What makes a good profile picture?

[Petite_Cherry]

[Sonorous]

That's more subjective than not. I say that because when speaking about what is "good," what is "acceptable" usually comes to mind. And humans generally view whatever doesn't cross significant moral &/or ethical boundaries to be acceptable. It calls for boring & regulated responses.

But if we were to intensify the question to something like:

"What makes a great profile picture?"

It calls for more than what is simply acceptable. It taps into aesthetics more. What we find greatly appealing or naturally alluring about something.

[HawkPerception]

High resolution, good lighting, the main focus is you and not the background/minimal distractions, head and shoulders shot, good setting, centering, a nice smile, confident posture, appropriate clothing, avoid excessive makeup and accessories, solid colours (they work better than busy patterns because they keep the focus on your face)

[MrOracle]

Great list, but I will also add another common sin of profile pics: having several people in the picture, especially when it's not obvious which person belongs to the profile. If the Asker was standing with her grandparents, we would all know who the 18 year old girl was in the picture, but if she's with 3 girlfriends her age, then no one can tell which one is her. I see that kind of thing on profile pics a lot and it's maddening.

[SotiCoto]

It is a tiny image on most of the site, and has square proportions, so it is clearly made for a face or something equally proportioned. Putting a full body picture in there is a bad choice since nobody will be able to see it as anything more than a vague line.

[normalice]

Pictures of you doing something so people know you don't look like that just when you're fishing for compliments.

[exitseven]

It needs some context like a picture of you doing a favorite activity or visiting a favorite place

[ChicoFromThe305]

Id assume a good quality image that has a clear view of the person that owns the profile

[Anonymous]

If you're worried about that then your problems are much deeper then your profile picture.

[Billlewis]

Show off your best features.

[Levin]

I think you nailed it girl.

[dustybiker2]

I like when a person shows their interests.

[dustybiker2]

It's more interesting than an actual image, which I usually assume is catfished anyway.

[Emanon25]

The way you posed

[dean53AU]

The one you have at the moment look good

[Emmytexrex]

Good quality camera and a nice background

[shortster]

Something that captures your personality.

[smd_5545]

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