LinkedIn thumbnails come in a few different sizes depending on where they appear on the platform. The most common LinkedIn thumbnail sizes are 200×200 pixels, 400×400 pixels, and 800×800 pixels.
200×200 Pixel Thumbnails
The 200×200 pixel thumbnail is used in several places on LinkedIn:
- Next to your name and headline in search results
- In the “People Also Viewed” section
- Beside comments you post
- In sidebar recommendations
This small square thumbnail lets people quickly identify you even in crowded interfaces with lots of information. The 200×200 size is optimized for rapid visual recognition without taking up too much space on the screen.
400×400 Pixel Thumbnails
LinkedIn displays 400×400 pixel thumbnails in a few key places:
- On your profile page
- In shared connections’ profiles
- In listings of group members
- Beside your posts and articles
The 400×400 thumbnail provides a more detailed preview of your photo. At this size, users can see some facial features and get a better sense of what you look like. This allows for stronger personalization and connection, while still loading quickly.
800×800 Pixel Thumbnails
The largest profile thumbnail size on LinkedIn is 800×800 pixels. This appears when users click to expand your profile picture from the 400×400 view. The 800×800 thumbnail is large enough to convey facial expressions and detailed features.
Seeing an 800×800 thumbnail helps users:
- Recognize connections they may already know offline
- Assess professionalism through clothes, background, and photo quality
- View extra details like hairstyle, glasses, etc.
The 800×800 expanded thumbnail gives your profile an enhanced sense of realism and approachability when connections click for a closer look.
Ideal Photo Dimensions
To ensure your LinkedIn photos look great at any size, it’s best to upload an original image that meets these guidelines:
- File size: At least 4MB
- Dimensions: Square crop, at least 400×400 pixels
- Image type: JPG or PNG
With an original photo meeting those minimum specs, LinkedIn can easily scale it down to crisp 200×200 or 400×400 thumbnails as needed. Avoid uploading a tiny image and expecting LinkedIn to enlarge it without quality loss.
Photo Composition Tips
Follow these best practices when taking a profile photo to look great at LinkedIn thumbnail sizes:
- Get close enough to fill the frame with your head and shoulders.
- Shoot against a simple, solid-colored background.
- Wear professional attire in neutral tones.
- Smile warmly and look directly into the camera.
- Check lighting to avoid shadows or overexposure.
A thoughtfully composed headshot will translate well from a tiny thumbnail to a zoomed-in view. Keep the focus on your face with a friendly but businesslike expression.
Thumbnail Size Consistency
As you engage on LinkedIn, your 200×200, 400×400, and 800×800 thumbnails will appear in various placements. But in any given location, all thumbnails will be the same size for visual consistency.
For example, comment threads and discussions will only show uniform 200×200 or 400×400 thumbnails. Mixed sizing in a single interface would look disjointed.
Customizing Thumbnails
Beyond your default thumbnail, you can customize photos to use:
- As your background photo
- In specific posts or articles
- To represent your organization
These specialized thumbnails can be any resolution. LinkedIn automatically scales them to fit different layouts without stretching or pixelating.
Unique thumbnails help humanize your brand and showcase different sides of your professional persona over time.
Thumbnail Size on Mobile
On mobile devices, LinkedIn thumbnail dimensions stay consistent with the desktop experience. However, mobile thumbnail presentation adapts in a few key ways:
- Smaller overall interface elements for thumb-friendly use
- Fewer thumbnails shown on screen simultaneously
- Tap-to-zoom functionality on thumbnails
These adaptations retain clear thumbnail visibility for the smaller handheld display. Thumbnails play a central networking role across both desktop and mobile LinkedIn engagement.
Conclusion
LinkedIn uses profile thumbnails at 200×200, 400×400, and 800×800 sizes throughout its interface. Creating a quality photo at the recommended resolution ensures you always put your best face forward.
With an understanding of LinkedIn thumbnail sizes, you can refresh your profile picture to maximize impact. A professional headshot adapted for small-scale thumbing makes the right first impression.