across both platforms. The key is using Placement Asset Customization to optimize for each specific placement.

What's the character limit for Meta ads?

• Primary text: 125 characters visible (more allowed but truncated)
• Headline: 40 characters
• Description: 25-30 characters depending on placement

These limits ensure your message displays without truncation across devices.

How much text can I put on ad images?

While Meta removed the strict 20% rule, ads with less image text perform better. Keep text minimal and use the ad copy fields instead for best delivery and costs. Focus on visual storytelling with supporting text in the proper fields.

Why is my video ad not uploading?

Common issues include wrong format (use MP4 with H.264), file too large (keep under 4GB), or incorrect dimensions. Try re-exporting with standard settings: H.264 video, AAC audio, 30fps or lower, standard aspect ratios (1:1, 4:5, or 9:16).

Should I use Automatic Placements?

While Automatic Placements can work, using Placement Asset Customization typically yields better results. Upload optimized creative for each placement rather than letting Meta crop one asset across all placements. This ensures your message displays properly and performs optimally in each location.

Advanced Strategies for Meta Ad Sizing

Dynamic Creative Optimization

Meta's Dynamic Creative feature can test multiple asset sizes automatically, but understanding the underlying dimensions is still crucial:

1. Upload multiple ratios: Provide 1:1, 4:5, and 9:16 versions
2. Let Meta optimize: The algorithm selects best-performing combinations
3. Monitor results: Check which sizes drive best results for your audience
4. Refine based on data: Focus budget on winning formats

Mobile-First Design Principles

With mobile dominating Meta platform usage, design with mobile in mind:

• Thumb-stopping visuals: Large, bold elements that stand out in feed
• Readable text: Minimum 14pt font size when displayed on mobile
• Fast comprehension: Message understood within 3 seconds
• Vertical orientation: Leverage full screen with 4:5 or 9:16 formats

Cross-Platform Campaign Consistency

When running campaigns across Meta's family of apps:

1. Maintain visual identity across different sizes
2. Adapt, don't crop: Recompose for each format
3. Test platform preferences: Instagram users may respond differently than Facebook users
4. Use consistent CTAs regardless of placement

Performance Measurement by Size

Track performance metrics by ad size to optimize future campaigns:

• CTR by format: Which sizes drive most clicks?
• CPM variations: Do certain sizes cost more to deliver?
• Conversion rates: Does size impact purchase behavior?
• Engagement metrics: Comments, shares, saves by format

The Bottom Line

Getting your meta ads size right isn't just about following specs - it's about maximizing performance. Properly sized ads consistently see:

• Higher click-through rates
• Lower costs per thousand impressions
• Better Quality Rankings from Meta's algorithm
• Improved conversion rates

The winning formula? Design 4:5 vertical (1080×1350) for feed impact, maintain 1080×1080 squares for versatility, and always create 1080×1920 versions for Stories/Reels. Use preview tools to verify before launching.

Remember: Meta and Facebook ad dimensions are identical. Master these specifications once, apply them everywhere.