When you create a LinkedIn profile, LinkedIn provides a default banner image that serves as the header image for your profile. This default banner contains a simple blue gradient background with no photos or custom branding.
The default LinkedIn banner is intended to give new users a starting point to build their profile before customizing it further. It provides a clean, professional look while allowing the profile photo and name to take center stage until users are ready to upload their own banner image.
What are the dimensions of the default LinkedIn banner?
The default LinkedIn banner image has the following dimensions:
- Width: 1584px
- Height: 392px
These are the recommended dimensions for all LinkedIn banner images. Custom banner images will be automatically cropped to fit these dimensions. Using these exact dimensions ensures your entire banner image will be displayed properly.
What does the default LinkedIn banner look like?
The default LinkedIn banner has a simple, gradient blue background. The gradient fades from a darker blue at the top to a lighter blue at the bottom. The blue colors used are LinkedIn brand blue colors.
There is no other imagery or text included on the default banner. Only the profile photo, name, and headline appear layered over the blue background image.
This unobtrusive design puts the focus on the user while conveying a professional, corporate color scheme. The blue shade also coordinates well with the standard LinkedIn profile photo backgrounds.
Can you customize or change the default LinkedIn banner?
Yes, the default LinkedIn banner image is fully customizable. All LinkedIn members can upload a custom banner photo or image for their profile.
To change your LinkedIn banner:
- Click the pencil “Edit public profile & URL” icon on your profile
- Click “Change banner” under your name
- Upload an image that is 1584px by 392px or crop a photo to those dimensions
- Click “Save changes” to set your new banner image
Your new banner will now appear at the top of your LinkedIn profile for all visitors to see.
What types of images work best for a LinkedIn banner?
Any high quality, professionally designed image that conveys your personal brand or company works well as a LinkedIn banner. Some examples include:
- A landscape photo representing your industry or location
- An image of you speaking at a conference or event
- A collage of photos representing your skills and interests
- A customized graphic with your logo, tagline, or branding
The most effective banners showcase your professional identity while coordinating with your profile photo and maintaining readability with your name and headline.
Does LinkedIn charge you to customize your banner image?
No, LinkedIn does not charge any fee to change or customize your banner image. Uploading a custom banner is free for all standard LinkedIn members. You can change your banner image as often as you like.
The only potential costs are if you choose to work with a graphic designer to have a banner created specifically for your profile. But there are no fees to upload images on LinkedIn.
How often should you update your LinkedIn banner image?
Most LinkedIn experts recommend updating your banner every 6-12 months. Reasons you may want to update your banner more frequently include:
- You have changed jobs
- You started a new business
- You achieved a major career milestone
- Your brand or company has a new logo or slogan
- Special event or date you want to promote
Avoid changing your banner too frequently, as you want consistency for your personal brand. But updating every year helps convey your growth and achievements.
Do all LinkedIn profiles have a customized banner?
No, many LinkedIn profiles still use the default blue gradient background banner. According to LinkedIn statistics:
- Only about 30% of profiles have a customized banner
- Around 70% still use the default LinkedIn banner
Having a customized banner can help you stand out and look more professional. But many users have not yet taken the time to personalize or are satisfied with the default look.
Does your LinkedIn banner appear on mobile?
Yes, your LinkedIn banner photo will be displayed at the top of your profile on both desktop and mobile apps. However, the mobile banner is cropped into a more vertical shape.
The mobile banner image appears in these dimensions:
| Platform | Banner Width | Banner Height |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | 1584px | 392px |
| Mobile | 620px | 168px |
So if designing a banner specifically for mobile profiles, using these reduced dimensions ensures the banner will display properly on smartphones and tablets.
Is the LinkedIn banner the same as the LinkedIn cover photo?
Yes, the “banner” and “cover photo” terms are interchangeable when referring to the background header image on your LinkedIn profile.
Both terms refer to the large horizontal image behind your profile photo and headline atop your homepage. This area is prime real estate for showcasing a polished, professional image to visitors.
Should I include text or graphics on my LinkedIn banner?
It’s best to avoid adding extensive text or complex graphics to your LinkedIn banner. With limited space, you want elements that can be quickly understood.
Text should be limited to concise slogans or titles. Logos and simple graphics work well for branding. Photos of products, team members, or events are also effective.
But avoid cluttering the image or using text that will be difficult to read. Have a clear focal point and keep additional elements minimal.
Conclusion
The default LinkedIn banner provides a clean, professional placeholder image for your profile. But customizing your banner with a photo or graphic that represents your personal brand gives a more unique, memorable identity. Take advantage of this prime profile real estate to showcase your experience, values, or company visually.
