Memes don't have an official size set by any platform. Most people size them for wherever they plan to post (a forum, a messaging app, Instagram and so on). Below are the commonly used ratios and how to choose for each situation.
Common ratios by where you post
| Where you post | Common ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online forums (general) | 1:1 or the original ratio | Each board displays images differently |
| Chat apps (e.g. KakaoTalk) | Close to square | Very tall images need scrolling in a chat window |
| 1:1, 4:5 | See the platform's official help for exact sizes |
No organization sets an official size for memes. The table above is an unofficial summary based on each platform's general image sizes and common practice.
Not sure which ratio to pick?
Keeping the original photo's ratio is the simplest. If you need room for top and bottom text, a common trick is to add white or black bands above and below the photo to make it square or another ratio.
Why memes have no fixed size
A meme is content that spreads by being repeated and remixed. It isn't tied to one platform; it moves freely between forums, messengers and social media, so unlike YouTube thumbnails there is no single official size. The practical approach is to decide where you'll post first, then follow that platform's image sizes.
Composing around the text
If you plan to add top and bottom text, choose a photo with some empty space above and below from the start. If there isn't any, you can add bands above and below the photo in the Meme Generator to make room for the text. With bands, the text stays clear without covering the photo.
Step by step
- Open the Meme Generator and upload a photo.
- Fit the photo with "Fill canvas".
- Type your lines in the top and bottom text boxes. Bold fonts read well even from a distance.
- Save it as PNG.
How to write the text
The classic meme format puts the setup at the top and the twist or punchline at the bottom. Short, punchy text works best. White text with a black outline stays readable on almost any photo.
Good vs. bad examples
- Good: The text is short and bold, so it reads even at a small size.
- Bad: The text is so long it covers almost the whole photo.
- Good: The text sits at the top and bottom so the key moment in the photo stays visible.
- Bad: The text is placed over an important expression or scene.
Copyright and right of publicity
Memes are made for fun, but the photo's copyright and the rights of the people in it still apply. Only use photos you took yourself or have permission to use. Mocking a specific person or spreading false claims can be defamation. Photos of celebrities or characters can raise separate issues when used commercially.
Common mistakes
- Using copyrighted TV or movie scenes as they are, which can cause problems.
- Text too small to read in a mobile chat.
- A low-resolution photo that looks blurry when enlarged.
Checklist
- Is it a photo you took or have permission to use?
- Is it free of content attacking a specific person?
- Is the text short and bold enough to read at a small size?
- Did you make it in a ratio that suits where you'll post it?
FAQ
Is there an official meme size I have to follow?
No. No organization sets an official size for memes. Just follow the general image sizes of where you post.
Can I make memes from movie or TV scenes?
Using them commercially or spreading them widely without the copyright holder's permission can be a problem. There is some risk even for personal use, so using your own photos is safest.
What font should I use?
Bold, blocky sans-serif fonts read well from a distance. All fonts in the Ttukttak Design editor are under the OFL, so you can use them commercially too.
Should I save my meme as PNG or JPG?
The text needs to stay crisp, so PNG is often sharper. If file size is a concern, JPG is fine too.