How to Create Customized Display Pictures for Social Media Platforms

Your display picture (DP) is what people see first. Make it clear and good, not a blurry selfie. Creating a personalized DP is easier than you think. And fun, too. You don’t need to be a designer or an editing wizard. There are so many apps that will do the job for you, and all you need to do is upload a picture and then download the edited one.

Choose the Right Style

Start by deciding the kind of look you want. Ask yourself, what do you want your DP to say? Professional? Go for clean and simple. Fun and playful? Try bright colors and cartoon effects. Artistic? Use double exposures or sketch filters.

Mood matters. The style you choose should match your personality, or at least the message you’re sending. Take a quick break and check out the Official 20Bet blog for sports updates.

Take or Select a Good Base Photo

You can’t build a great DP without a good base photo. Use your phone camera or DSLR, if you’ve got one.

Make sure the lighting is solid. Natural daylight works best. Avoid shadows on your face. Look into the lens. Smile, or don’t, it’s your call.

Prefer not to show your face? Use an object, avatar, pet, or even a logo. The key is clarity. Your image should be sharp and easy to see even when small.

Crop It Right

Social media platforms use square or circular DPs. That means you’ll need to crop your image to fit.

Here are the recommended sizes:

• Instagram: 320 x 320 px
• Twitter/X: 400 x 400 px
• Facebook: 180 x 180 px
• LinkedIn: 400 x 400 px

Use free tools like Canva, Pixlr, or Fotor to crop your image perfectly. These tools also let you zoom and reposition. Make sure your face or main element is centered and visible. That’s what people will see first.

Add Filters or Effects (Optional)

This step is totally up to you. Want a pop of color or a dreamy blur? Go for it. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, and PicsArt have tons of filters. Some make your photo look cinematic. Others add retro vibes or glowing light leaks.

If you’re feeling fancy, try the Prisma app. It transforms your photo into artwork—like Picasso or Van Gogh style. But don’t overdo it. Too many filters can make the image look messy or fake. Less is usually more.

Try Out Avatars or AI Art

Want something different? Try turning your photo into an avatar or cartoon version. Apps like:

• ToonMe
• Lensa AI
• Zmoji
• Bitmoji

These tools can create personalized illustrations based on your photo. Some even let you edit the background or add accessories. It’s a cool way to stand out, especially if you don’t want to use a real face photo.

Add Borders, Frames, or Backgrounds

A border can make your DP pop, especially on platforms with circular profile pictures. Canva and PicsArt offer free templates with fun frames and neon glows. You can even add gradients, stickers, or simple color rings.

For something more subtle, blur the background or replace it with a pattern. Want to get creative? Design a background that reflects your brand, fandom, or mood. A colorful backdrop can say a lot without saying anything.

Save in the Right Format

Always save your final image in PNG or high-quality JPG. These formats keep your DP sharp and clean.

Avoid screenshots or low-res exports. When in doubt, choose PNG—it handles detail better and won’t blur when uploaded.

Make sure the file size isn’t too large. Most platforms cap uploads around 2MB. If it’s too big, use a free image compressor like TinyPNG.

Test It Out on Multiple Platforms

Upload your new DP to your profiles one by one. Check how it looks on both desktop and mobile.

Sometimes a DP looks amazing in full size but gets awkward when shrunk down. Watch out for cropped faces or unreadable text.

You can also use preview tools like SocialSizes.io or Previewed.app to test your image on different platforms before uploading.

Recommended Tools and Resources

Here’s a quick list of tools you can try based on your vibe:

• Basic photo edits: Canva, Fotor, Pixlr
• Filters & effects: VSCO, Snapseed
• AI avatars: Lensa, ToonMe
• Background removal: Remove.bg, Cleanup.pictures
• Funny or creative: Bitmoji, Zmoji
• Preview your DP: SocialSizes.io, Previewed.app

Most of these are free or have free versions. You don’t need to pay unless you want access to premium features.

Tips for a Killer DP That Gets Noticed

Contrast is key: Light background? Use a dark outfit or hair color. Dark background? Light shirt or bright eyes.

• Avoid text: DPs are small. Text usually gets cut off or becomes unreadable.
• Keep it simple: One face, one theme, one message. That’s enough.
• Update regularly: A new DP keeps your profile feeling fresh. Try seasonal looks or match with current trends.