Condensed guide. Read the full LinkedIn profile photo requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 40 × 40 mm (1.57 × 1.57 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 472 × 472 px / 945 × 945 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 20–28 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | allowed as an opt-in |
| Glasses | allowed |
| Expression | neutral or a natural closed-mouth smile |
| Recency | taken in the last 24 months |
| Print requirements | no printed photo |
| Digital upload | 800×800 px JPEG (LinkedIn profile photo (sharp on high-DPI screens)); 400×400 px JPEG (LinkedIn profile photo (the commonly recommended size)); 800×800 px JPEG, 0–2 MB (Any profile that wants a JPEG) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | none |
| Infant rules | eyes open, mouth closed (under 1) |
| Official source | LinkedIn Help |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-29).
- Headshots have no official specification. LinkedIn's member profile photo help page could not be fetched on 2026-10-29; the 400×400 recommendation comes from third-party guides citing LinkedIn.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. No authority sets rules for a profile or CV photo, so anything that looks like you, is sharp and is well framed will do. A photo someone else takes from a couple of metres, at eye level, in soft window light, looks far better than an arm's-length selfie. The tool here gives framing tips rather than pass or fail, and exports the sizes each use expects.
Why LinkedIn photo photos get rejected
- Face too small in a circular crop. Use the head-size control; aim for the head to fill about 60 per cent of the frame.
- Busy background competes with the face. Stand in front of a plain wall or use the background option.
- Harsh shadows. Face a window; avoid overhead light.
- Low resolution on high-DPI screens. Export the 800 px version and let the platform downscale.
- Cropped through the top of the head. Leave a little space above the hair; the tool's crown allowance does this.
LinkedIn photo photo FAQ
What size should a LinkedIn profile photo be?
400×400 pixels is the size most guides attribute to LinkedIn; uploading 800×800 keeps it sharp on high-resolution screens. The official help page could not be checked when this page was written.
Should I smile?
A natural smile usually reads as more approachable on LinkedIn. There is no rule either way.
Can I remove the background?
Yes. Headshots have no rule against it; choose a plain light colour.
Does the photo have to be recent?
It should look like you now. A photo that is years out of date surprises people when they meet you.
Why is the photo shown as a circle?
LinkedIn displays profile photos in a circle. Keep the head centred with space around it so the circle does not cut your hair or chin.
Is this a passport-compliant photo?
No. Headshots use guidance only. For an official document, use that document's page.
Last verified 2026-10-29 against LinkedIn Help. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.