What’s a header image?
A header image is the large visual banner sitting at the top of your social media profile. Think of it as the digital welcome mat for your brand or personal account. Whether it’s showcasing your latest product, your team’s vibe, or just a splash of your brand’s colors, it’s the first thing people see when they land on your page.
For example, on X, it’s that wide image above your bio. On Facebook, it’s the cover photo framing your profile picture. It’s not just decoration—it’s a chance to tell your story before anyone even scrolls.
Why header images matter
Here’s the deal: your header image sets the tone. It’s like walking into a shop with a killer storefront—you’re hooked before you step inside. Here’s why they’re a big deal:
- First Impressions: A sharp, bold header image grabs attention fast and makes people want to stick around.
- Branding: It’s a perfect spot to show off your logo, colors, or vibe—think of it as your brand’s handshake.
- Engagement: A well-designed header can nudge visitors to check out your posts or click your links.
- Storytelling: Got a new campaign or value to share? Your header image can shout it loud and clear.
Our team at Brandwatch has seen brands use header images to turn casual visitors into followers—pretty powerful for one picture, right?
How header images work on social media
Every platform does header images a little differently. Let’s run through the big ones so you know what you’re working with:
- Facebook: Size is 820 x 312 pixels. Your profile pic sits on the left, so keep text or key visuals centered or to the right.
- X: Go for 1500 x 500 pixels. It’s wide, so simple designs work best—center what matters most.
- LinkedIn: Aim for 1584 x 396 pixels. Keep it professional and clean, perfect for showing off your company or personal brand.
- Pinterest: Board covers start at 600 x 315 pixels. Make them eye-catching to match your pins’ aesthetic.
- Instagram: Surprise—there’s no traditional header here! They lean on your profile pic and post grid instead. (Though you can tweak story headers if you’re feeling fancy.)
Pro tip: Platforms crop images differently on mobile versus desktop, so test yours out to avoid awkward cuts.
Best practices for a standout header image
Ready to make yours pop? Here’s how to design a header image that works hard for you:
- Keep It High-Quality: Blurry images are a no-go. Use crisp, high-res visuals every time.
- Stay On-Brand: Use your brand’s colors, fonts, or logo so people know it’s you at a glance.
- Make Text Readable: If you add words, keep them big and clear—don’t let them get lost in the design.
- Center the Good Stuff: Key elements should sit in the middle to dodge cropping on smaller screens.
- Simplify: Less is more. A clean design beats a cluttered one any day.
- Optimize for Mobile: Most people browse on their phones, so check how it looks on a small screen.
Need a hand? Tools like Canva or Adobe Spark can whip up header images with the right sizes baked in—super easy.
Actionable tips to get started
Alright, let’s get you moving. Here’s what to do next:
- Pick a platform you want to spruce up—say, your X profile.
- Grab your brand’s logo or a cool product shot.
- Fire up a design tool, plug in the right size (1500 x 500 pixels for X), and keep it simple.
- Test it on your phone and desktop to make sure it looks ace.
- Upload it and watch your profile shine!
Bonus: Swap your header image every few months—think seasonal vibes or new campaigns—to keep things fresh.
Why Brandwatch Loves Header Images
At Brandwatch, we’re all about helping brands shine online. A killer header image isn’t just pretty—it’s a tool to boost your social game. Pair it with insights from Brandwatch Consumer Research, and you’ve got a combo that tracks what people say about your brand and shows them who you are, all at once.
Want to see how your audience reacts to your new header? Our tools can dig into the buzz—pretty handy, huh?
So, what’s your header image saying about you right now? Time to make it work as hard as you do.