What Is A Profile Picture?

A profile picture is a small, representative image or photograph that individuals use on social networks, professional platforms, and online communities to visually identify themselves. It typically features the user’s face or likeness, helping others recognize, connect, and engage with that individual’s digital presence.

What LinkedIn About Profile Photos

Your photo must reflect your true likeness. While you can use an illustration or artistic rendering of yourself, keep in mind that your image may be removed if it violates LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Professional Community Policies.

Examples of images that may be removed include:

• Company logos
• Emojis
• Landscapes, animals, flags, or childhood photos
• Others’ likenesses, including celebrities, fictional characters, or stock images

How Do You Update Your LinkedIn Profile Photo?

How to Add, Change, or Delete Your LinkedIn Profile Photo

A clear and up-to-date profile photo is a key part of your professional presence on LinkedIn. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, the steps below will guide you through adding, changing, editing, or deleting your profile picture.

1. Adding a Profile Photo (Desktop)

1.Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.

2.Select View Profile from the dropdown menu.

3.In the Introduction section, click the Camera icon.

•Note: If you already have a profile photo, the Camera icon won’t appear here.

4.From the Add photo pop-up window, you can:

•Use camera to take a photo using your device’s camera.

•Upload photo to select an image from your computer.

5.Follow the prompts to either take a new photo or upload an image.

6.After uploading your photo, you can:

•Crop the photo

•Apply photo filters

•Adjust brightness, contrast, and more

•Change position and size

•Rotate the image

•Select the visibility of your profile photo (who can see it)

7.Click Save photo to confirm.

2. Changing, Editing, or Deleting Your Profile Photo (Desktop)

1.Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.

2.Select View Profile.

3.In the Introduction section, click on your profile photo.

4.In the Profile photo pop-up, you can:

•Edit: Crop, use photo filters, adjust lighting, change size or position, rotate, or change who can see your photo.

•Add photo: Follow prompts to upload a new image.

•Frames: Add a decorative frame to your profile photo.

•Delete: Remove your current photo.

5.Click Save photo when you’re done making changes.

3. Adding a Profile Photo (Mobile)

1.Tap your profile photo, then select View profile.

2.On your profile, tap the Camera icon at the upper left.

•Note: If you already have a profile photo, you won’t see the Camera icon.

3.Select Photo to either take a new photo or choose one from your mobile device’s library.

4.Follow the prompts to take or upload a photo.

5.After uploading, you can:

•Crop the photo

•Use photo filters

•Adjust brightness and contrast

•Change position and size

•Rotate the photo

•Select the visibility of your profile photo

6.Tap Save to confirm.

4. Changing, Editing, or Deleting Your Profile Photo (Mobile)

1.Tap your profile photo, then select View profile.

2.On your profile, tap your profile photo again in the upper left corner.

3.Select View or edit profile photo in the pop-up window.

4.In the Profile Photo pop-up, you can:

•Edit: Crop, use filters, adjust lighting, change position and size, rotate, or change who can see your photo.

•Add photo: Upload a new image.

•Add Frames: Place a decorative frame around your photo.

•Delete: Remove your current profile photo.

5.Tap Save to finalize any changes.

Deciding Who Can See It

LinkedIn gives you control over the visibility of your profile photo. You can choose to make it visible to:

•Your connections only

•Your network (connections plus their connections)

•All LinkedIn members

•Public (visible to anyone on the web)

Make sure to select the visibility setting that best fits your professional networking goals.

Helpful Links

• LinkedIn Help Center – For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting.

What Is A LinkedIn Background Photo?

Appears behind your main profile photo. It should comply with LinkedIn’s policies—otherwise it may be removed. You can learn how to add or change your background image or replace a removed photo via LinkedIn’s support links:

Your background photo is a great way to showcase your creativity or highlight your interests—just make sure it doesn’t violate LinkedIn’s policies. For design inspiration, check out LinkedIn’s best practices or consider adding a toned-down professional image (like a blurred cityscape or a brand-aligned graphic).

Tips for a Winning Profile Picture

Convey Warmth and Credibility

A friendly, genuine expression can do wonders for your perceived approachability. Smiling with your teeth visible often enhances trust, while a wide, laugh-like grin might undermine your professional aura. Slightly squinting your eyes—sometimes referred to as “the squinch”—adds an element of authenticity and can boost your confidence factor.

Leverage Photography Basics

Professional portraits don’t necessarily require a studio photographer—though experts can make the process seamless. Consider these pointers:

•Enlist a Friend: Ask someone with a good eye for composition to snap your photo. They can offer direction and help you feel at ease.

•Soft Lighting: Position yourself near a bright, indirect light source (like a window without direct sun) for a softer look.

•Consider Angles and Cropping: Shooting from a slightly elevated angle is often more flattering, and using the rule of thirds places your eyes or face in a visually compelling area.

Evaluate Your Picture with Online Tools

If you want to gather objective input on your profile photo:

•AI-Based Reviews: Some websites use artificial intelligence to rate your photo based on factors like composition and facial expression.

•Real Human Feedback: Other platforms let users score your image on perceived approachability, influence, or credibility. This crowd-sourced evaluation can show whether you’re making the right impression.

Stay Authentic With Your Photo

Ensure your photograph matches who you are at work. If you frequently wear glasses, style your hair a certain way, or keep your wardrobe fairly casual, let that shine in your picture. Consistency between the “real you” and your profile image helps build trust and avoids surprises when you meet colleagues or clients face-to-face.

Focus on Your Face

Aim for your face to occupy at least 60% of the frame. That way, even when people see a smaller, thumbnail version of your profile, they can easily recognize you. A head-and-shoulders crop typically works best, whereas full-body shots risk shrinking your face too much.

Keep It Uncluttered

A busy or messy background can distract viewers from your face—your main selling point. While LinkedIn suggests a simple, neutral space, some people prefer a soft color or an outdoor scene with a blurred backdrop. Save your more artistic photos or scenic shots for your header image so your profile picture remains clear and focused on you.

Steer Clear of Common Mistakes

Using a blurry selfie or cropping yourself from a group photo can undermine your professional credibility.

Selfies also tend to skew the angles of your face. If you don’t have a polished headshot, take a few moments to set up a mini-photo shoot with good lighting and a friend behind the camera. That little investment of time often pays off in helping you establish a trustworthy professional image.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a refined, genuine, and eye-catching profile picture that leaves a memorable first impression.