How to Change LinkedIn Header Image

Your LinkedIn header image is the first thing people see when they land on your profile, and changing it is one of the quickest ways to make a powerful professional statement. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to update your header image and offers ideas to help you create a banner that truly represents your brand.

Why Your LinkedIn Header Image Matters More Than You Think

Think of your LinkedIn header photo - that wide banner at the very top of your profile - as your personal billboard. While your profile picture is your professional headshot, the header is your opportunity to tell a visual story. It provides immediate context about who you are, what you do, and what you care about. A generic, default LinkedIn banner signals a profile that's incomplete. On the other hand, a well-chosen header image can instantly communicate your brand, showcase your expertise, or highlight a key call-to-action.

For individuals, it's a chance to display your value proposition, show yourself in your element (like speaking at an event), or simply add a touch of personality that aligns with your professional brand. For companies, it reinforces brand identity, promotes a new campaign, or highlights company culture. This prime digital real estate sets the tone for your entire profile, and you should use it strategically to capture attention and tell your professional story in a single glance.

LinkedIn Header Image Specs &, Best Practices

Before you jump into designing, it's important to get the technical details right to avoid any pixelated or oddly cropped images. Here are a few technical guidelines and best practices to follow for a perfect LinkedIn banner.

The Technical Stuff: Dimensions and File Size

• Recommended Dimensions: 1584 x 396 pixels. LinkedIn is pretty specific about this, so sticking to these dimensions will give you the best results.
• Aspect Ratio: This works out to a 4:1 aspect ratio.
• File Size: Keep your image under 8MB. Larger files will be rejected.
• File Types: You can upload a JPG, PNG, or GIF file. Static images (JPG, PNG) usually look more professional than animated GIFs for a header.

Key Best Practices You Shouldn't Ignore

• Mind the Profile Picture Cutout: On desktop, your profile picture sits on the left side, slightly overlapping the bottom of your header. On mobile, it's centered and covers a significant portion of the banner. Avoid placing any logos, text, or critical information in these areas as they will be obscured.
• Keep it High-Quality: Use a sharp, high-resolution image. A blurry or pixelated header looks unprofessional and can cheapen your brand's perception.
• Design for Mobile: More than half of all LinkedIn traffic comes from mobile devices, where your header image will appear much smaller and might be cropped differently. After uploading, check your profile on both your phone and computer to make sure it looks great on all screens.
• Stay On-Brand: Your banner should visually align with your other branding materials. Use consistent fonts, colors, and imagery that reflect your professional identity or company branding.

How to Change Your LinkedIn Header Image (Step-by-Step)

Updating your LinkedIn header is a straightforward process whether you're on a desktop computer or using the mobile app. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Updating on a Desktop Browser:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account and navigate to your profile by clicking your profile picture or the "Me" icon in the top navigation bar, then selecting "View Profile."
2. Once you're on your profile page, locate the pencil icon (edit icon) in the top right corner of your header image area. Click it.
3. A new window titled "Edit background" will pop up. In this window, you’ll see an option to "Change photo." Click this to upload a new image from your computer.
4. After selecting your image, you can use the built-in tools to reposition, straighten, or zoom in on the image. There are also filter and adjustment options if you want to make minor edits.
5. Once you're happy with how it looks in the preview, click the "Apply" button to save your changes. Your new header image will now be live on your profile.

Updating on the LinkedIn Mobile App (iOS &, Android):

1. Open the LinkedIn app on your smartphone and tap on your profile picture icon in the top-left corner.
2. From the menu that slides out, tap "View Profile."
3. Just like on desktop, you'll see a pencil icon on your banner image. Tap it to open the editing options.
4. Another pencil icon will appear directly on the banner background. Tap that second pencil icon.
5. You'll be given the option to "Upload from photos" or "Take photo." Choose to upload an image from your phone’s gallery.
6. Adjust the image as needed by dragging and pinching to zoom and position it correctly. Remember to leave space for where your profile picture will appear in the center.
7. Tap "Apply" or "Save" (the wording can vary slightly by operating system) to set your new header.

10 Creative Ideas for an Impactful LinkedIn Header

Stuck on what to actually put in your header? It doesn't have to be complicated. Here are ten simple yet effective ideas you can use to create a fantastic banner.

