Short answer
Upload a square JPG or PNG of at least 400 x 400 pixels under 2 MB through Edit profile; X crops it to a circle (or a rounded square for gold-check organizations).
Key takeaways
- 400 x 400 is the recommended minimum; X displays photos as small as 32 pixels, so keep the subject simple.
- Animated GIFs aren't animated as profile photos.
- Changing your photo can trigger a new checkmark review for Premium subscribers.
Your profile photo appears next to every post and reply you make, usually at 40 pixels across. It has to work at that size first.
What size should my X profile picture be?
Square, at least 400 × 400 pixels, as a JPG or PNG under 2 MB.
| Spec | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square (1:1); X crops to a circle |
| Size | 400 × 400 minimum; 800 × 800 for extra sharpness |
| Format | JPG or PNG (GIF allowed, but not animated) |
| File size | Under 2 MB |
| Displayed at | About 32 to 134 pixels depending on where it appears |
How do I change it?
Open your profile, tap Edit profile, then tap the photo.
On the web: go to your profile, click Edit profile, click the camera icon on your current photo, choose a file, adjust the crop and click Apply, then Save. In the app: open your profile, tap Edit profile, tap the photo, choose Choose existing photo or take a new one, crop and save.
What makes a photo work at small sizes?
A single clear subject, a plain background and strong contrast.
- Faces: crop to head and shoulders, with your face filling about 60 percent of the frame.
- Logos: use the symbol rather than a long wordmark, and add padding so the circle doesn't clip it.
- Check it in dark mode. Black logos on transparent backgrounds vanish on Lights out.
- Keep it consistent with your other profiles so people recognize you.
You can preview combinations of photo, header and bio in our profile mockup tool before changing anything.
Will changing it affect my checkmark?
For Premium subscribers it can: a new photo may trigger a quick re-review, and the badge can disappear until it's done.
Change it when you don't need the badge visible for a day or two.
Questions people ask
Why does my profile picture look blurry?
Usually because the original was small or heavily compressed. Upload a sharp square image of 800 x 800 or more; X downsizes it cleanly.
Why is my profile photo square?
Accounts with a gold checkmark (X Premium Business) show square photos. Everyone else gets a circle.
Can I use a logo as my profile picture?
Yes. Leave padding around it so the circle crop doesn't cut the edges, and check it on dark mode too.