You share a link on social media, and the preview image is cropped, stretched or missing. The cause is often the Open Graph image size. Different platforms have different requirements, and a wrong size can break the preview. This guide explains why your OG image is the wrong size and how to fix it.
What Open Graph image is
og:image is a meta tag that tells social platforms which image to show when the page is shared.
Example:
<meta property="og:image" content="https://example.com/image.jpg">
The image should be high quality, correctly sized and accessible. If not, platforms may crop it, skip it or show a default image.
Why OG image size matters
Each platform has preferred dimensions:
— Facebook, LinkedIn: 1200×630;
— Twitter/X: 1200×628;
— Telegram: 1200×630 or square;
— VK: 1200×630.
If the image does not match, it may be cropped or displayed incorrectly.
Reason 1: image too small
The most common issue. Small images may be ignored or upscaled, looking blurry.
What to check:
— image dimensions;
— file size;
— quality.
The fix: use at least 1200×630 pixels. Larger images are also acceptable if the aspect ratio is correct.
Use Open Graph checker to verify the image.
Reason 2: wrong aspect ratio
If the aspect ratio is not 1.91:1, platforms may crop the image.
What to check:
— aspect ratio;
— cropping;
— important elements in the center.
The fix: use 1200×630 (1.91:1) and keep important elements in the center.
Reason 3: image not accessible
If the image URL is not accessible, platforms cannot load it.
What to check:
— is the image URL absolute;
— is it accessible without authentication;
— is it blocked by robots.txt.
The fix: use absolute URL, ensure accessibility.
Reason 4: wrong format
Some platforms do not support certain formats.
What to check:
— image format;
— support by platforms;
— file size.
The fix: use JPEG or PNG. Avoid WebP or SVG for OG images.
Reason 5: cached preview
Platforms cache previews. If you changed the image, the old one may still show.
What to check:
— cached preview;
— platform debug tools;
— image URL changes.
The fix: refresh cache via platform tools, or change image URL (add version).
How to diagnose OG image issues
A practical sequence:
— check og:image tag;
— check dimensions;
— check aspect ratio;
— check accessibility;
— check format;
— check cache.
If the image is cropped, check aspect ratio. For a broader audit, SEO audit can help verify OG tags, meta and social sharing in one place.
How to fix OG image issues
Fix steps:
— use 1200×630 image;
— keep important elements centered;
— use absolute URL;
— use JPEG or PNG;
— refresh cache;
— test after changes.
FAQ
Why is my OG image cropped?
Most often because the aspect ratio is wrong. Use 1200×630 and keep important elements centered.
What is the best OG image size?
1200×630 pixels. It works for most platforms.
Does OG image affect SEO?
Indirectly. A good preview improves click-through rate on social media.
Can I use WebP for OG images?
Not all platforms support WebP. Use JPEG or PNG.
Why is the image not showing?
Check accessibility, format and cache. Use absolute URL.
How do I refresh cached previews?
Use platform debug tools or change image URL.
Can a small image be upscaled?
Yes, but it may look blurry. Use at least 1200×630.
Should I use the same image for all platforms?
1200×630 works for most. Adjust if a platform has specific requirements.
How do I check OG image?
Use an Open Graph checker or platform debug tools.
What if only some platforms show the wrong image?
Check platform-specific requirements and cache. Adjust image if needed.