1. Showcase What You Do

If you're a photographer, show a striking photo you've taken. If you're a developer, maybe a clean shot of code on a monitor. A chef? A beautiful dish. Visually representing your work is a direct and powerful way to communicate your skills.

2. Display Your Value Proposition

Create a simple banner with a short, punchy tagline that summarizes what you do or the value you bring. Something like "Helping B2B Brands Grow with Content Marketing" or "Building Intuitive User Interfaces" tells visitors exactly what you have to offer.

3. A Picture of You in Action

A photo of you speaking at a conference, leading a workshop, or collaborating with your team adds instant credibility and a human element. It shows you doing what you do best and puts you in a position of authority.

4. An 'On-Brand' Abstract Image

Don’t have a specific photo? Use an abstract graphic or a high-quality stock photo that matches your brand colors and feels professional. For example, a tech professional might use a subtle image of network connections, while someone in sustainability might use a nature-inspired texture.

5. Highlight a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Gently guide visitors to your work. A simple "Read my weekly newsletter here 👋" or "Download my free e-book at mywebsite.com" accompanied by a small arrow pointing towards the link in your bio can drive traffic - just keep it subtle and professional.

6. Feature Social Proof

If you have worked with well-known brands, featuring their logos (with their permission, of course) can act as powerful social proof. A short, impactful client quote can also be very effective.

7. A Shot of Your Workspace

A clean, aesthetically pleasing image of your desk or office can give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your professional world. This approach adds personality and can make you seem more approachable.

8. Team or Company Culture Photo

If you're representing a company or leading a team, a header photo of the group can highlight a positive company culture and showcase the people behind the brand. This works well for boosting both personal and employer branding.

9. Promote an Upcoming Event or Launch

Got a webinar, book launch, or major project on the horizon? Use your banner to promote it. You can easily create a simple graphic with the event title, date, and a key detail. Just remember to update it after the event is over.

10. Keep It Simple with Your Contact Information

Some professionals opt for a minimalist design that includes their name, professional title, website, and perhaps an email address or another social handle. This turns your header into a digital business card that prioritizes clarity and easy connection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Header Image

Designing the perfect banner also means knowing what not to do. Here are a few common mistakes to sidestep:

• Low-Resolution Images: Nothing screams "unprofessional" louder than a fuzzy, pixelated banner. Always start with a high-resolution image to maintain clarity.
• Forgetting About the Profile Picture: As mentioned, your profile picture will cover a part of your banner. Preview your design to make sure it isn't blocking your face, logo, or critical text.
• Creating a Cluttered Design: Less is often more. A banner crammed with too much text, competing images, or jarring colors will overwhelm visitors. Aim for a single, focused message or visual.
• Using an Irrelevant Photo: Your banner should be professionally relevant. A picture of your pet or a vacation photo might be great for other social platforms, but on LinkedIn, it should connect back to your professional brand and aspirations.

Quick Tools for Creating Your LinkedIn Header

You don't need to be a graphic design whiz to create a stunning LinkedIn header. Several free and user-friendly tools are available that offer pre-sized templates and easy-to-use design interfaces.

• Canva: Probably the most popular choice for non-designers, Canva offers hundreds of free and premium LinkedIn banner templates. You can customize them with your own text, colors, and images with a simple drag-and-drop editor.
• Adobe Express: A fantastic free tool from Adobe that provides a wide range of professional-looking templates and design assets. It's similar to Canva and is incredibly intuitive to use.
• Figma: While a bit more advanced, Figma is a powerful design tool that offers a generous free tier. It's perfect if you want more precise control over your design elements. You can easily set up a canvas with the correct 1584 x 396-pixel dimensions.

Final Thoughts

Your LinkedIn header is a dynamic piece of your professional profile that can be updated to reflect your career growth, current projects, and evolving brand. Taking just a few minutes to customize it with a high-quality, relevant image can dramatically improve the first impression you make on visitors.

Once your LinkedIn profile is polished with the perfect header and work description, the next challenge is keeping your presence active with consistent, valuable content. At Postbase, we built a modern social media management tool to make this part effortless. Our visual calendar lets you plan all your LinkedIn content at a glance, and our scheduling features allow you to post consistently without the daily back-and-forth, so you can focus on building your network while your content works for you.

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