Skip to Content

What is a DP photo?

A DP photo, also known as a display picture or default photo, refers to the primary photo associated with an online account or profile. Most social media platforms and messaging apps allow users to upload a profile photo that represents their account. This main photo is called a DP or display picture.

What are the key features of a DP photo?

Some key features of a DP photo include:

  • It is the primary photo displayed on a user’s profile or account page.
  • It appears next to a user’s name/handle across the platform – in posts, comments, messages, etc.
  • It helps identify a user on the platform.
  • It provides personalization to a user’s presence on the platform.
  • It is usually square or circle cropped by platforms.
  • Users can change or update it as often as they want.

In summary, a DP is the main profile photo that represents an individual user’s account on a platform. It accompanies their activity and allows other users to identify them.

Why do people use DP photos?

There are several reasons why people use DP photos on social media and messaging platforms:

  • Personalization – To add a personal touch to their online presence instead of using a default icon.
  • Self-expression – To convey their personality, interests, or current mood.
  • Recognition – To be easily identified by friends and followers.
  • Standing out – To make their account distinctive on busy platforms.
  • Aesthetics – To make their profile look more attractive.
  • Privacy – To show an image instead of their real photo for privacy.
  • Branding – To promote their business, blog or influencer brand.
  • Trends – To take part in DP photo trends and challenges.

In short, DP photos allow users to craft their ideal online image and identity. The photo represents them on the platform.

What are the most popular DP photos people use?

Some popular types of photos used as DPs include:

  • Selfies – Casual self-portraits are common DP photos, though well-composed ones work better.
  • Portraits – Stylish posed portraits and professional headshots make great DPs.
  • With loved ones – Photos with romantic partners, family, pets or best friends.
  • Travel – DPs featuring travel destinations portray wanderlust.
  • Hobbies & interests – Images related to one’s hobbies, passions or fandoms.
  • Nature – Beautiful outdoor landscape shots.
  • Celebrities – Using images of favorite celebrities, often in a humorous way.
  • Quotes & inspiration – Visually appealing images with motivational quotes.
  • Cartoon avatars – Cute illustrated characters or animated profile icons.

People get creative with DP photos to represent their unique personalities and interests in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

How do I take a good DP photo? Tips and tricks

Here are some tips to take a striking DP photo that represents you well on social platforms:

  • Use natural lighting outdoors or set up proper lighting indoors. Side-lighting looks great.
  • Favor close-up headshots or portraits from chest upwards. They work better as small DPs.
  • Maintain good posture and position your head/face at a flattering angle.
  • Opt for solid, neutral colors that contrast with your skin tone.
  • Keep expressions natural and relaxed with a slight smile.
  • Shoot slightly above eye-level and position face close to center.
  • Focus eyes sharply on the camera for an engaging portrait.
  • Frame symmetrically so face and upper body fill most of the shot.
  • Use portrait mode on smartphones for a blurred, artistic background.
  • Take many shots and review them to choose your best angles, expressions.

With the right lighting, framing, settings and angles, anyone can take stunning DP photos themselves using just a smartphone camera.

What makes a bad DP photo?

Here are hallmarks of a bad or ineffective DP photo:

  • Blurry or pixelated image quality
  • Poor or uneven lighting
  • Unflattering facial expression
  • Awkward pose or camera angle
  • Cluttered or distracting background
  • Too far away, obstructed, or improperly framed
  • Overly edited or filtered
  • Old, outdated photos
  • Inappropriate, unprofessional image
  • Too small, doesn’t stand out

Avoid selecting DP photos with these issues. Profile photos work best when they are high quality, flattering, well-composed shots of your face and upper body.

DP photo tips for specific platforms

Ideal DP photo specifications, dimensions, and styles vary for different social media platforms:

Facebook

  • 170 x 170 pixels minimum size
  • Higher resolution is better
  • Square cropped images work best
  • Bright, colorful photos stand out in news feeds
  • Profile should reflect your identity

Twitter

  • 400 x 400 pixels recommended
  • Circular cropping on mobile
  • Include your face, eyes visible
  • Creative or stylish images encouraged

Instagram

  • 110 x 110 pixels
  • Must be square images
  • Consistent, recognizable look
  • Reflects your photographic aesthetic

LinkedIn

  • 400 x 400 minimum size
  • Professional headshot look
  • Portrays your credibility & trustworthiness
  • Appropriate business or workplace attire

So optimize your DP for each platform it will be displayed on.

DP photo ideas to try

Looking for new DP photo inspiration? Here are some fun ideas to try:

  • Superhero or fictional character edit using FaceApp
  • Stylish portrait or headshot in your best outfit
  • At a picturesque travel destination
  • Doing an activity you enjoy like sports or hobbies
  • With your beloved pet or animal
  • Pop art or graphic design edits of your photo
  • Meaningful quote, lyrics or text overlaid
  • Minimalist black and white portrait
  • Vintage filter or throwback childhood picture
  • DP matching your best friend, partner or twin

Change up your profile picture periodically to keep your accounts looking fresh. Try taking your DP photo at golden hour for flattering lighting. Get creative with edits, accessories, poses or props to make your photos pop. Your profile picture represents you online so have fun showing off different sides of your personality through it!

Conclusion

Your display picture or DP is your digital identity across social platforms and messaging apps. It offers self-expression and personalization for your online presence. People use carefully chosen, high quality DP photos that represent themselves in a flattering, recognizable way to friends. With the right lighting, framing, editing and creativity, you can take striking DP photos yourself using just your smartphone. Optimize them as square images for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, or circular cropped portraits for apps like Twitter. Change up your profile picture occasionally to portray different sides of yourself. Your DP photo is your chance to make a great first impression online, so make it count!