Your LinkedIn profile picture, also known as your wall or cover photo, is one of the first things people will notice when visiting your profile. Having the right sized profile picture is important for creating a professional impression. The ideal LinkedIn profile picture size can vary depending on whether you’re viewing the profile on desktop or mobile.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Size for Desktop
When viewing a LinkedIn profile on a desktop browser, the profile picture appears in a banner across the top of the profile. For desktop viewing, LinkedIn recommends using a profile banner that is 646 pixels wide by 220 pixels tall. This allows your photo to display cleanly on desktop without being distorted or cropped.
Here are the key desktop LinkedIn profile picture size requirements:
- Minimum width: 646 pixels
- Height: 220 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 2.93:1 (646:220)
- File size: 4MB or less
- File type: JPG, PNG or GIF
A 646 x 220 pixel image meets LinkedIn’s recommended dimensions for profile banners when viewed on a desktop. This size ensures your photo will fill the banner space appropriately and look sharp on desktop screens.
Tips for Desktop LinkedIn Profile Pictures
When designing a LinkedIn profile photo for desktop viewing, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a panoramic or landscape oriented photo that will fit the wide banner space.
- Make sure your head, shoulders and upper body are prominently featured.
- Use high resolution images for crisp, clear results on large screens.
- Add relevant text or logos, but don’t make it too crowded.
- Use background colors or images that aligned with your brand.
An effective desktop LinkedIn profile picture will showcase you in a professional light while complementing the rest of your profile.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Size for Mobile
On mobile devices, LinkedIn profile pictures appear as square cropped portraits. The ideal image size is different for mobile viewing.
Here are the key requirements for LinkedIn profile photos on mobile:
- Minimum dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
- File size: 4MB or less
- File type: JPG, PNG or GIF
A square 400 x 400 pixel photo will display nicely as a circular cropped portrait on mobile interfaces. This compact size also loads faster on mobile networks.
Tips for Mobile LinkedIn Profile Pictures
For optimized mobile profile photos, aim for:
- A close-up portrait photo with your face clearly visible
- A simple solid color or blurred background
- A friendly, approachable expression
- Professional attire aligned with your industry
- Consistent photo filters or editing for cohesive branding
Your mobile profile photo represents you in your network’s address book and notifications. A friendly headshot makes a good impression on-the-go.
Creative Ways to Use the Desktop Banner Space
In addition to featuring a professional headshot, you can get creative with other ways to use the desktop banner photo space:
1. Showcase Your Team
Introduce members of your team or coworkers and showcase your company culture. Just make sure you’re still prominently featured.
2. Display Infographics
Summarize key achievements, certifications or skills in an eye-catching infographic design. Keep it uncluttered and use high contrast colors.
3. Feature Your Work
Photographers, artists and creators can display examples of work to highlight talents and style. Just keep it professional.
4. Include Branded Typography
Your logo, slogan or branded text can make a subtle statement. Pair with a professional photo for balance.
5. Show Off Your Office
An office panorama can convey your work environment, especially if you have an impressive view. Be sure you’re still the focus.
How to Upload a Photo to LinkedIn
Uploading a profile photo to LinkedIn is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Click on your current profile picture and select “Change photo”
- Choose to upload a new photo from your computer
- Crop and adjust the photo as needed
- Click “Save” to set your new profile picture
LinkedIn allows you to upload JPG, GIF or PNG image files under 4MB in size. For best results, upload high resolution photos with the recommended dimensions for desktop and mobile.
You can also connect your LinkedIn account to other platforms like Google or Facebook to sync profile pictures across your accounts.
Find the Right Photo for Your Personal Brand
When selecting a LinkedIn profile banner photo, consider your personal brand and professional identity:
- Formal headshot: Classic for many industries, conveys professionalism and reliability.
- Smiling portrait: Friendly and approachable, shows confidence and charm.
- Business attire: Communicates leadership and competence, especially in corporate roles.
- Industry-specific look: Highlights your niche field or conveys your unique style.
- Cohesive branding: Images that align with your website and other branding touchpoints.
Aim for outstanding visual quality and choose photos that authentically represent you.
Change Your Profile Photo Regularly
Don’t just set your LinkedIn profile picture once and forget it. Take time to refresh your photos every six months to a year. Reasons to update include:
- Marking major life events or milestones
- Showcasing a new role, company, or colleague
- Highlighting newly acquired degrees, certifications or specializations
- Maintaining a consistent look as your appearance evolves
- Coordinating visual branding across platforms as your brand expands
The profile photo is prime real estate for expressing your brand. Change it up periodically to stay fresh and on-brand.
Tools to Create Stunning Profile Photos
Looking for help designing a top-notch LinkedIn profile picture? Try these photography and editing tools:
Photo Editing Software
- Adobe Photoshop – The industry standard for photo retouching and compositing.
- GIMP – Open source image editor with Photoshop-like capabilities.
- Pixelmator – Streamlined photo editing for Mac.
- PicMonkey – Browser-based photo editing with collage and design templates.
These programs allow you to touch up blemishes, refine coloring, composite images, add text effects, and more.
Mobile Apps
- Adobe Lightroom – Robust photo editing tools optimized for mobile.
- Snapseed – Google’s photo app with filters and tools for quick fixes.
- VSCO – Creative presets and subtle edits to enhance mobile photos.
- PhotoGrid – Collage maker and design editor for eye-catching layouts.
Mobile apps like these can help you crop portraits, brighten selfies and add finished polish.
LinkedIn Mobile App
Don’t forget LinkedIn’s own mobile app. With it you can:
- Snap a profile photo using your phone’s camera.
- Crop and adjust the picture.
- Apply filters to complement your look and style.
- Set the photo as your new profile picture.
The LinkedIn mobile app makes uploading quality headshots on-the-go a breeze.
Professional Headshot Photographers
For truly stellar results, hire a professional photographer experienced with LinkedIn-style portraits. They will ensure optimal:
- Composition and framing
- Lighting and color
- Posing and expressions
- Retouching and editing
- Output resolution and file types
Investing in pro headshots can pay dividends in making unforgettable first impressions online.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about ideal sizes for LinkedIn profile pictures:
What photo size does LinkedIn recommend?
LinkedIn recommends a banner photo size of 646×220 pixels for desktop and 400×400 pixels for mobile. Aim for high resolution images that meet these dimensions.
What is the minimum photo size for LinkedIn?
At minimum, LinkedIn requires profile photos to be at least 400×400 pixels. Larger images up to 646×220 are preferred for quality desktop display.
What is the aspect ratio for LinkedIn photos?
Use a 2.93:1 aspect ratio for full-width desktop banner photos, and a 1:1 ratio for square mobile portraits.
What file types does LinkedIn support?
You can upload JPG, PNG or GIF format images to LinkedIn. For best print results, use high-quality JPGs.
What is the file size limit for LinkedIn photos?
LinkedIn allows profile photos up to 4MB in size. For fast loading, aim for image files under 2MB in size if possible.
How often should you change your LinkedIn photo?
Plan to refresh your LinkedIn profile pictures every 6 months to a year. This keeps your image looking current. Promote new jobs, looks or branding.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn profile photo is an important first impression. Use banner images sized 646×220 pixels for desktop viewing, and square 400×400 pixel photos for mobile. Invest in a high quality headshot that presents you and your brand in the best possible light. Change it regularly to keep your profile looking fresh and professional. With the right profile photo dimensions and compelling image, you can make a memorable visual impact on LinkedIn.