WhatsApp Image Sizes & Dimensions 2026
Complete specification guide for WhatsApp. Profile pictures, status updates, chat images, business catalogs, and video requirements. Updated for 2026.
Quick Reference
Profile & Account Images
Profile Picture
Group Icon
Status Updates (Stories)
Status Image
Status Video
Chat & Messaging Images
Chat Images (Square)
Chat Images (Landscape)
Chat Videos
WhatsApp Business
Business Profile Banner
Catalog Product Images
Status Ads (Business)
Compression & Quality Guidelines
How WhatsApp Compresses Images
WhatsApp automatically compresses all photos sent through chats to reduce bandwidth and storage. Understanding this helps you optimize images before sending.
Compression Behavior:
- Profile Pictures: Compressed to 640×640 px maximum, regardless of upload size
- Chat Images: Compressed to ~1600px longest edge, JPEG quality ~75%
- Status Images: Compressed to 720×1280 px (9:16) or 1080×1920 px depending on source
- Videos: Heavily compressed, reduced resolution and bitrate
Avoiding Compression: Send as Document
To preserve original quality, send images and videos as documents instead of media:
- Tap the paperclip icon → Select "Document"
- Original file is sent without compression
- Recipient must download to view (doesn't auto-display in chat)
- Best for high-resolution photos, professional work, or important documents
Optimal Pre-Compression Strategy
If you want to control quality rather than letting WhatsApp compress aggressively:
- Chat images: Resize to 1600px longest edge before sending
- Status images: Resize to exactly 720×1280 px (saves bandwidth)
- Videos: Export at 720p, 30fps, H.264 codec, ~5-8 Mbps bitrate
- Use tools: TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or Photoshop "Save for Web"
File Size Limits
- Photos: 16 MB max (standard), 100 MB+ as document
- Videos: 16 MB max (mobile data), 100 MB+ (WiFi), 2 GB (document)
- Documents: 100 MB max (2 GB on newer versions)
- Audio: 16 MB max (voice notes), 100 MB (audio files)
Best Practices for WhatsApp
Optimize Before Sending
WhatsApp compresses everything. Pre-optimize images to maintain control over quality. Resize to target dimensions and compress to ~80% JPEG quality before upload.
Square for Chats, Vertical for Status
Chat images display best as 1:1 squares. Status updates should be 9:16 vertical. Using the right aspect ratio prevents awkward cropping or letterboxing.
Use Document Mode for Quality
When image quality is critical (photography, design work, print files), send as document instead of photo. This preserves full resolution and quality.
Status Safe Zones
Keep text and important elements within the center 1080×1420 px area on status updates. Top and bottom areas are obscured by UI elements (username, reply button).
Profile Pictures: Simple & Centered
Profile pictures display as circles. Use simple, centered designs with high contrast. Avoid intricate details or text near edges that may get cropped.
Business Catalogs: Consistent Style
Use consistent backgrounds, lighting, and framing for all product images. Square format (1080×1080) works best. Include multiple angles per product for better conversions.
Video Length Matters
Keep status videos under 30 seconds to avoid auto-splitting. For chat videos, shorter is better—WhatsApp compresses aggressively, and large files take time to send/receive.
Test on Mobile
95%+ of WhatsApp usage is mobile. Always test how your images and videos look on actual phones before sharing widely. Desktop view differs significantly from mobile.
Respect Privacy
WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted. Users expect privacy. Don't screenshot or share chats without permission. For businesses, be transparent about how you use customer data.