Profile picture placeholder graphics for different social media platforms

Whether you invested in headshots because you’re job hunting, rebranding, or you were asked to provide one, now’s the ideal time to update your profile picture on social media. Using a consistent image across all your digital platforms will help you look professional and create a cohesive brand identity. But before you hit upload, make sure to format your headshot the right way for each platform.


Here's everything you need to know about how to format your headshot, from general guidelines to the best profile picture dimensions for social media and more.

What Makes a Great Profile Picture


Before we get into the formatting requirements for each digital platform, here are a few tips for choosing the right headshot and making it look great everywhere:


  • Use a professional headshot — not a selfie. Professional photographers have the knowledge and gear to create a high quality image, and they know how to coax a great expression and make you look your best.
  • Choose a headshot with a simple, uncluttered background. Profile pictures are super tiny, and you want your face to stand out.
  • Use a recent photo that looks like you — it's disconcerting when you meet someone and they look nothing like their headshot.
  • Profile pictures are almost always displayed as a circle, so crop your headshot as a square (1=1 ratio).
  • Crop in close — a true headshot includes head and shoulders only (not a 3/4 or full body shot). Your face should take up 60% of the frame.
  • Leave enough space around your head so you don't get cut off when the square is cropped to a circle.
  • Use a high resolution image. Don't shrink the resolution for the web — instead, pay attention to the pixel dimensions mentioned below.
  • Avoid using text in your profile picture, as it can be difficult to read and may not display well on all devices.
  • Name each file something obvious (i.e., Headshot-Facebook) so you can find them later if needed.
  • Export your files in sRGB colour space.


Now that your headshot is prepped and ready to go, here's how to size it for every social media and professional platform. I've included the guidelines (where available) on the minimum, maximum, and recommended sizes. I know from experience that sometimes recommended sizes aren't actually the best, so I tested different sizes with own headshot to see what looks best on my iPhone and 13" Macbook Pro. Keep in mind that different screens will display images differently, but you should get the best results using my recommended dimensions (listed at the end of each section in bold).

Blonde woman smiles for a headshot
Professional headshot by Brett Elizabeth Photography
Example of a woman's headshot that isn't cropped close enough

LinkedIn Profile Picture Size

According to LinkedIn, the ideal size for your profile picture is between 400 x 400 pixels and 7680 (w) x 4320 (h) pixels.

Minimum size: 200 x 200 pixels

Maximum file size: 8 MB

Best LinkedIn profile picture dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels

Zoom Profile Picture Size

While Zoom does not offer guidelines on profile picture dimensions, members of the Zoom community have suggested 267 x 267 pixels.

Maximum file size: 2 MB

Best Zoom profile picture dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels

Skype Profile Picture Size

Minimum dimensions: 96 x 96 pixels

Maximum file size: 4 MB

Best Skype profile picture dimensions: 648 pixels x 648 pixels

Microsoft Teams Profile Picture Size

Minimum size: 95 x 95 pixels

Maximum file size: 4 MB

Best Microsoft Teams profile picture dimensions: 450 x 450 pixels

Facebook Profile Picture Size

According to Facebook, your profile photo should be at least 320 x 320 pixels to ensure the best quality.

Minimum size: 180 x 60 pixels

Maximum file size: 2048 x 2048 pixels.

Best Facebook profile picture dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels

Instagram Profile Picture Size

Recommended size: 320 x 320 pixels

Minimum size: 180 x 180 pixels

Best Instagram profile picture dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels

Pinterest Profile Picture Size

Recommended size: 165 x 165 pixels (or that's how it's displayed)

Canva recommends 280 x 280

Best Pinterest profile picture dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels

Bluesky Profile Picture Size

Recommended size: 400 x 400 pixels

Best Bluesky profile picture dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels

X (formerly Twitter) Profile Picture Size

Recommended size: 400 x 400 pixels

Maximum file size: 5 MB

Best X profile picture dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels

YouTube Profile Picture Size

Recommended size: 800 x 800 pixels

Minimum size: 98 x 98 pixels

Best YouTube profile picture dimensions: 800 x 800 pixels — anywhere between 400 - 1080 pixels works, but this is safe.

TikTok Profile Picture Size

TikTok doesn't have recommendations for the best dimensions or file size for a profile picture — only the minimum size, which looks terrible.

Minimum size: 20 x 20 pixels

Best TikTok profile picture dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels