Learn how to format the best Instagram profile picture for your account, plus how to see someone's Instagram profile picture via the Instagram app or desktop site.
Key Points:
Why Is A Profile Picture Important On Instagram?
When you visit an Instagram profile the first thing you'll notice is their profile picture. In fact, even before visiting someone's profile you can see their photo on any posts they make and any engagements.
If you're running a personal Instagram account your profile picture might not seem as important, but for brands and business it can make or break the success of your Instagram profile.
Consider the following examples:
The top photo has multiple people in it, making it difficult to know who the profile owner is. It's also murky and low-contrast, making everything blur into one - especially when viewed as a small icon on a mobile device.
The bottom photo features a single person - there's no doubt who the profile owner is. The lighting is also more dynamic, allowing users to clearly see and differentiate the photo even when viewed as a small icon.
How To Choose A Good Instagram Profile Picture
Choosing a quality Instagram profile picture isn't impossible, but you will need to take a few elements into consideration.
Types Of Profile Pictures
First, the type of profile picture you choose can say a lot about your brand or business. There are a few main types of images you can set as your profile picture depending on your goals:
Logos are a great way to build brand recognition in an eye-catching way. This is best if you don't have a single person behind your business, or if the service you're offering isn't product-specific.
Graphics are similar to logos in that they build brand recognition, but might play off the color scheme or overall aesthetic of your brand without being your exact logo.
Headshots are great if you're an influencer or the head of your brand. You can play around with this depending on how casual or serious you want your image to be, and there's a lot of wiggle room with layout as well.
Ideal Layout
The best rule of thumb is to ensure that your profile picture is recognizable when it appears at its smallest - next to your username when you comment or like a photo.
If it's a jumble of pixels, no one will be able to recognize you based on your photo alone, which is what we want to avoid.
If you're opting for a logo or graphic, stick with a maximum of 2-3 colors and low-detail designs.
If it's a headshot, try and make yourself the focal point of the image with a plain or blurred background.
Ideal Dimensions
Every Instagram profile picture is displayed as a circle with a default size of 110x100 pixels.
However, choosing a larger, square image can help improve the quality of your photo when it's compressed.
Where Does Your Profile Picture Appear?
Instagram profile pictures appear in the following locations on the Instagram app and desktop site:
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The Instagram profile page
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Instagram Stories
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Instagram Highlights (top left corner)
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Instagram post (top left corner)
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Comments (to the right of the username)
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Likes (to the right of the username)
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Direct messages
How To Add Or Change A Profile Picture On Instagram
You can add change your profile picture on both the Instagram app and desktop site by following the steps below:
On Mobile
Visit your profile page.
Click Edit Profile beneath your Instagram bio.
Tap Edit Picture Or Avatar.
You can choose from your device library, import an image from Facebook, or take a photo directly.
You can also remove your photo entirely, which will leave the default grey profile picture in its place.
On Desktop
Visit your profile page.
Click Edit Profile to the right of your profile picture.
From here click Change Photo.
How To See Someone Else's Instagram Profile Picture
To view another user's profile picture you'll have to visit their Instagram account page from the mobile app.
From their profile page, tap their profile picture.
If they have an active Story, long press on their picture to view it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you download an Instagram profile picture?
Instagram doesn't allow users to download Instagram profile photos directly from the app. To do so you'll have to utilize a third party Instagram pfp downloader.
How can you see a private Instagram profile picture?
Instagram doesn't allow users to view or save profile pictures from a private account. You'll need to first be following someone to see their photo in more detail.
What is the best Instagram profile picture downloader?
There are a variety of third party Instagram dp downloader options out there that can help users download Instagram profile picture data - but it's always best to research any third party services fully. And never hand over your Instagram data - including your Instagram username.
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