Headshot Size Guide: Dimensions for Every Platform
Using the wrong headshot size can result in a blurry, cropped, or pixelated photo that undermines your professional image. This guide covers the exact dimensions, aspect ratios, and file format requirements for every major platform in 2026.
Quick reference: headshot dimensions by platform
| Platform | Recommended size | Aspect ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 x 800 px (min 400 x 400) | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG | |
| Acting (print) | 2400 x 3000 px (8x10" at 300 DPI) | 4:5 | JPG or TIFF |
| Corporate website | 800 x 1000 px (or as specified) | 4:5 or 1:1 | JPG |
| 800 x 800 px (min 400 x 400) | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG | |
| 800 x 800 px (min 320 x 320) | 1:1 (square) | JPG | |
| YouTube | 800 x 800 px | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG |
| Email signature | 200 x 200 px to 400 x 400 px | 1:1 (square) | JPG or PNG |
| Resume / CV | 600 x 600 px at 300 DPI | 1:1 (square) | JPG |
LinkedIn headshot size
LinkedIn displays profile photos as a circle on most surfaces (search results, comments, messages, People You May Know). Upload a square image of at least 800 x 800 pixels for sharp results on modern screens. LinkedIn's minimum is 400 x 400, but higher resolution prevents blurriness when the image is displayed larger on your profile page.
Important: because of the circular crop, position your face in the center of the frame and leave space above your head and below your chin. Anything in the corners will be clipped. For more LinkedIn-specific tips, see our LinkedIn headshot guide.
Acting headshot size (8x10)
The industry standard for acting headshots is 8 x 10 inches in portrait (vertical) orientation. At 300 DPI (the standard for print), this means your file should be at least 2400 x 3000 pixels.
For digital submissions on casting platforms, JPEG is the standard format. Some platforms accept PNG but the larger file size can slow uploads. Always keep a high-resolution master file (300 DPI TIFF or JPEG) and create smaller exports for web use. More in our actor headshot examples guide.
Understanding aspect ratios
An aspect ratio describes the relationship between width and height. Choosing the right ratio ensures your headshot does not get awkwardly cropped when uploaded.
- 1:1 (square). The most common for digital profiles. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and most corporate directories use square profile images.
- 4:5 (portrait). The acting standard (8 x 10 inches). Also works well for corporate team pages and Instagram posts.
- 2:3. Common for ID photos, badges, and press kits. Slightly taller than 4:5.
- 3:4 (landscape). Sometimes used for website headers or team grids where a wider format is needed.
DPI and resolution explained
DPI (dots per inch) measures print quality. It does not affect how your photo looks on screen, but it matters for print materials like business cards, brochures, and acting headshot prints.
- 300 DPI is the standard for high-quality print. Always export at 300 DPI for anything that will be printed.
- 72 DPI is standard for web and digital screens. Screens display pixels, not dots, so a 72 DPI file at 800 x 800 pixels looks identical on screen to a 300 DPI file at the same pixel dimensions.
- Rule of thumb: always save a high-resolution master (300 DPI, largest pixel dimensions) and create smaller exports for specific platforms. You can always make a file smaller, but you cannot make a small file larger without losing quality.
Best file formats for headshots
- JPEG (.jpg). The universal standard. Good balance of quality and file size. Export at 80% to 90% quality for the best results. Use this for LinkedIn, websites, and email signatures.
- PNG. Supports transparency and offers slightly higher quality than JPEG, but files are larger. Use when you need a transparent background or the platform specifically requires it.
- TIFF. Uncompressed, maximum quality. Use this as your master file for archiving and printing. Not suitable for web upload (files are too large).
Pro tips for sizing your headshots
- Always upload the highest quality image within the platform's limits. Let the platform compress it rather than uploading an already-compressed file.
- Export in the sRGB color space for digital use. Other color profiles (like Adobe RGB) can look dull on screens that do not support them.
- Keep your headshot under 8 MB for LinkedIn and most social platforms. Larger files may not upload or may be aggressively compressed.
- When cropping, keep your face in the center and filling about 60% of the frame. Leave room for circular crops (LinkedIn, Facebook) to clip corners without cutting into your head.
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