LinkedIn Headshot Size Guide: Crop, Dimensions, and Safe Zones
Matthieu van Haperen
Founder & CEO, Portreya · Updated Mar 2026
TL;DR: Quick Answer
LinkedIn profile photos display as a circle. Upload a high-resolution square image, keep your face centered, and avoid placing hair, shoulders, or background details too close to the edge.
Use Portreya when you need a realistic individual headshot for LinkedIn, job search, or a public professional profile.
Use a photographer for casting, editorial, or high-stakes press work.
This guide is written for an individual who needs a credible professional image, not a corporate team rollout. The priority is to look natural, current, and ready for the context where the photo will appear.
Best upload format
Use a square image at least 800 by 800 pixels. Larger is fine because LinkedIn will resize it. A clean square source gives you more control over the circular crop.
Where to place your face
Keep the eyes slightly above center and leave space around the head. If the chin or hair touches the crop, the photo will feel cramped on mobile.
Create your first headshots free
Upload a selfie and see the result before you pay.
Try it freeWhat to avoid
Avoid full-body crops, side profiles, group photos, and dark backgrounds that disappear in LinkedIn dark mode. The thumbnail must still read at a glance.
Next step
If you want to test this with your own face, start with the AI headshot generator. You can also compare AI versus a photographer before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What size should a LinkedIn headshot be?
A square image of 800 by 800 pixels or larger is a safe choice.
Should my LinkedIn photo be close-up?
Yes. Your face should be the main subject because the image appears small in feeds and search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a LinkedIn headshot be?▼
A square image of 800 by 800 pixels or larger is a safe choice.
Should my LinkedIn photo be close-up?▼
Yes. Your face should be the main subject because the image appears small in feeds and search results.
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About the Author
Founder & CEO, Portreya
Matthieu van Haperen runs Portreya, where he has helped hundreds of teams get professional AI headshots. Before founding Portreya, he spent 6+ years building and scaling tech startups. He writes about professional photography, team branding, and how AI is reshaping corporate imagery.
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