As a professional social media platform, LinkedIn allows users to customize their profiles in order to present themselves in the best possible light. One way LinkedIn users can personalize their profiles is by adding a background photo. With over 722 million users worldwide, background photos have become an important part of personal branding on LinkedIn.
However, with so many users uploading background images, questions arise around the ideal size and dimensions for a LinkedIn background photo. What image sizes are allowed? What dimensions work best? Understanding the recommended specs for a LinkedIn background photo can help you design images that look fantastic on your profile.
LinkedIn Background Photo Dimensions
LinkedIn recommends uploading a background photo with the following dimensions:
- Minimum width: 1,128 pixels
- Minimum height: 191 pixels
These minimum sizes ensure the background photo will display properly across all devices. However, for best results, LinkedIn suggests using an image that is:
- 1,900 pixels wide
- 400 pixels tall
An image with these larger dimensions will display in high resolution on desktop and mobile. Using an image that is at least 1,900 x 400 pixels is ideal for your LinkedIn background.
Common LinkedIn Background Photo Sizes
Here are some of the most common and recommended sizes for a LinkedIn background image:
Photo Size | Dimensions |
---|---|
Large | 1,900 x 400 pixels |
Medium | 1,500 x 500 pixels |
Small | 1,128 x 191 pixels |
As you can see, the largest size at 1,900 x 400 pixels is ideal for displaying across desktop, mobile, and other devices. The medium 1,500 x 500 pixels size also works well. The smallest acceptable size is 1,128 x 191 pixels but this may be a bit blurry on high resolution screens.
LinkedIn Background Photo Size Recommendations
Based on LinkedIn’s official guidelines, here are some recommendations for your background photo dimensions:
- Use the largest possible size: 1,900 x 400 pixels
- Minimum acceptable size: 1,128 x 191 pixels
- For legible text, use at least 400 pixels height
- Landscape orientation works best
- JPEG, PNG, or GIF formats supported
- File size limited to 8 MB
Following these recommended specifications will ensure your background photo looks great on any viewer’s screen. The 1,900 x 400 pixel size is ideal, but the minimum 1,128 x 191 size is acceptable in a pinch.
Best Practices for Background Photo Resolution
In addition to proper sizing, image resolution also plays a key role in background photo quality. Here are some best practices:
- Use high resolution images when possible – at least 72 PPI
- Avoid low resolution, pixelated images
- Enable image enhancement and upscaling options in your photo editor
- Save images in a lossless format like PNG to preserve quality
- Use image editing tools to sharpen images and improve clarity
With a high resolution, crisp background photo, the details will shine through on both desktop and mobile. Low resolution photos become pixilated when enlarged, so aim for the best possible quality within the size constraints.
Tools for Resizing LinkedIn Background Images
If you need to resize a photo for LinkedIn, many free and paid tools can help. Here are some options:
- Basic image editors like Microsoft Paint or Mac Preview
- Online resizing tools such as IMGOnline
- Free image software like GIMP
- Paid tools like Photoshop, Pixelmator, or Affinity
- Smartphone editing apps
Most tools allow you to adjust image dimensions, scale the size, crop to desired proportions, and export with optimized resolution. This enables creating properly sized LinkedIn background photos from any source image.
Picking the Right Background Photo Content
In addition to technical specifications, also consider what your background photo conveys about your personal brand. Some tips:
- Showcase your profession or industry
- Highlight causes/organizations you support
- Use inspiring imagery or quotes
- Include team photos or company pictures
- Add travel photos or cultural images
Pick images that align with your professional identity and make the background reinforce your overall LinkedIn profile. Use high-quality photos that complement your personal brand.
Optimizing Background Photos for Visibility
To ensure your background photo looks great, optimize it for visibility:
- Use high contrast colors that stand out
- Avoid busy patterns that distract
- Add white or light space around central focus
- Make text large and legible at 400px height
- Overlays can highlight key areas
- Add visual intrigue to draw attention
A background photo optimized for visibility will immediately catch the eye on your LinkedIn profile. Use color, space, text, and other elements to direct focus and highlight your key messages.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some final do’s and don’ts for your LinkedIn background:
Do:
- Use very large images (1,900 x 400 px)
- Pick photos relevant to your personal brand
- Ensure text and details are legible
- Optimize images for high resolution
- Use eye-catching colors strategically
Don’t:
- Use low quality, pixelated images
- Choose boring stock photos
- Make text too small to read
- Pick distracting patterns or cluttered images
- Use inappropriate or unprofessional imagery
Following these simple guidelines will ensure your background photo enhances your LinkedIn presence.
Conclusion
A customized background photo is a great way to personalize your LinkedIn profile. By using an image sized at 1,900 x 400 pixels, you can create an eye-catching backdrop that displays beautifully across all devices.
Pay attention to resolution, color, text, and content selection as well for optimal visibility. With a professional, high-quality background photo that reinforces your personal branding, your LinkedIn profile will stand out and engage viewers.
So don’t settle for LinkedIn’s default blue background. Upgrade to an impressive, customized background photo that showcases your unique story! By following the tips outlined here on sizing, resolution, tools, and best practices, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that makes an impact.