LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 740 million members. Having an optimized LinkedIn profile, including an appropriate profile photo or thumbnail image, is important for establishing credibility and making the right first impression on potential connections.
Many LinkedIn users wonder if it is possible to edit or change their profile thumbnail or photo after initially uploading it. The short answer is yes, LinkedIn allows you to edit and change your profile thumbnail as needed. However, there are some specific steps required to change your profile photo on LinkedIn.
Why You May Want to Change Your LinkedIn Thumbnail
There are several reasons you may want to edit or change your LinkedIn profile thumbnail image:
The original photo is outdated
Your profile photo may have been appropriate when you first created your account, but is now outdated. For example, if your photo is several years old and no longer looks like you or does not reflect your current professional role or industry. Updating your thumbnail keeps your profile looking current.
You want a more professional look
Perhaps your original thumbnail was too casual – a vacation photo or selfie for example. Updating it to a more professional-looking headshot helps showcase your professional brand on LinkedIn.
Branding is no longer aligned
If you have changed companies or roles, your previous photo may reflect a different brand or be associated with your previous employer. Updating your thumbnail allows you to align with your current brand.
Photo quality is poor
Your existing photo may be grainy, low resolution, or poorly lit. Uploading a higher quality version of your photo makes your profile look more polished and professional.
You want to stand out
Rather than a standard headshot, you may want to upload a photo that better captures your personality to help you stand out from others in your industry.
LinkedIn Thumbnail Specifications
If you want to change your LinkedIn profile thumbnail, be sure to upload a photo that meets LinkedIn’s specifications:
- Square photo crop in 1:1 aspect ratio
- Minimum photo dimensions of 400×400 pixels
- Maximum file size of 8MB
- JPG, GIF, or PNG format
Having a profile photo that meets these requirements ensures it will display properly across LinkedIn in the standard thumbnail size.
How to Edit or Change Your LinkedIn Thumbnail
Editing your LinkedIn thumbnail is a simple process:
Step 1: Access your profile
Log into your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page.
Step 2: Click the photo thumbnail
Find your current profile photo thumbnail and click on it. This will open your photo toolbar.
Step 3: Click “Change” or the camera icon
Within the photo toolbar, click on the “Change” button or camera icon to upload a new photo.
Step 4: Upload new photo
Browse your computer files to select a new photo file to upload. Remember, it must meet the recommended specifications for LinkedIn thumbnails.
Step 5: Position and crop photo
Once uploaded, you can drag and position the photo within the frame to adjust the crop. Click “Apply” to set the desired crop.
Step 6: Save changes
Preview how the new photo thumbnail will display on your profile. If satisfied, click “Save”.
The updated profile photo may take a short while to refresh across LinkedIn. You can logout and back in to view the new thumbnail.
Tips for Your LinkedIn Profile Thumbnail
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile thumbnail, keep these tips in mind:
Use a professional headshot
A quality headshot on a neutral background is the standard recommendation for LinkedIn. This projects an image that is professional, trustworthy, and approachable.
Dress appropriately
Dress in typical business attire – such as a suit jacket, button-down shirt, or blouse for women. Avoid casual wear like t-shirts, tank tops, or hats.
Check positioning
Sit upright and look directly into the camera with good posture. Your head should not be tilted or turned. Lighting should illuminate your face evenly.
Make eye contact
Maintain eye contact with the camera lens to appear engaged and approachable. Do not look down or to the side.
Smile naturally
A slight smile looks both friendly and approachable for a business photo. A closed, tight smile may look insincere.
Use a clean background
Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds. A solid neutral tone background keeps emphasis on you.
Focus on head and shoulders
Tightly crop the image around your head and shoulders. Avoid extraneous space around the sides.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some additional LinkedIn profile photo dos and don’ts:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| – Do look at the camera directly | – Don’t look off-camera or tilt your head |
| – Do smile naturally | – Don’t have an exaggerated laugh or grin |
| – Do use a simple, plain background | – Don’t use patterned backgrounds |
| – Do ensure proper focus and lighting | – Don’t use dark, blurry, or grainy images |
| – Do dress professionally | – Don’t wear tank tops, t-shirts, etc |
Common LinkedIn Profile Photo Mistakes
Some common mistakes to avoid with your LinkedIn profile thumbnail:
- Using an overly casual photo
- Wearing sunglasses, hats, or heavily tinted glasses
- Appearing distracted and not making eye contact
- Having other people in the photo
- Uploading an outdated photo
- Using low-quality pixelated images
- Not having a photo at all
Having any of these thumbnail issues prevents you from putting your best professional image forward on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile thumbnail or photo is a crucial first impression. Ensuring you have an updated, professional-looking headshot that meets LinkedIn’s specifications will maximize your profile’s effectiveness. This allows you to put your best face forward to connections old and new.
Though LinkedIn has strict photo requirements, the platform does make it relatively simple to upload and edit your profile thumbnail as needed. Periodically reviewing your photo and proactively updating it when appropriate helps maintain an accurate representation of yourself over the course of your career.