Your LinkedIn cover photo is one of the first things people will see when they visit your profile. It’s prime real estate to make a great first impression and convey your personal brand. But with so many options, it can be tough to choose what to put as your LinkedIn cover photo.
Should you use a headshot as your LinkedIn cover photo?
Using a professional headshot as your LinkedIn cover photo puts the focus directly on you. It’s a way to showcase your face, smile, and approachability. However, cover photos are quite small on most screens, so your headshot will appear pretty tiny. The majority of LinkedIn experts recommend opting for an alternative to a headshot cover photo.
What about using a logo or company banner?
If you want your cover photo to emphasize the company you work for, using their logo or a branded banner can be effective. This works best if you have a senior leadership role or are in a client-facing position where promoting your company is a priority.
However, for most professionals, your personal brand should take center stage on your LinkedIn profile. Using your company’s logo or branding as your background can make you blend in rather than stand out in the LinkedIn feed.
Should you use an image related to your industry?
Using a compelling image related to your industry or job function is a common choice for a LinkedIn cover photo. For example, if you’re a designer, an artsy graphic or landscape may reflect your creative side. If you’re a teacher, an image of pencils, books, or a classroom sends the right message about your profession.
The key is choosing an on-brand image that feels authentically you. Steer clear of generic stock photos that feel disconnected from your work.
What about lifestyle photos?
Photos showing you taking part in a hobby, passion, or aspect of your lifestyle can also make excellent LinkedIn cover photos. They offer a glimpse into your interests beyond your career. Good examples are traveling, playing sports, volunteering, spending time with family, and anything else that feels aligned with your persona.
Lifestyle photos work best when they capture you actively engaged rather than just staged. The goal is to provide a window into the type of person you are.
Should your LinkedIn cover photo have text?
Some LinkedIn cover photos incorporate text overlays to share a tagline, value proposition, or key messaging. When done tastefully, this can help convey details about your brand and expertise.
Keep text short, clear, and professionally designed. Avoid overcrowding the cover photo or making it feel “salesy.” The image should still be the main focus.
Tips for choosing the right LinkedIn cover photo
Here are some top tips for selecting a strong LinkedIn cover photo that puts your best foot forward:
- Pick an image that captures your brand and personality authentically
- Use a high-quality, eye-catching photo with good lighting and framing
- Make sure the photo looks professional, not casual
- Feature just you if it’s a headshot or lifestyle image
- Be mindful of small details that viewers will notice
- Align it with your headline, summary, and other profile content
- Insert a customized background color to make text pop
- Change it regularly to keep your profile fresh
Common LinkedIn cover photo sizes
LinkedIn displays cover photos at different sizes depending on the device and how the profile is viewed. Here are the most common dimensions:
Device or Page Type | Dimensions |
---|---|
Desktop | 1584 x 396 pixels |
Mobile (feed view) | 640 x 192 pixels |
Mobile (profile view) | 1152 x 288 pixels |
Share thumbnail | 154 x 154 pixels |
Creating your cover photo at 1584 x 396 pixels will ensure it looks great in all the key LinkedIn contexts.
Examples of excellent LinkedIn cover photos
Need some visual inspiration for your own LinkedIn profile? Here are examples of cover photos that do a phenomenal job showcasing their owners:
- Anna Smith, Account Manager
Anna’s cover photo features her smiling outdoors in business casual attire, conveying her approachable and cheerful brand. - Michael Clark, Software Engineer
Michael’s cover photo is a collage of images related to coding with a blue color scheme, emphasizing his tech expertise. - Michelle Johnson, Graphic Designer
Michelle’s cover image features geometric graphics and colors tailored to her industry. - John Thomas, Sales Director
John’s cover is a motivational team photo that captures his leadership abilities. - Sarah Kim, Marketing Consultant
Sarah’s photo highlights her traveling hobby while keeping the focus on her with a solid background.
Should you include the LinkedIn background photo?
In addition to your main cover photo, LinkedIn gives you the option to include a background photo that sits behind your profile details.
This secondary photo appears when your profile is viewed at 100% zoom on desktop. It’s also shown when your connections visit your profile page.
A background photo is optional. If you do opt to use one, make sure it complements your cover photo and other branding. Abstract patterns, landscapes, or office scenes tend to work well.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn cover photo is invaluable real estate for conveying your personal brand. Dedicate time to selecting an image that puts your best foot forward. Capture your authentic self while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
Change up your cover photo every few months to keep your profile looking fresh. And don’t be afraid to get creative and break conventions if it feels right for your goals.
With the right cover photo, you can make a stellar first impression and stand out on LinkedIn.