You’ve spent hours designing what you think is the perfect cover photo for your Facebook Page. It looks stunning on your desktop computer. You hit “Publish,” feeling proud, only to check it on your phone and find that your face is cut off, the text is unreadable, and the whole thing is a blurry, pixelated mess.
It’s a frustratingly common problem. Facebook displays cover photos differently on desktop and mobile, and if you don’t account for this, your brand’s most prominent piece of visual real estate will look unprofessional. That prime space at the top of your Page is your digital billboard, and a poorly optimized cover photo can be the difference between a new follower and a quick exit.
This guide will solve that problem for good. We’ll give you the exact Facebook cover photo size for 2025 and provide a complete set of design best practices to ensure your Page looks sharp, professional, and engaging on every single device. This is a crucial part of our Facebook for Business: The Definitive 2025 Guide.
What Is the Correct Facebook Cover Photo Size in 2025?
While Facebook displays the cover photo at different dimensions on desktop and mobile, the official recommendation for the uploaded image size is 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall.
However, simply designing to this size is a mistake. The key is understanding the “mobile-safe” and “desktop-safe” zones.
- Desktop Display: Shows at 820 x 312 pixels.
- Mobile Display: Shows at 640 x 360 pixels.
As you can see, the mobile version is narrower and taller. This means Facebook crops the sides of your desktop cover photo on mobile devices.
The Foolproof Solution: The Mobile-First Design
To create a cover photo that looks great everywhere, design your image at 851 x 315 pixels, but place all of your critical content (like text, logos, and key visuals) within a central “safe zone” of approximately 640 x 315 pixels.
This ensures that nothing important gets cut off when your cover is viewed on a smartphone, which is where the vast majority of users will see it.
7 Best Practices for a High-Impact Facebook Cover Photo
A technically correct size is just the start. A truly effective cover photo also follows these design principles.
Keep it Visual and Simple
Your cover photo should be easily understood at a glance. Avoid cluttering it with too much text or too many complex elements. A high-quality photograph, a clean graphic, or a shot of your product in use works best.
Align with Your Brand Identity
Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall visual style. The cover photo should feel like a seamless extension of your website and other marketing materials, creating a cohesive and professional brand experience.
Optimize for Mobile First
As established, the vast majority of users will see your Page on a mobile device. Always design with the mobile-safe zone in mind. Before you upload, preview your design on your own phone to ensure everything is perfect.
Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your cover photo can be a powerful conversion tool. Use the space to encourage a specific action that aligns with the CTA button on your Page (like “Visit Website,” “Shop Now,” or “Sign Up”). A simple arrow or visual cue can guide the user’s eye.
Use a High-Quality Image
To avoid compression and pixelation, upload a high-quality JPG or PNG file. While the recommended size is 851 x 315 pixels, you can use a larger image with the same aspect ratio (e.g., 1702 x 630) for a sharper result.
Keep it Fresh and Relevant
Your cover photo is not a “set it and forget it” element. Update it regularly to promote new products, announce sales, celebrate seasons, or highlight upcoming events. This shows that your Page is active and current.
Consider a Cover Video or Slideshow
For a more dynamic approach, you can upload a cover video (between 20-90 seconds) or create a slideshow of up to five photos. A video can be highly engaging and is an excellent way to tell a short brand story.
Essential Tools for Creating Your Cover Photo
- Canva: The number one tool for non-designers. It has thousands of pre-sized Facebook cover photo templates that you can customize in minutes. It even includes guides for the mobile-safe zone.
- Figma or VistaCreate: Excellent free alternatives to Canva with powerful design features and pre-made templates for creating professional-looking cover photos.
- Facebook’s Cover Video Maker: If you don’t have video editing software, Facebook has a built-in tool that allows you to create a simple slideshow or combine clips to make a cover video.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together
Your Facebook cover photo is far more than just a decorative banner; it’s a strategic tool for branding, engagement, and conversion. By understanding the technical requirements of the Facebook cover photo size and following core design principles, you can transform that space into a powerful asset that captures attention and drives action.
What Should You Do Now?
- Audit Your Current Cover Photo: Open your Facebook Page on both your desktop and your mobile phone right now. Does anything important get cut off? Is the text easy to read?
- Choose a Design Tool: If your cover needs an update, select a user-friendly tool like Canva. Browse their templates for inspiration.
- Create and Upload: Design a new, mobile-first cover photo using the safe-zone principle. Upload it and check it again on all devices to ensure it’s perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aspect ratio for a Facebook cover photo?
The aspect ratio is approximately 2.7:1.
Why does my Facebook cover photo look blurry?
This is usually due to Facebook’s compression. To minimize blurriness, upload a high-quality JPG or PNG file that is under 100KB. Using a larger dimension with the same aspect ratio (e.g., 1702 x 630 pixels) can also result in a sharper image.
Can I use a video as my Facebook cover?
Yes, you can upload a video instead of a static image. The video must be between 20 and 90 seconds long, and the recommended size is 820 x 462 pixels.