Instagram Profile Pic: Tips for Better Pick

A profile pic is often the first thing the visitors of your Instagram profile see. And, if you want those people to stay, that pic is ought to make a good first impression. So, picking an image that properly represents or at least complements your page is a choice that you should make wisely. But how can someone ensure that their profile picture actually ices the cake of good content? That’s actually not that difficult, especially with a handful of guidelines that you are about to learn. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

Go with a Portrait Shot

In case the cornerstone of your content is, well, you (e.g., you are an influencer, life coach, a photographer, or some such), then the profile pic is supposed to represent you in the best way possible. And there’s hardly a better way to show yourself than a proper portrait shot.

As effective as they are, headshots are not the only way. A lifestyle pic or an image of you at work might also do the job. The rule of thumb is to keep whatever you want to use as a profile pic clear, authentic, and consistent with the rest of the page.

Pick a Picture of the Proper Resolution

When it comes to profile pictures, bigger doesn’t always mean better. The thing is that Instagram profile pics have a fixed resolution, and the app will stretch or compress your photo to fit that resolution.

Instagram profile pics are 110×110 pixels, so you definitely do not want to go smaller than this, but going too large is also not recommended. Keep this limitation in mind and check the resolution of a photo if need be. 

Crop out the Best Part

There are plenty of aspect ratios used in photography, but Instagram profile pics are 1:1 only. So, the best course of action is to take a picture with it in mind and make sure your portrait fits nicely into a square or, even better, a circle. There’s not much space, so use it wisely. 

In case working with pictures you have is the only option, editing can help. The smart thing to do is to use a dedicated portrait editing app. For instance, try a free portrait editor – it helps properly crop an image, as well as enhance it in many other ways.

Make Sure It’s Well Lit

Now that you know how to fit your picture into the Instagram profile frame, it’s time to make sure your portrait is clearly visible. And a proper light is crucial for that. It is best to catch mild natural daylight and avoid harsh shadows (unless you want things to be a little dramatic).

In case your photo is not lit properly, you can adjust the exposure level with a photo editor. However, the more you tweak the light in post, the higher the chance of processing artifacts popping up.

Use Color and Contrast

Since it’s almost pointless to put effort into small details (there is only room for 110×110 pixels), it is reasonable to invest in something that has an effect on the whole picture. For example, fill the image with a vibrant color to make the picture pop. Wearing bright yellow clothes in front of a similar backdrop is one way to do it. Or do the opposite – create a stark contrast between you and your surroundings.

Over to You

So, how is it looking now? With these simple recommendations, you’ll be able to craft a fitting image for your Instagram page. However, these are not rules. If the content you produce requires something outstanding in every sense of the word, then go for it – bend the guidelines to your will or throw them out of the window completely. Either way, try things out and see what sticks!