How Do I Change My Cover Photo On LinkedIn?

Are you looking to enhance your LinkedIn profile with a captivating cover photo? Look no further! This guide from dfphoto.net will walk you through the simple steps to change your LinkedIn cover photo, also known as a background photo. Elevate your professional brand by understanding the nuances of profile customization, background image selection, and visual branding strategies.

1. Why Should I Change My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

A LinkedIn cover photo, also called a background photo, is an invaluable piece of digital real estate on your profile. It’s a large banner that sits behind your profile picture and is one of the first things visitors see. Here’s why changing it is a smart move:

First Impressions Matter: A well-chosen cover photo can immediately grab attention and communicate your professional brand.
Brand Storytelling: It visually tells a story about your skills, experience, and industry.
Stand Out: In a sea of profiles, a unique cover photo helps you differentiate yourself from the competition.
Showcase Your Work: Use it to display projects, products, or your company culture.
Call to Action: Incorporate subtle calls to action, like visiting your website or contacting you.
Stay Relevant: Update it periodically to reflect your current role, achievements, or industry trends.
Reinforce Your Personal Brand: Ensure it aligns with your overall professional image.
Visual Appeal: An engaging cover photo makes your profile more visually appealing and inviting.

2. How To Change Your LinkedIn Cover Photo On Desktop?

Updating your LinkedIn cover photo on a desktop is straightforward. Follow these steps to refresh your profile’s visual appeal:

Navigate to Your Profile:
- Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select View Profile from the dropdown menu.
Access the Cover Photo Editor:
- Hover over the existing cover photo area at the top of your profile.
- Click the Camera icon that appears in the upper-right corner of the introduction section.
Choose Your Action:
- Upload a single photo: Select this option to upload a new image from your computer.
- Create Slideshow: This feature allows you to create a slideshow of multiple images.
- Choose an image: LinkedIn may suggest images from your previous uploads or other sources.
Edit Your Cover Photo (If Applicable):
- After uploading or creating a slideshow, you can edit the image to your liking.
- Crop the photo: Adjust the dimensions to fit the cover photo area.
- Use photo filters: Enhance the image with various filter options.
- Adjust: Fine-tune brightness, contrast, and other settings.
- Change the position and size: Reposition the image within the frame.
- Rotate your cover image: Rotate the image if needed.
Save Your Changes:
- Click Apply to save your new cover photo.
- The image will automatically upload and update your profile.

3. How To Reposition, Delete, Or Change A Cover Photo On Desktop?

Need to make further adjustments? Here’s how to reposition, change, or delete your cover photo on a desktop:

Go to Your Profile:
- Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select View Profile.
Open the Edit Menu:
- Click the Edit icon on the upper-right corner of the cover image in the introduction section.
Select Your Action:
- Edit cover image: Crop, filter, adjust, reposition, resize, or rotate your cover image.
- Change cover image: Upload a new photo.
- Delete cover image: Remove the current cover photo.
Confirm and Apply:
- Click Apply to save your changes or confirm deletion.

4. How To Change Your LinkedIn Cover Photo On Mobile?

Managing your LinkedIn profile on the go? Here’s how to change your cover photo using the mobile app:

Access Your Profile:
- Tap your profile photo.
- Tap your profile photo again to access your full profile.
Open the Cover Photo Editor:
- On your profile, tap the Camera icon on the upper-right corner of your introduction section.
Select Your Image:
- Upload a single photo: Choose an image from your mobile device’s photo library.
- Choose an image: Select from LinkedIn’s suggested images.
Edit Your Photo:
- Crop the photo, use photo filters, adjust settings, change the position and size, or rotate your cover image.
Save Your Changes:
- Tap Save.

5. How To Edit, Change, Or Delete Your Cover Photo On Mobile?

Need to tweak or remove your cover photo on mobile? Follow these steps:

Go to Your Profile:
- Tap your profile photo, then tap View profile.
- Tap your profile photo again to access your profile.
Access the Edit Options:
- On your profile, tap your cover image in the introduction section.
Choose Your Action:
- Edit: Crop, filter, adjust, reposition, resize, or rotate your photo.
- Add photo: Select an image from your photo library or take a new one.
- Delete: Remove the cover image.
Save or Confirm:
- Tap Save on the upper right (if applicable) or confirm deletion.

