Sending the wrong image size or file format in WhatsApp can result in blurry visuals, cropped content, or files that won't send at all. This article covers the correct specifications for every media type you're likely to use.
Quick reference table
Media type | Recommended size | Aspect ratio | Max file size | Notes |
Profile picture | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 | — | Cropped to circle — keep key elements centred |
Chat image (standard) | 1600 × 1052 px | ~3:2 | 5 MB | WhatsApp compresses automatically |
Chat image (HD) | up to 4096 × 2692 px | variable | 5 MB | Less compression — use for brand visuals |
WhatsApp Status | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | 16 MB | Keep key content within the centre 1080 × 1350 px safe zone |
Sticker | 512 × 512 px | 1:1 | 100 KB | WebP format only |
Animated sticker | 512 × 512 px | 1:1 | 500 KB | Animated WebP, max 10 second loop |
Video (chat) | 1920 × 1080 px | 16:9 or 9:16 | 16 MB | MP4, H.264 codec recommended |
Video (as document) | Original resolution | Any | 2 GB | No compression — use for 4K or print-quality files |
Carousel image (API) | 1125 × 600 px | 1.91:1 | 5 MB | Ratio is mandatory — keep consistent across all cards |
Product/catalogue image | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 | 5 MB | Minimum 500 × 500 px |
Link preview (OG image) | 1200 × 630 px | 1.91:1 | < 600 KB | Set via Open Graph meta tags on your website |
Profile pictures
Use a minimum of 500 × 500 px, but 1080 × 1080 px is recommended for sharp display on high-resolution screens. WhatsApp crops the image into a circle, so keep logos and key elements centred and away from the corners.
Chat images: standard vs. HD
By default, WhatsApp compresses images to around 1600 px wide. For brand content, product photos, or anything where quality matters, tap the HD option before sending — this allows resolutions up to 4096 px wide with less aggressive compression.
Note: HD is still not pixel-perfect quality. For completely uncompressed files, send as a document instead (see below).
Sending files without compression
WhatsApp supports file transfers up to 2 GB when sent as a document. This bypasses compression entirely, making it ideal for 4K videos, high-resolution print assets, or large PDFs. The trade-off is that the recipient needs to download and open the file — there's no inline preview.
WhatsApp Status
Use 1080 × 1920 px (9:16) for Status images and videos. Be aware of the safe zone — UI elements cover approximately 250 px at the top and 400 px at the bottom, leaving a usable area of roughly 1080 × 1350 px in the centre. Keep any important text, logos, or CTAs within this area.
Status videos can be up to 90 seconds long.
Stickers
Stickers must be exactly 512 × 512 px in WebP format and under 100 KB. Animated stickers follow the same pixel dimensions but allow up to 500 KB with a maximum loop length of 10 seconds. Transparent backgrounds are supported and recommended.
Carousel templates (WhatsApp Business API)
Carousel images must be 1125 × 600 px with a strict 1.91:1 aspect ratio — deviating from this will cause the template to be rejected. Keep file sizes under 1 MB per image where possible for faster delivery, even though the technical limit is 5 MB. Visual consistency across all cards is important.
Videos
For the widest device compatibility, use MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio. The standard media limit is 16 MB — for larger files, send them as a document. Standard media sending also scales videos down to approximately 720p; send as a document if you need 4K.
Link previews
WhatsApp pulls link preview images directly from your website's Open Graph meta tags. The recommended size is 1200 × 630 px (1.91:1 ratio), kept under 600 KB. If your previews look broken or low quality, check your OG tags using Meta's Sharing Debugger.