Facebook’s broad range of features includes the ability to share photos with friends, family, and even business associates. However, an issue some users encounter is that their photos upload sideways on Facebook. This article will delve into why this happens and provide solutions to get your photos back on the right track.
Why Do My Photos Upload Sideways?
There are a few reasons why your photos may be uploading sideways on Facebook, which we will discuss in detail below.
Reason #1: Mobile Device Orientation
The way your mobile device is oriented when you take a photo can have a significant impact on how the image is displayed upon upload. If your phone’s auto-rotate feature is enabled, it can cause the photo to appear sideways. Here’s a quick fix:
- Go to your phone’s “Settings” menu.
- Select the “Display” option.
- Disable the auto-rotate option.
Reason #2: EXIF Metadata
EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is a standard that dictates the formats of images and sounds captured by digital cameras, including smartphones. This standard can also influence the orientation of your photos on Facebook. To fix this problem, consider cropping the photo before uploading it to Facebook.
Here’s how you can do this:
- Open your phone’s gallery.
- Select the image you want to upload to Facebook.
- Click on the “Modify” option.
- Select the “Cropping” option.
- Resize and adjust the image.
- Upload the image to Facebook.
Reason #3: The Photo was Taken Upside Down
A common mistake that could cause your photo to upload sideways is simply taking the photo in the wrong orientation. Research has shown that landscape (horizontal) orientation often produces better photos than portrait (vertical) orientation.
To address this issue, try taking your photos in landscape mode before uploading them to Facebook.
If your photos still appear sideways, Facebook has provided a solution. You can rotate the photo to set it upright.
Follow these steps to rotate your photos:
- Connect to your Facebook profile.
- Click on your profile picture in the upper left corner.
- Click on the “Photos” tab.
- Select the photo you want to rotate.
- Click on the “More” option (3 horizontal dots).
- Select the “Modify” option.
- Click on “Rotate left” or “Rotate right” until the image is correctly oriented.
- Select “End of edition”.
Note: This option is currently only available when using Facebook on a computer.
Wrapping Up
This article has given you insights into why your photos might be uploading sideways on Facebook and how to address these issues. Whether your device’s orientation, EXIF metadata, or the way you’ve taken the photo is to blame, you now have the know-how to correct this common problem and make your Facebook photos look just the way you want them to.
FAQ
Is landscape or portrait orientation better for Facebook?
According to surveys, landscape orientation is preferred on both Facebook’s mobile application and desktop display, followed by square and then portrait orientation.
Why is my photo upside down?
If your photo is upside down, it may be because you took the photo with your phone upside down or at an angle.
Can I rotate my photos on Facebook with my mobile phone?
As of now, the rotate feature is not available on the Facebook mobile app or website when accessed from a mobile phone. You can only use this feature on the Facebook website via a computer.
Can I change the orientation of my iPhone?
Yes, you can. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, then tap the portrait orientation lock button to make sure it’s off.
Can I take a photo upside down and make it look straight?
Yes, you can. If you take a photo on your phone upside down and it appears upside down, touch the photo, select options and click edit, select the rotate option and adjust it until it is straight.