6. Changing Your LinkedIn Cover Photo On LinkedIn Lite App?

For those using the LinkedIn Lite app, here’s how to update your cover photo:

Go to Your Profile:
- Tap the Profile icon.
- Tap the cover image section.
Access the Change Option:
- Tap Change on the lower left from the Add background photo page.
Upload or Take a Photo:
- Follow the prompts to take a new photo or upload one from your device.
Adjust and Save:
- Change the position and size by dragging the photo.
- Tap Save on the upper-right corner.

7. How To Edit, Change, Or Delete Your Cover Photo On LinkedIn Lite App?

To further modify or remove your cover photo on the LinkedIn Lite app:

Access Your Profile:
- Tap the Profile icon.
- Tap the cover image.
Select Your Action:
- Change cover image: Tap Change and follow the prompts to take a new photo or upload one.
- Delete cover image: Tap Delete and confirm your action.
Save Your Changes:
- Tap Save on the upper-right corner (if applicable).

8. What Are The Cover Image Specifications For LinkedIn?

To ensure your cover photo looks its best, adhere to these specifications:

File Type: JPG or PNG
File Size: Less than 8MB
Dimensions: 1584 (w) x 396 (h) pixels (recommended)

If your image appears blurry, use a larger file size or try compression tools like Trimage for Windows or ImageOptim for Mac. According to the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, high-resolution images significantly enhance the visual appeal and professionalism of LinkedIn profiles.

9. What If My LinkedIn Cover Photo Looks Blurry?

A blurry cover photo can detract from your profile’s impact. Here’s how to fix it:

Use a High-Resolution Image: Start with an image that has a higher pixel count than the recommended dimensions.
Check the File Size: Ensure your image isn’t too small. LinkedIn recommends images less than 8MB.
Avoid Over-Compression: If you’ve compressed the image, it might have lost quality. Try using a different compression setting or tool.
Use the Correct Dimensions: Crop your image to the recommended 1584 x 396 pixels before uploading.
Clear Your Browser Cache: Sometimes, cached images can cause display issues. Clear your browser’s cache and try again.
Test on Different Devices: Check how the image looks on various devices and screen resolutions.
Try a Different Image: If all else fails, the original image may be inherently low quality. Try using a different image altogether.

10. How Can I Optimize My LinkedIn Cover Photo For Different Devices?

LinkedIn is used on a variety of devices, so your cover photo should look good on all of them. Here’s how to optimize it:

Use Responsive Design Principles: Choose an image that looks good at different sizes.
Center the Focal Point: Keep the most important elements of your cover photo in the center, as the edges may be cropped on smaller screens.
Test on Mobile: Always check how your cover photo looks on the LinkedIn mobile app.
Use Vector Graphics: If possible, use vector graphics (SVG format) as they scale without losing quality.
Avoid Text Overload: Too much text can be hard to read on small screens.

11. What Are Some Creative LinkedIn Cover Photo Ideas?

Need some inspiration? Here are creative cover photo ideas to make your profile stand out:

Showcase Your Workspace: A photo of your office, desk, or creative space.
Highlight Your Skills: A visual representation of your expertise (e.g., coding screen, design tools).
Display Your Achievements: Photos of awards, speaking engagements, or published work.
Reflect Your Industry: Images related to your field (e.g., cityscape for real estate, lab equipment for science).
Promote Your Company Culture: Photos of team events, company outings, or community involvement.
Personal Branding Statement: A simple graphic with your name, title, and a brief description of what you do.
Motivational Quote: An inspiring quote related to your industry or personal philosophy.
Abstract Design: A visually appealing abstract design that represents your creativity and innovation.
Travel Photography: Stunning landscape or travel photos if you work in tourism or have a passion for travel.
Team Photo: A photo of your team to showcase collaboration and teamwork.

12. What Should I Avoid In My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

While creativity is encouraged, avoid these common pitfalls in your LinkedIn cover photo:

Blurry or Pixelated Images: They look unprofessional.
Copyrighted Material: Only use images you have the rights to use.
Offensive Content: Avoid anything that could be considered discriminatory, hateful, or inappropriate.
Irrelevant Images: Ensure the image relates to your professional brand or industry.
Too Much Text: Keep text to a minimum and ensure it’s readable.
Cluttered Design: A busy image can be distracting.
Outdated Information: Keep your cover photo current and relevant.
Selfies: They generally don’t convey a professional image.

