LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 740 million members. Having an optimized LinkedIn presence is crucial for personal branding and establishing thought leadership in your industry. A key part of an optimized LinkedIn profile is having high-quality profile and cover images that align with LinkedIn’s recommended image specifications.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about LinkedIn’s image requirements including ideal image dimensions, file types, size limits and tips for creating visually compelling LinkedIn images that make a great first impression.
What are LinkedIn’s Recommended Image Specifications?
LinkedIn has specific requirements when it comes to profile and cover images. Here are the key image specs to follow:
Profile Photo
- Square cropped image
- 400 x 400 pixels minimum
- PNG or JPG file
- Image size less than 8MB
- No borders around photo
Your profile photo is one of the first things people will notice on your LinkedIn profile. Have a professional headshot or upper body photo of just you (no group photos). Make sure your face is clearly visible and your photo is high resolution.
Cover Photo
- 1584 x 396 pixels
- JPG, PNG or GIF (GIF files must be under 8MB)
- Text and logos optional
- No more than 20% text
Your cover photo spans the top of your LinkedIn profile. It’s valuable real estate to showcase your professional brand. Select a high quality image that conveys your industry, interests or company. You can include text or a logo but it should not take up more than 20% of the image.
Ideal Image Dimensions
While LinkedIn specifies minimum image dimensions, larger images are recommended for optimal quality. Here are the ideal dimensions:
Profile Photo
- 600 x 600 pixels
A 600 x 600 pixel profile photo will ensure your headshot remains high resolution and clear on LinkedIn.
Cover Photo
- 1584 x 396 pixels (standard desktop)
- 1192 x 220 pixels (mobile standard)
Sticking to LinkedIn’s exact cover photo specs of 1584 x 396 pixels will provide crisp image quality across desktop and mobile.
You can also upload a separate 1192 x 220 mobile version to optimize the cover image for smaller screens.
Recommended File Types
When saving your LinkedIn profile and cover images, these file types are recommended:
Profile Photo:
- PNG (recommended for image quality)
- JPG (acceptable if high resolution)
PNG and JPG are the only file types accepted by LinkedIn for profile pictures. PNG is preferable to avoid compression and maintain image quality.
Cover Photo:
- JPG (recommended)
- PNG
- GIF (must be under 8MB)
JPG is the best cover image file type for LinkedIn because it compresses well at high resolutions and allows vibrant colors.
GIFs are allowed but restrict animation length and file size (under 8MB) for performance.
Ideal Image Size Limits
In addition to minimum size requirements, LinkedIn enforces maximum image sizes. Here are the size limit specifics:
Profile Picture:
- 8MB maximum file size
Aim for between 2-5MB for crisp quality without exceeding the limit.
Cover Photo:
- 8MB maximum file size
Keep cover photos under 8MB even if lower resolution to allow quick loading. Compress oversized files.
Shoot for these ideal size parameters when exporting and compressing your profile and cover images to meet LinkedIn’s requirements.
Tips for Creating Visually Compelling LinkedIn Images
Optimizing your LinkedIn presence goes beyond just meeting image specifications. You also need visually appealing photos that convey your personal brand and draw attention.
Here are tips for creating engaging LinkedIn profile and cover images:
Profile Picture Tips:
- Get a professional headshot taken
- Wear professional attire
- Smile and make eye contact with camera
- Ensure face is clearly visible
- Use a solid neutral background
- Avoid busy backgrounds
- Check for consistent lighting
- No hats, sunglasses or filters
Your profile photo is your first chance to make a strong impression so invest in a high-quality professional headshot.
Cover Image Tips:
- Select relevant high resolution photos
- Showcase your industry or role
- Use infographics or text overlays sparingly
- Avoid cluttered or distracting images
- Use bold contrasting colors
- Convey your professional branding
- Change cover images seasonally
Since your cover photo is more illustrative, take advantage of this space to reinforce your professional brand through vibrant, relevant images.
Ideal Image Spec Examples
To illustrate ideal profile photo and cover photo specs, here are two example images optimized for LinkedIn:
Profile Picture Example:
This profile picture example checks all the boxes:
- 600 x 600 pixels
- JPG format
- Under 8MB file size
- Professional headshot
- Smiling
- Visible face
- Solid neutral background
Cover Photo Example:
This cover photo example meets LinkedIn’s recommendations:
- 1584 x 396 pixels
- JPG format
- Under 8MB file size
- Branded design
- Minimal text overlay
Both samples are professionally designed, high resolution images that align perfectly with LinkedIn’s specifications. Using these kinds of optimized images will take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.
Conclusion
LinkedIn has strict yet straightforward image requirements to maintain visual quality across their platform. By following the recommended specifications for profile photo (400 x 400 px minimum) and cover image (1584 x 396 pixels), you can avoid any formatting issues or blockages getting your photos approved on LinkedIn.
Additionally, tailoring your images to the ideal dimensions, file types and size limits provided in this guide will maximize visual impact. Most importantly, invest time choosing and developing compelling profile and cover photos that bring your professional brand to life. With these tips, you can fully optimize your LinkedIn profile’s image real estate.
