Facebook has probably the most sophisticated advertising system of all social networks. This makes sense. Facebook has by far the most users of any social platform. They also have plowed time, investment, and resources into creating an advertising system that is both powerful and easy for their business clients. But if you’re going to advertise on Facebook, you will have more competition than on smaller, more niche networks. This means that you must make your ads stand out from the competition. You must do it properly, designing your ads to the optimal sizes and meeting all of Facebook’s specifications.
BONUS: Try out the the Free Facebook Ad Mockup Tool
Facebook may be losing its glamour, partly because of the Cambridge Analytica Scandal, followed by the Christchurch Terrorism live-streaming. Teenagers may be leaving it because they perceive it as being too establishment, and a place where their parents hang out. Yet that doesn’t mean that people are abandoning Facebook in droves. It still has some astounding stats:
- 2.06 billion daily active users, an increase of 5% year-over-year
- 3.03 billion monthly active users, an increase of 3% year-over-year
- Revenue was $32.0 billion, an increase of 11% year-over-year
- Total costs and expenses were $22.61 billion, an increase of 10% year-over-year
If you do choose to advertise on Facebook, you will find a surprisingly large number of ad options. We cover most of them below.
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Facebook Ad Sizes and Specifications (Updated for 2024)
Free Social Media Image Resizer Tool
Try out the FREE Social Media Image Resizer Tool to resize your images to the correct sizes and formats for Facebook Ads.
Facebook Feed Ads Sizes
Undoubtedly the most popular advertising position is in the user’s feed. It is, therefore, the most heavily contested. You may find that your competitors are also after precisely the same slot. You can think of it as Main Street social media real estate.
You can opt for either an image ad or a video ad. Facebook has rules both relating to the image/video and the text of your ad.
Note that these are ads in-line with the user’s main feed – not the less common right-column ads that are a separate type.
Facebook Feed Image Ads
Although video is rapidly increasing in popularity, the bulk of Facebook ads still feature a single image. This is unlikely to change as it is clearly much easier to use a photograph than it is to go through the process of creating a video.
Facebook has always made a big issue of text in images. If your image contains more than 20% text, you will receive “reduced delivery” (according to the official Facebook ad specifications). Note that Facebook ignores the text in the body copy of your ad when it does is 20% calculation. Facebook offers a tool to ensure that you don’t have too much text in your image.
Note that there are some exceptions to Facebook’s text rule:
- Book and album covers
- Product images (showing the whole product – not zooms of logos or text on the packaging)
- Games
- Event posters
Be wary of a text-based logo. Any logo that is primarily text is counted as text regardless of its size or alignment. Similarly, watermarks and numbers all count as text for the purpose of these calculations.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Feed Image ads are:
- Recommended image size: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Image ratio: 1.91:1 to 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG (Note: animated GIFS should be uploaded as a video ad)
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 27 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 27 characters
Facebook Feed Video Ads
Video has grown in popularity over the last few years, so unsurprisingly there has been a large increase in Facebook feed video ads. Note that these are different from Facebook In-Stream Video Ads (which have a 10-second video limit).
Effectively, Facebook Feed Video Ads are the same as Facebook Feed Image Ads, but they use a video in place of a still image.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Feed Video ads are:
- Recommended to upload the highest-resolution source video available without letter or pillar boxing (no black bars).
- Resolution: at least 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Recommended ratio: 1:1 (for desktop or mobile) or 4:5 (for mobile only)
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4, MOV or GIF recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Max video length: 241 minutes
- Video captions and sound: optional but recommended
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
- Headline: 27 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 27 characters
Facebook Carousel Ads
The Facebook Carousel ad option allows brands to feature images (or videos) of multiple products in one ad. Users can swipe through the various slides of a carousel ad to see different items offered. Carousel ads can comprise a mix of still images and videos.
Facebook Carousel ads are quite versatile, and brands can use them is numerous locations:
- Facebook Feed (Image and Video)
- Facebook Right Column
- Facebook Instant Articles
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook Audience Network Native, Banner, and Interstitial
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Carousel images are:
- Minimum image size: 600 x 600
- Recommended image size: At least 1080 x 1080. No maximum size restrictions
- Minimum 2 cards and max of 10 cards per Carousel Ad
- Recommended image ratio: 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 32 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 18 characters (optional on Instant Articles)
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Carousel videos are:
- Recommended resolution (Facebook Carousel video): 1080 x 1080 pixels
- Minimum 2 cards and max of 10 cards per Carousel Ad
- proper aspect ratio: 1:1
- All video formats should be either MP4, MOV or GIF
- Max video size: 4GB per video
- Max video length: 240 minutes
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 32 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 18 characters (optional on Instant Articles)
Facebook Right Column Ads
Facebook right column ads used to be the standard for Facebook ads. With the increase in mobile usage, there is now less demand for the desktop-only Facebook Right Column ads. It is notable in Q4 2018 data that the CFC of a right column ad (about $0.57) is about half that of an ad in a news feed.