13. How Can I Use My LinkedIn Cover Photo To Promote My Business?

Your cover photo can be a powerful marketing tool. Here’s how to use it to promote your business:

Showcase Your Products or Services: Display high-quality images of what you offer.
Highlight Your Brand Values: Use visuals that represent your company’s mission, vision, and values.
Promote Events or Campaigns: Announce upcoming events, product launches, or special offers.
Include Your Logo: Add your company logo to reinforce brand recognition.
Use a Call to Action: Encourage visitors to visit your website, contact you, or learn more.
Display Customer Testimonials: Feature quotes from satisfied customers.
Showcase Your Team: Highlight your team’s expertise and dedication.
Use Branded Colors and Fonts: Maintain consistency with your overall brand identity.

14. What Are The Legal Considerations For My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Be mindful of legal issues when choosing your LinkedIn cover photo:

Copyright: Only use images you have the rights to use, whether they are your own photos, stock photos with proper licenses, or images in the public domain.
Privacy: Avoid using photos of people without their permission.
Trademark: Don’t use logos or trademarks without authorization.
Defamation: Ensure your cover photo doesn’t contain anything that could be considered defamatory or libelous.
User Agreement: Comply with LinkedIn’s User Agreement, which prohibits inappropriate or offensive content.

15. How Does A Live Video Stream Affect My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

When a LinkedIn Live Video broadcaster starts a live stream, the cover image will automatically change to display the live stream. This change is temporary, and the image will revert after the stream has ended. Currently, there is no option to opt out of this feature.

16. Best LinkedIn Cover Photo Practices

The best LinkedIn profile background images are up to date and showcase your talents in the most engaging manner. Ensure that your photo is of the highest resolution.

Relevance: Make sure your image corresponds to your sector and skill set.
High-Resolution: High-resolution images appear better and make a good first impression.
Branding: Apply your personal or business branding to the design by including brand colors or logos.
Minimal text: Use a few words that highlight your value proposition or expertise instead of cluttering the picture with text.
Optimized for Mobile: A large number of LinkedIn users use the platform on their mobile devices. Hence, ensure that your cover photo is optimized for mobile viewing.

17. How to Find the Right Image For LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Choosing the right image for your LinkedIn background picture is crucial in order to create a favorable impression and portray your professional story effectively. Here are several actions to assist you choose the best image:

Comprehend your personal brand: Determine your personal brand, including your expertise, qualities, and career ambitions.
Reflect your industry: Choose photographs that reflect your sector and expertise.
Think about the message: Use images to communicate the message you want to get across.
Quality Counts: To create a professional image, choose high-quality photographs with adequate resolution.
Keep it simple: An uncluttered design guarantees that your profile will stand out without being too chaotic.

18. How Often Should I Update My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Keeping your LinkedIn cover photo fresh can help maintain engagement and relevance. Here’s a guideline:

Every 6-12 Months: A general refresh to keep your profile current.
When You Change Roles: Update to reflect your new position or company.
After a Major Achievement: Showcase awards, certifications, or significant projects.
For Seasonal Promotions: Align with company campaigns or industry events.
When Your Brand Evolves: Ensure it aligns with your current brand identity.

19. How can LinkedIn Cover Photo help in personal branding?

With an effective LinkedIn cover image, you can display your individuality and distinctiveness and create a professional image of yourself.

Initial Impression: When viewers first visit your profile, it makes a strong first impression.
Display Your Expertise: Describe your abilities, experience, and accomplishments with visuals.
Brand Consistency: Use colors, fonts, and graphic elements that are consistent with your brand identity.
Convey Your Personality: Use pictures to convey your individuality and interests outside of work.
Promotion: Promote your website, portfolio, or contact information on your profile to drive traffic.

20. What Tools Can I Use To Create A Great LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Creating a professional LinkedIn cover photo doesn’t require advanced design skills. Here are some user-friendly tools:

Canva: A popular online design tool with templates specifically for LinkedIn cover photos.
Adobe Spark: Offers similar features to Canva with a focus on storytelling.
PicMonkey: A photo editing and design tool with various templates and effects.
Snappa: Designed for creating social media graphics quickly and easily.
Fotor: A free online photo editor with basic design capabilities.
Crello: Another online design tool with a wide range of templates and design elements.
Pablo by Buffer: A simple tool for creating quick social media images.
Adobe Photoshop: For advanced users, Photoshop offers extensive editing and design capabilities.
GIMP: A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.

