How to Create the Best Profile Pics for Social Media
You know what they say. A picture’s worth a thousand words . . . or 140 characters depending on what you’re talking about. If you’re not on social media in some way, shape, or form, you’re probably living under a rock.
From the artsy Instagram to the career-driven LinkedIn, how you brand yourself on social media begins with the extremely important profile pic. It’s not only one of the first things you’re asked to upload when you start an account, but it's also the first thing people see when they search for you on that little World Wide Web.
Every platform serves a different purpose—and all have varying guidelines on the type of profile image they need. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the major ones in a little cheat sheet below with insider tips for how to use BeFunky to edit the best profile pictures for social media.
So, how do you make a good social media profile picture? Keep reading to find out.
Recommended Dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels
Recommended Formats: JPG, PNG, or GIF
When choosing a Twitter pic, you have to remember how many times it’s going to be seen (on your feed, your followers’ feeds . . . and followers of followers if you get an RT). In a sea of faces, your profile pic needs to pop.
As with many online photos, it's essential that your profile image remains crisp. There are two features in BeFunky’s Photo Editor to try. First, use the Sharpen tool within the Essentials menu to ensure your profile photo’s lines are clear and crisp. Next, you can also try BeFunky’s Clarity tool in the Essentials dropdown menu. This helps make the features of your profile picture stand out.
Recommended Dimensions: 360 x 360 pixels
Recommended Formats: JPG, PNG, or GIF
Even if you think your page is private, chances are the general public can still see your profile pic. A great way to give a creative angle to your picture without overshadowing your cover photo is to abide by the “Rule of Thirds.”
You basically divide your picture into a grid of thirds like this, using the Cropping Tool. The intersections you see represent where the eyes are drawn and, instead of the middle, the proper place to put your key elements like someone's face.
Recommended Dimensions: 400 x 400 pixels
Recommended Formats: JPG, PNG, or GIF
According to the LinkedIn pros, just having a picture on your profile makes it 14 times more likely to be viewed by others. And when they look at it? You better believe they’ll be all about a toothy grin.
A recent study from PhotoFeeler found that the best type of profile smile is one with teeth. People will reportedly see you as more likable and competent than those with a closed mouth or laughing smile.
BeFunky Pro Tip: When cropping your photo, make sure that your face takes up 60 percent of the frame. A rule of thumb: Crop from just below your shoulders to the top of your head. No need to get artsy when you’ve got Instagram for that.
Recommended Dimensions: 180 x 180 pixels
Recommended Formats: PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF
Speaking of...it was the fastest-growing major social network among adults in the U.S. last year. With an app that’s solely photo-driven (OK and a little video), it’s essential that you have a strong profile pic. Use this space as an opportunity to sum up your personal brand, giving followers a snippet of the pics they should expect to see on your feed.
Are you a world traveler who loves sharing your finds? Make that picture of you on the Great Wall of China your profile. A die-hard foodie? Include an image of you holding a delectable dish. Even just the way you position yourself in a picture could make or break whether someone's intrigued. This picture above, for example, is perfect for Instagram because it’s colorful, artsy, and totally approachable. Who wouldn't want to follow someone like that?!
It's important to note that your profile picture is displayed in two different ways on Instagram. On desktop viewing, it will be a square. On the mobile app, however, your image will be automatically cropped into a circle so be sure to find a picture that works with both shapes.
Present Your Best Self on Social Media
Having an excellent profile picture on your social media profiles is a foolproof way to gaining more followers and building your personal brand. Take the information here and get to work in BeFunky’s Photo Editor to create your best profile pictures yet.
Do you have any tips for the perfect social media profile pic? Let us know in the comments below!
