While your username is likely the most important piece of your identity on Twitter, the second most important is your Profile Pic. The image you upload will likely become more recognizable by your followers than your handle, and serve as an important element in gaining followers. As Twitter says, “Your Twitter profile pic helps instantly identify you to those following you — and tells those who aren’t more about you.”
Why Your Picture Matters
A Profile Pic does a lot more than simply identify you, it will help you gain attention. Spammers have picked up on this quickly, often using a model-esque face for their Profile Pic. Tweeps looking to find new people to follow will often scan the list of followers of someone they follow. As such, your Profile Pic should be intriguing, insightful, and inviting.
- Intriguing – You want to grab their attention, and a great photo will definitely set you apart.
- Insightful – Give them a taste of how you use Twitter and the sorts of topics you post on.
- Inviting – Make sure your Profile Pic appeals to those you would like as followers.
Twitter Picture Specs
Dimensions = 48 pixels x 48 pixels
File Size = 700k or less
File Types = JPEG or PNG (officially. However, there are instances where Animated GIF files have been used)
Twitter Tips on Profile Pics
You may not have noticed the tips published by Twitter on the Picture tab, so here’s a quick refresher:
- A real picture of yourself is encouraged. It adds personableness to your tweets.
- Because the images are usually seen in a small version, a crop of your face works best.
- People can see the full-sized version when they click on your picture from your profile page. So don’t upload a tiny one — we’ll create the thumbnail for you.
- If you want to control exactly how it will be cropped, upload a square picture.
- Nudity or obscene images are not allowed.
- Be sure you have permission to use the photo you’re using. (And don’t use a celebrity’s picture — unless you’re that celebrity, of course.)