21. How To Ensure My Cover Photo Complies With LinkedIn’s Guidelines?

Adhering to LinkedIn’s guidelines ensures your cover photo is appropriate and professional:

Review the User Agreement: Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn’s terms of service.
Avoid Offensive Content: Steer clear of anything discriminatory, hateful, or sexually suggestive.
Respect Copyright: Only use images you have the rights to use.
Maintain Professionalism: Ensure your cover photo reflects a professional image.
Keep It Relevant: Ensure the image relates to your industry or professional brand.
Use High-Quality Images: Avoid blurry or pixelated images.
Comply with Size and Format Requirements: Adhere to LinkedIn’s recommended dimensions and file size.
Monitor Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your network and make adjustments as needed.

22. What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make With Their LinkedIn Cover Photos?

Avoid these common mistakes to make a great first impression:

Using a Default Image: Shows a lack of effort.
Ignoring Mobile Optimization: Results in a poorly displayed image on mobile devices.
Failing to Update Regularly: Makes your profile seem stagnant.
Using Low-Quality Images: Looks unprofessional.
Overloading with Text: Makes the image cluttered and hard to read.
Using Irrelevant Images: Doesn’t align with your professional brand.
Violating Copyright: Can lead to legal issues.

23. How Does My LinkedIn Cover Photo Affect My Personal SEO?

While LinkedIn cover photos aren’t directly indexed by search engines, they can indirectly impact your personal SEO:

Profile Completeness: A complete profile, including a cover photo, is more likely to rank higher in LinkedIn’s internal search results.
Increased Engagement: An engaging cover photo can attract more profile views and connections.
Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords in the alt text of your cover photo.
Brand Consistency: A consistent brand image across all platforms, including LinkedIn, can improve overall SEO.
Referral Traffic: A compelling cover photo can drive traffic to your website or other online profiles.

24. How Can I Use My LinkedIn Cover Photo To Showcase My Photography Skills?

If you’re a photographer, your LinkedIn cover photo is prime real estate to showcase your best work. According to Popular Photography magazine, a visually striking cover photo can significantly increase profile engagement for photographers. Here’s how:

Display Your Best Shots: Choose images that demonstrate your technical skills and artistic style.
Showcase Different Genres: Feature a variety of your work, such as portraits, landscapes, or commercial photography.
Update Regularly: Keep your cover photo fresh with your latest and greatest images.
Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure your photos look sharp and professional.
Add a Watermark: Protect your work by adding a subtle watermark with your name or logo.
Include a Call to Action: Encourage visitors to view your portfolio or contact you for bookings.
Reflect Your Brand: Maintain a consistent visual style that aligns with your overall brand.

25. What Is The Best Color Palette For A LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Choosing the right color palette can enhance the visual appeal of your cover photo:

Consider Your Brand: Use colors that align with your personal or company brand.
Use Complementary Colors: Create a balanced and visually appealing design.
Avoid Clashing Colors: Steer clear of colors that are too similar or create visual dissonance.
Use a Color Palette Generator: Tools like Adobe Color or Coolors can help you find harmonious color combinations.
Think About Contrast: Ensure there’s enough contrast between text and background for readability.
Consider the Psychology of Color: Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose colors that align with your message.

26. Is It Possible To Use A Video As My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

As of the current LinkedIn platform, you can’t directly upload a video as your cover photo. However, you can use animated GIFs or create a slideshow of images to achieve a similar effect.

27. How Can I Use My LinkedIn Cover Photo To Support A Cause?

Your cover photo can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and support for a cause you care about:

Display a Relevant Image: Use a photo that represents the cause, such as a charity logo, a symbol of the movement, or an image of people affected by the issue.
Add a Supporting Message: Include a brief message or slogan to promote awareness and encourage action.
Link to a Donation Page: If applicable, add a link to a donation page or relevant website in your profile description.
Share Your Involvement: Share your volunteer experiences or fundraising efforts in your activity feed.
Partner with Nonprofits: Collaborate with nonprofits to create a co-branded cover photo.

