What Are the Rules for LinkedIn Photos?

What are the dos and don'ts for creating a LinkedIn photo? And what are the best practices for creating photos that stand out?
Because thelime.one is all about real people, real connections and real sales, we're upfront about this article being mostly AI+Human and a placeholder while our team get round to writing the full piece!

Your LinkedIn profile is a crucial part of building relationships and making sales. And it all starts with your profile photo. In this article, we'll break down the rules and guidelines for creating a professional and effective LinkedIn profile photo.

Why your profile photo matters

Your profile photo is the first thing people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile. It's essential for helping current and potential connections recognize you and build a personal connection. When you comment on other connections' content, it also acts as a little ad for people to get to know you.

A professional, engaging photo can increase your visibility, boost your credibility, and help you build trust with potential employers, clients, and connections.

LinkedIn profile photo guidelines

Here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Your photo should be a genuine representation of you. Illustrations, caricatures, or artistic renderings are okay too.
  • Avoid using company logos, emojis, landscapes, animals, words or phrases, flags, childhood or baby photos, or others' likenesses as your profile photo. These can come across as unprofessional or confusing.

Remember, if your profile photo doesn't meet these guidelines, LinkedIn might remove it.

Best practices for a professional profile photo

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

  • Keep it professional: Wear appropriate attire, ensure good lighting, and choose a simple background that doesn't distract from your face.
  • Be authentic: Use a recent photo that looks like you, and avoid heavy editing or filters that can make you look unnatural.
  • Smile and relax: A natural, approachable facial expression can go a long way in making you seem more relatable and friendly.

Background photo guidelines

A background photo can be a great way to add some visual flair to your profile and showcase your professional brand. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Ensure your image complies with LinkedIn's User Agreement and Professional Community Policies.
  • Choose an image that is high-quality, visually appealing, and relevant to your professional brand.

By following these guidelines and best practices, you can create a professional and effective LinkedIn profile photo that helps you build relationships and grow your business.

About the Author

Charli is a co-founder and marketing director of thelime.one and a regular contributor to LinkedIn.

The author worked with AI assistance on this article. (We're a startup and we need to get our stuff out there!) We're working our way through the most popular pieces and rewriting fully with our human team.