How to use social media images well
Strong visuals decide whether people stop scrolling. For Instagram, square or 4:5 portrait photos fill the feed best; for YouTube thumbnails and Facebook covers choose landscape images with clear space for text. Use the orientation filter to match each platform's format.
Credit and licensing
All photos come from Unsplash and are free to use under the Unsplash License. Crediting the photographer is not mandatory for most uses but is always appreciated, which is why each image shows its author. Avoid using photos of identifiable people in ways that suggest endorsement of a product or cause.
Tips for choosing a photo
Pick images that match your niche and color palette so your profile looks consistent. Prefer natural, uncluttered scenes, and keep your handle readable on top of the picture. Need a handle first? Try our nickname generator.