TikTok has rapidly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over one billion active users.
This video-sharing app has captured the attention of individuals and businesses alike, providing a unique opportunity for massive exposure and growth.
However, with so many users on the platform, it's crucial to make sure your profile stands out. How do you do that? Start with the first thing that everyone sees — your profile picture or PFP.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about your TikTok PFP, from sizing to design tips, to help you create a profile that will grab attention and help you stand out on this highly competitive platform.
What does PFP mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, PFP stands for profile picture. It refers to the image that represents your account and appears next to your username in all of your posts and interactions on the platform.
Your PFP is an essential element of your TikTok profile, as it can help people recognize and remember your account, and it can also give a sense of your personal brand or style.
In other words, your TikTok PFP is like the face of your account, and it's important to choose a memorable and attention-grabbing image to represent yourself on this highly visual platform.
We're going to let you in on a secret before you get to the bottom of this article... if you aren’t creating awesome videos for your TikTok account then it won’t matter how perfect your PFP is. Try Storykit free and start creating on brand videos for TikTok faster that ever.
What should your TikTok profile picture size be?
The recommended TikTok profile photo size is 200 x 200 pixels. This means that your PFP should be a square image that is at least 200 pixels wide and 200 pixels tall.
It's a good idea to use an image editing tool or app to resize and crop your image to ensure that it meets these dimensions before uploading it to your TikTok account. When you export it, either a large, high-quality jpg or png will work fine.
Here are some four image-cropping tools that you can use to get the right dimension:
What kind of profile picture should you have?
When it comes to choosing the right TikTok PFP, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. The type of profile picture you should have will depend on what your account is for.
If you have a personal account where you share fun stuff about your life, you may want to choose a more casual or playful image that reflects your personality. If you have a creative account where you share recipes or new dances, you may want to use an image that showcases your creativity or features the types of content you create.
If you have a personal account where you share fun stuff about your life, you may want to choose a more casual or playful image that reflects your personality. If you have a creative account where you share recipes or new dances, you may want to use an image that showcases your creativity or features the types of content you create.
Finally, if you have a business account where you try to educate your target audience, you may want to choose a more professional-looking image that reflects your brand and expertise. Ultimately, your TikTok PFP should be chosen with your goals and target audience in mind, as it can be an important tool to attract and retain followers.
TikTok profile picture examples to inspire you
To help inspire you and provide some ideas for your TikTok PFP, we've compiled a list of examples of profile pictures that are being used effectively on the platform.
1. Brand logo
If you are a business, then you should strongly consider using your logo for your PFP. You want to make sure the awesome content you post is associated with your brand. This is an effective way to build brand recognition and awareness.
Here are three examples of companies using their logo for their profile on TikTok: Storykit, Ryan Air, and Duolingo.
2. Photo of yourself
If you are setting up a personal account on TikTok, then you should consider using a photo of yourself. By featuring your own face in your PFP, you can create a more personal connection with your followers and make it easier for them to identify and connect with you.
Here are three examples of individual profiles that have pictures of themselves for their profiles on TikTok: Charli D’Amelio, Lizzo, The Rock.
3. Relatable pictures
If you have a creative account on TikTok, such as one focused on sharing food and recipes or showcasing travel destinations or sports, using a picture of something related to your content can be a great option for your profile picture. This approach can help give users a quick idea of what your account is all about and what they can expect to see if they follow you.
Here are three examples of creative profiles, with pictures that relate to their account: Wishful Destinations, Golf News, Cooking with Hel.
If you need more ideas then here are 28 more PFP ideas to get you started.
3 tips for taking a great profile picture
If you don’t have a profile pic that you want to use and want to take a new one then follow these three tips. Remember your PFP is small, so the clearer you can make it the better.
1. Find good lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo, so it's important to choose a location with plenty of natural light or use a lighting setup to ensure that your subject is well-lit. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct sunlight, which can cast unflattering shadows or make the subject squint. Soft, diffused lighting is often the most flattering for portrait-style PFPs.
2. Choose a flattering angle
The angle of your photo can significantly impact how it is perceived. Experiment with different angles to find the one that looks best for you or your subject. Generally, it's best to shoot from slightly above eye level, as this can help define facial features. Additionally, tilting the head slightly can add visual interest and create a more dynamic composition.
3. Pay attention to composition
A well-composed photo can help draw the viewer's eye and make the subject stand out. Consider the background of your photo and ensure that it doesn't distract from the subject. Additionally, use the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition by placing the subject off-center and aligning them with one of the intersecting lines. Finally, make sure that the focus is sharp and the image is in focus, as a blurry or out-of-focus image can detract from the overall quality of the photo.
3 tips for creating a custom PFP on TikTok
Would you like to make your profile picture stand out? Here are some tips to create a customized and unique look.
1. Use stock images and get creative
One way to create a custom PFP is to use stock images and get creative with them. You can find free stock images on sites like Unsplash or Pexels and use photo editing software like Photoshop or Canva to add filters and effects or manipulate the image to create something new and unique. For example, you could zoom in on a specific section of an image to create a minimalist and abstract PFP.
2. Add text or graphics
Another way to create a custom PFP is to add text or graphics to your image. You can use design tools like Canva or Photoshop to add text overlays, shapes, or graphics to your image. This can help make your PFP stand out and reflect your brand or personality.
3. Experiment with color gradients
Finally, you can experiment with color gradients to create a custom PFP. You can use photo editing software to apply a color gradient to your image using your branding colors or use a tool like Coolors to generate a color palette and apply it to your design. This can help create a unique and visually appealing PFP that stands out on TikTok.
How to upload a profile picture on TikTok
- Open the TikTok app and log in to your account.
- Tap on the "Me" icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Next, tap on the "Edit Profile" button.
- You will see your current profile picture on the screen. Tap on it.
- Now you can choose to either take a new photo or select an existing photo from your device's gallery.
- Once you have selected the photo, you can use the editing tools to adjust the size and position of the photo.
- After you have made the desired changes, tap on the "Save" button located at the top right corner of the screen.
- Your new profile picture is now uploaded to TikTok and visible on your profile page.
That's it! You have successfully uploaded your profile picture to TikTok.
Ready to take your TikTok profile to the next level?
Congrats, you're officially a TikTok pro! Now that you know how to upload or change your profile picture, it's time to start creating amazing videos that will help you grow your following. If you're using TikTok for your business, it's crucial to ensure that your videos are on-brand and that you can produce them quickly.
That's where Storykit comes in. With Storykit, you can create all the TikTok videos you need in no time thanks to built-in branding and pre-made templates. Reach out to learn more so you can start creating content that resonates with your audience, and take your TikTok presence to the next level.
Not sure where to start when it comes to video marketing? Have a look at The definitive guide to video marketing, to help guide you.
