How to Create the Best Profile Pics for Social Media
Your profile picture is more than just an image—it’s the first impression you make on a global platform. Whether you're job hunting on LinkedIn, building your brand on Instagram, or staying connected with friends on Facebook, a great profile picture can make all the difference. But how do you make your profile picture more attractive, professional, and high-quality? This guide will show you how to make a good profile picture for social media using BeFunky’s powerful editing tools!
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Why Is a Good Profile Pic Important?
A well-crafted profile picture communicates who you are and what you stand for. It can help establish trust, professionalism, and personality, depending on the platform. For example:
- A professional headshot shows you're serious about your career, making it the preferred style for LinkedIn.
- A creative or eye-catching image highlights your personality and style. This style is great for more casual platforms, like Instagram.
- A friendly portrait keeps things approachable and authentic—two key qualities you want in a Facebook profile photo.
As you can see, the type of profile picture you choose depends on your goals and the platform. However, there are also a few universal steps to ensure your image stands out, no matter what social media site it’s published on. This takes us to our next point…
Tools to Create High-Quality Profile Pictures
BeFunky has everything you need to create high-quality, attractive profile pictures that fit your style and purpose. Below, we’ve rounded up the most useful tools that’ll make your profile pictures shine. All of these can be found within the Edit tab of the Photo Editor.
1. Crop for the Perfect Fit
Most social media platforms display profile pictures in a circular format, so starting with a square crop (1:1 aspect ratio) is essential. Thankfully, BeFunky’s Crop tool makes it easy to adjust your image to the perfect size. Want to visualize how it’ll look when displayed as a circle? Use a circle graphic overlay from BeFunky’s Basic Shapes (found within the Graphics tab) to simulate the final result.
2. Resize for High-Quality Results
If you’re wondering “how do you get a high-quality profile picture?”, it all starts with the right dimensions. Most platforms recommend at least 400 x 400 pixels for profile pictures. Use BeFunky’s Resize tool to adjust your image size without losing clarity.
3. Enhance With the Portrait Enhancer
If you want to know “how do I make my profile picture look professional?”, the answer lies in our revolutionary Portrait Enhancer. This tool smooths skin, reduces blemishes, brightens eyes, whitens teeth, and adds subtle makeup effects for a more polished look. These enhancements keep your photo looking natural yet refined, making it a must-have step in your profile pic editing routine.
4. Upscale or Deblur for Crystal-Clear Images
Blurry images can make your profile picture look unprofessional, which is why we recommend using the Upscale tool – especially when you want to make your image larger to fit the platform’s sizing requirements. This is because the Upscale tool is perfect for increasing the resolution of your photo, while enhancing its quality.
If quality isn't the issue but you need to adjust the overall blurriness of an image, be sure to check out the Deblur tool instead!
5. Perfect the Background With the Object Eraser or Detach Subject Tool
Want a clean, distraction-free profile picture? Use the Object Eraser to remove unwanted elements from your background.
You can also try the Detach Subject tool to isolate yourself from the background. Then, you can move yourself to a different location in the photo, replace the background with a solid color, or add a subtle gradient for a more professional touch.
Profile Picture Inspiration by Platform
Each social media platform has unique size requirements and styles for profile pictures. Here’s how to tailor your image to the three most popular platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Sizing: 1:1 aspect ratio, at least 400 x 400 pixels.
Your Instagram profile picture is your chance to give followers a glimpse into your unique personality and what they can expect from your feed. Therefore, use it to express your personal brand in a way that’s creative, eye-catching, and memorable.
For example, are you a globetrotter with a passion for exploring the world? Choose an adventurous photo of you from your travels, whether you’re standing atop the Great Wall of China or trekking through a lush rainforest. If you want to convey your artistic side, why not add an Artsy effect that’ll make you really stand out? In the example below, we added the Watercolor GFX 2 effect.
The key is to select a profile picture that resonates with your content and invites followers to explore more. After all, your profile picture sets the tone for your entire feed.
Sizing: 1:1 aspect ratio, at least 400 x 400 pixels
Did you know that simply adding a profile picture makes your LinkedIn profile 14 times more likely to be viewed? And when it comes to the age-old debate of “to smile or not to smile”, it’s clear that a smile goes a long way in making you appear more approachable and relatable.
In fact, a study of 800 profile pictures revealed that a genuine smile can make you seem more likable, competent, and even influential. Want to up the likability factor? Smiles that show teeth were rated twice as inviting as those with closed mouths. So don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through with a confident grin!
In terms of editing your LinkedIn profile pic, there are a few key suggestions regarding cropping. When cropping your LinkedIn profile photo, aim for your face to take up about 60% of the frame. A good rule of thumb is to crop from just below your shoulders to the top of your head. This ensures your face is the focal point and keeps your image looking clean and professional.
Sizing: 1:1 aspect ratio, at least 400 x 400 pixels.
Your Facebook profile picture is all about creating a warm, approachable first impression while reflecting your authentic self. Think of it as a snapshot that helps friends, family, and even new connections instantly recognize you and feel connected. Whether it’s a cheerful portrait taken in natural light, a relaxed photo from a favorite outdoor spot, or a moment that captures your unique personality, the key is to keep it high-quality and well-lit.
Choose an image where your face is clearly visible and takes center stage, as this will make your profile feel more personal and inviting. You might even consider adding a custom frame to your profile picture to personalize it further.
By selecting a profile picture that’s both genuine and visually appealing, you’ll set a friendly tone for your entire Facebook presence.
Get a High-Quality Profile Picture With BeFunky
Creating the perfect profile picture doesn’t have to be complicated. With BeFunky’s easy-to-use editing tools, you can crop, resize, enhance, and refine your photos to make a lasting impression. Ready to elevate your social media presence with a standout profile picture? Head to the Photo Editor and start creating today!
