How to choose good profile pictures for Instagram

Are you guilty of handing over your phone to your BFF and torturing them by asking them to take 1,000 pictures of you to get the best shot of all time? We, of course, understand you don’t want a profile picture that’s blurry or under bad lighting. (Been there, done that!)

From LinkedIn headshots to funny Twitter profile pics, your display photo (also called PFPs) creates a first impression. And the perfect profile picture is never more important than on the ultimate photo-sharing app, Instagram. Your Instagram profile picture acts as an introduction to other users and is important in developing the account’s aesthetic.

Learn how to choose a good Instagram profile picture, in addition to some best practices to follow.

Any picture works, right?

While it might be tempting to choose a random selfie, your profile picture must communicate your persona. Here are a few reasons why a great profile photo is essential.

• Excellent first impression: Your profile picture is one of the first things people notice, so making a great first impression is important. Choose a clear picture since your followers and non-followers can’t view it in full size.
• Overall account’s tone: A display picture not only helps you curate the aesthetic of your entire account but also aids in Instagram branding for your account.
• Identifiable profile: One of the most significant benefits of a profile picture is that it helps make an account recognizable. You may have a quirky username, but your profile picture will instantly inform followers if you’ve posted a Story or commented on someone’s post.
• Versatility: A great photo can be used across multiple social media accounts. For example, a professional headshot works well on LinkedIn and Instagram.

What makes a good PFP for Instagram

Choosing a profile picture depends on an individual’s personality and preference, but here are a few factors to consider before uploading that 4x4 image.

• Lighting: Choose a photo with bright, clear lighting. Avoid harsh shadows that can obscure your face. And, if you want an artistic photo, play with the lighting and shadows.
• Evergreen: Ideally, you shouldn’t change the display photo often to avoid confusion among followers. Choose a picture you’ll like every day and won’t constantly change.
• Dimensions: Zoom in and adjust the photo when uploading the display picture. Edit the image to center on your face. Like many other social media platforms, a profile picture is cropped into a circle.
• Focus: Ensure the photo is in focus before uploading. Although you can blur the background, use a high-quality picture to emphasize your features. You don’t want to see pixels or a blurry face in the PFP.

Best practices to choose the perfect profile pic

Here are a few things to consider when clicking the perfect profile picture.

• Click a bunch of photos: Maybe not 1,000 but definitely a few. Take 5–6 images in different poses. Or, capture several selfies if you have the perfect lighting.
• Stay on-brand: If you’ve cultivated an aesthetic for your Instagram account, make sure the profile picture matches your posts and Stories. If your Instagram feed is full of photos with natural lighting and minimal editing, use an image with a similar vibe.

• Invest in your profile picture: Seek a professional photographer’s help to get an exemplary shot, as they use high-end cameras and equipment that produce high-quality images.
• Use props: Featuring props in a picture can help add personality to your photos and tell a story. For example, if you play an instrument, feature it front and center.

Get creative with your Instagram PFP ideas

Seek inspiration from these Instagram profile pictures and get your creative juices flowing.

• Backgrounds: While a neutral background is a classic, try taking a picture in front of a solid-colored background to make the display picture stand out.
• Art: Another creative approach is to commission an artist to create your display picture.

• Monochromes: If you want a classic yet eye-catching photo, use a black-and-white filter on your favorite selfie or portrait. This looks ethereal and exhibits a vintage vibe.

• Editing: Don’t be afraid to edit a photo to create the perfect profile picture. Increase the brightness or add stickers and emojis to the picture, or use photo editing apps or the settings on your camera app to give the image an eccentric touch.

• Logos: If you don’t want to use a picture of yourself, create a logo of your name or a nickname. For a business account, use brand colors to create a display picture. But for a personal account, use your favorite colors to create the image, highlighting your personality.

Still need some inspiration before getting started? Take a peek at your favorite influencer or celebrity’s profile picture, put on the best outfit, and click an exquisite shot.

How to change a profile picture

To edit a profile picture on Instagram, go to the Instagram page and click “Edit Profile.” Then, tap on your profile pic on the following page. A menu will appear with the options to “Remove your current photo,” “Upload an image from camera roll,” “Upload a photo from Facebook” or “Open camera and take photo.” You won’t need to delete your old profile picture before adding a new one. If you remove the display picture, a blank silhouette will appear where your PFP would be until you add a photo.

Connect with Linktree

Clicking the perfect Instagram profile picture doesn’t have to be stressful. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to express yourself and further develop the overall aesthetic of your Instagram page. Like your Instagram bio and posts, the PFP will attract new followers to your account.

Another crucial part of any Instagram bio is a Linktree URL. With Linktree, you can keep all your accounts and pages connected. It lets you access TikTok, Instagram, blog and more with just one link. Let people who love your content easily find you on multiple social media platforms, and boost your presence.