Right Column ads contain similar information to News Feed ads, but they’re smaller and restrict themselves to a still (landscape) image.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Feed ads are:
- Minimum image size: 254 x 133 pixels
- Recommended image size: 1200 x 1200 pixels
- Image ratio: 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Landing page URL: Required
Facebook In-stream Video Ads
You might wonder what’s the difference between a Facebook Feed Video Ad and a Facebook In-Stream Video Ad. The key differentiation is the phrase “in-stream.”
Facebook In-stream Video Ads allow advertisers to deliver 5-15 second, non-skippable, mid-roll video ads to people who are already watching Facebook videos on a mobile device. They are like the types of ads that YouTube has made available for some time.
They have a high success rate because they don’t appear until at least 60 seconds into the main video. By this point, people are settled into their video and are unlikely to stop watching simply because of an ad. They are effectively short commercial breaks in the main video.
The main difference between Facebook Feed Video Ads and Facebook In-stream Video Ads is that Facebook Feed Video Ads are standalone ads that appear in users’ news feeds, rather than within another video.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Feed Video ads are:
- Recommended to upload the highest-resolution source video possible
- Recommended aspect ratio is 1:1
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4 or MOV recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Max video length: 5 to 15 seconds
- Video captions and sound: optional but recommended (it makes sense to match these with the main video)
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
Facebook Marketplace Ads
Facebook Marketplace is where people can buy and sell things – just like eBay or Craigslist. It has the advantage of having access to Facebook’s huge user base.
Because Facebook Marketplace is all about selling, it is essential to distinguish these ads here from other Marketplace listings. Listing your product to sell in the Facebook Marketplace is not considered to be an ad. If you advertise in the Marketplace, you are advertising in the same way as you would anywhere else on Facebook.
While a Facebook Marketplace ad is essentially the same as any other ad on Facebook, there is one significant difference for the advertiser. People go to Facebook Marketplace with the intention of buying, so they are more likely to take notice of your ad than probably anywhere else on Facebook.
However, you do need to think about intent. Most people go to Facebook Marketplace to buy something locally. While an ad is technically separate from the marketplace (and therefore can be for anything), it is most likely to be successful if it is selling some local good or service.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Marketplace image ads are:
- Minimum image size: 600 x 600
- Recommended image size: 1200 x 1200 pixels (for images with a link)
- Image ratio: 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 30 characters
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Marketplace video ads are:
- Recommended to upload the highest-resolution source video possible
- Recommended ratio is 1:1
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4, MOV or GIF recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Max video length: 240 minutes
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
- Text: 125 characters (if there is no link)
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 20 characters
Facebook Instant Articles Ads
A relatively new opportunity on Facebook, now open to all publishers, is to create Instant Articles. Instant Articles is a tool designed for media publishers to distribute fast, interactive articles to their readers within the Facebook mobile app and Messenger. Instant Articles can load up to ten times faster than standard mobile web articles.
Advertisers on Facebook can choose Instant Articles for new or existing campaigns, or publishers can include their own direct sale campaigns. Ads can consist of either still images or videos (which inherently load quicker than usual because of the format).
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Instant Answers Ads images are:
- Minimum image size: 600 x 600
- Recommended image size: 1200 x 1200 pixels (for images with a link)
- Image ratio: 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 20 characters
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Instant Answers Ads videos are:
- Recommended to upload the highest-resolution source video possible
- Recommended aspect ratio is 1:1
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4 or MOV recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Max video length: 240 minutes
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
- Link Description: 20 characters
Facebook Stories Ads
Snapchat started the trend towards people uploading and gradually adding to a collection of images or videos that disappear after 24 hours. Instagram has found great success with its version – Instagram Stories. Facebook Stories are also now highly popular.