28. How Does The Size Of My Web Browser Window And Screen Resolution Affect My Cover Photo?

The way your cover photo appears can change based on the size of your web browser window and screen resolution. To ensure it looks good on all devices:

Use Responsive Design Principles: Choose an image that looks good at different sizes.
Center the Focal Point: Keep the most important elements in the center, as the edges may be cropped.
Test on Different Devices: Check how the image looks on various devices and screen resolutions.
Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure your image is sharp and clear, even on high-resolution displays.

29. What Is The Alt Text And How Do I Optimize It For My LinkedIn Cover Photo?

Alt text (alternative text) is a brief description of an image that is used by search engines and screen readers. While LinkedIn doesn’t allow you to directly add alt text to your cover photo, you can optimize the file name of your image to include relevant keywords. This can help improve your personal SEO and make your profile more accessible. For example, instead of “image123.jpg,” use “john-doe-photography-cover.jpg.”

30. What Should I Do If My LinkedIn Cover Photo Is Not Uploading?

Having trouble uploading your cover photo? Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Check the File Size: Ensure the image is less than 8MB.
Verify the File Type: Use JPG or PNG format.
Check Your Internet Connection: A slow or unstable connection can cause upload issues.
Clear Your Browser Cache: Sometimes, cached data can interfere with uploads.
Try a Different Browser: If the issue persists, try using a different web browser.
Contact LinkedIn Support: If none of these steps work, contact LinkedIn support for assistance.

31. How LinkedIn Cover Photo affect your career?

A well-designed LinkedIn profile background has the power to set your job search apart and potentially open new career prospects. Here are the ways:

Stand Out: Showcase your own style and inventiveness to stand out from the throng.
Networking: Use it as a conversation starter when networking online by grabbing people’s attention.
Opportunities: Draw recruiters and potential employers to demonstrate your skills in a targeted manner.
Brand Awareness: Maintain brand consistency across all professional platforms to improve your brand awareness.

FAQ: Changing Your LinkedIn Cover Photo

1. Can I use a GIF as my LinkedIn cover photo?

While LinkedIn doesn’t directly support video cover photos, using an animated GIF is a creative alternative to add movement and visual interest to your profile.

2. What size should my LinkedIn cover photo be for the best quality?

For optimal quality, aim for dimensions of 1584 (w) x 396 (h) pixels, ensuring your image remains sharp and clear.

3. How do I change my cover photo on the LinkedIn mobile app?

To change your cover photo on mobile, tap your profile photo, then tap View profile. Tap your profile photo again to access your profile. On your profile, tap the Camera icon on the upper-right corner of your introduction section. Choose your image and tap Save.

4. Why does my LinkedIn cover photo look blurry after I upload it?

Blurry images often result from using low-resolution files. Ensure your image is high-resolution and meets the recommended dimensions before uploading.

5. Can I delete my LinkedIn cover photo if I don’t want to use one?

Yes, you can delete your cover photo. On desktop, click the Edit icon on the upper-right corner of the cover image and select Delete photo. On mobile, tap your cover image, then tap Delete.

6. How often should I update my LinkedIn cover photo?

Consider updating your cover photo every 6-12 months, when you change roles, or after a major achievement to keep your profile fresh and relevant.

7. What are some creative ideas for a LinkedIn cover photo?

Showcase your workspace, highlight your skills with relevant imagery, or reflect your industry with appropriate visuals to make your profile stand out.

8. Is it okay to use a personal photo as my LinkedIn cover photo?

Using a personal photo is fine if it aligns with your professional brand and industry, but ensure it’s high-quality and relevant.

9. How do I make sure my LinkedIn cover photo looks good on all devices?

Test your cover photo on both desktop and mobile to ensure it’s optimized for various screen sizes and resolutions.

10. Can my LinkedIn cover photo affect my job search?

Yes, a well-designed cover photo can make your profile more appealing to recruiters and potential employers, helping you stand out in your job search.

Elevate your LinkedIn presence with a captivating cover photo! For more tips, resources, and inspiration, visit dfphoto.net and discover how to make your profile shine. Explore our tutorials, browse stunning photography, and join our community of passionate photographers.

Ready to transform your LinkedIn profile? Visit dfphoto.net today! Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States. Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001. Website: dfphoto.net.