You can create full-screen vertical ads that appear between Stories. Photo Story images are visible for 5 seconds unless the user swipes out of the Story, videos last for the length of the video (up to 15 seconds)
Facebook Stories can use a mixture of still images and short videos, and these ads can do the same.
Remember to leave about 250 pixels at the top and bottom of each slide as that is where the profile image and call to action go.
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Stories Ads images are:
- Recommended image size: 1080 x 1920
- Image ratio: 1:1
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Stories Ads videos are:
- Recommended to upload the highest-resolution source video possible
- Recommended aspect ratio is between 1.91 to 9:16
- Leave 250 pixels at the top and bottom free from text and logos
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4 or MOV recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Max video length: 15 seconds
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
Facebook Collection Ads
Facebook Collection ads make it easy for people to browse a product catalog on mobile. Each Facebook Collection ad features one main video or image, along with four smaller accompanying images in a grid-like layout.
When somebody clicks on a Collection Ad, they are taken to a fast-loading visual post-click experience powered by Instant Experience, without leaving Facebook.
Facebook has a range of templates you can use, depending on the aims of your ad. These include:
- Instant Storefront
- Instant Lookbook
- Instant Customer Acquisition
- Instant Storytelling
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Collection Ads images are:
- Minimum image size: 1080 x 1080
- Image ratio: 1:1
- Maximum image file size: 30MB
- Images no more than 20% text
- Image file types: JPG or PNG
- Text: 125 characters
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
The formal sizes and specifications for Facebook Collections Ads videos are:
- Recommended minimum resolution: 1080 x 1080
- Multiple acceptable video formats, but MP4 or MOV recommended
- Max video file size: 4GB
- Recommended video length: less than 2 minutes
- Max video length: 120 minutes
- Video thumbnail image no more than 20% text
- Text: 125 characters
- Headline: 40 characters (any more will appear truncated)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Facebook paid ads?
Facebook offers a variety of ways you can advertise on the platform. We have covered most of them, and listed their sizes and specifications, in this article. Effectively, Facebook paid ads are an official way you can “beat” their algorithm. Facebook gives your paid ads priority over regular organic Facebook posts in many places. Locations where you can use paid Facebook ads are:
- Facebook Feed
- Facebook Carousel
- Facebook Right Column
- Facebook In-stream Video
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook Instant Articles
- Facebook Stories
- Facebook Collection
Are Facebook ads worth it?
The main reason that brands advertise on Facebook is that the organic reach of “free” posts is now abysmally low. For most firms, Facebook is now an effective advertising platform. It allows you to connect with people who otherwise wouldn’t see your message. The secret to successful Facebook advertising is setting your target audience correctly. As with most marketing, when using Facebook ads, you have to work out to put the right marketing content in front of the right people at the right time.
How do you advertise on Facebook?
Facebook offers a range of advertising solutions for businesses. Although you can work with a Facebook advertising agency to design your ads, you can create your ads yourself using Facebook’s self-service advertising tools. Make sure you follow the sizes and specifications that we have listed in this article. Follow these steps to make your ad:
- Choose your objective
- Decide where to run your ad
- Set your budget
- Pick a format
- Place your order
- Measure and manage your ad
How do Facebook ads work?
Facebook ads work by setting up an advertising campaign online, targeted to the correct target audience. You begin by choosing an objective for your advertising campaign. This affects the options that Facebook presents you. You then select your target audience – a vital step! Then Facebook asks you where you want to run your ads. You set your budget before picking an advertising format. (from those covered in this article). Finally, place your order, and Facebook bids for your ad spots behind the scenes
Can I earn money from Facebook?
It is still possible to earn money from Facebook. You can use Facebook advertising to make an income. If you target your audience correctly, this can be quite profitable. You can also create a Facebook page to help market your products. Facebook influencers can help you market on Facebook, depending on your niche. You can sell products on Facebook Marketplace or in some Facebook groups. You can also use Facebook’s Make an Offer feature. You can earn money as a Facebook app developer.
How much does a Facebook ad cost?
Facebook ads involve you bidding against others for the right to position your ads in the Facebook feeds of your target audience. This means that Facebook ad costs vary tremendously, depending on factors such as:
- Timing
- Bidding strategy
- Placement you choose
- Relevance metrics
- The audience you’re targeting
Remember, you set your budget, so your bidding can reflect the maximum you are willing to pay. AdEspresso found CPC for conversion campaigns has decreased four consecutive quarters over 2018/19.
