Tips for Uploading a Twitter Avatar

Twitter requests two photos when you set up an account: a header photo, which is the large image that appears at the top of your profile, and a profile photo, which is also called your Twitter avatar. The avatar appears next to every tweet you make and adds personality to your Twitter account and posts. The images aren't required. If you don't upload a profile photo, Twitter will assign a generic silhouette profile to you, but that's no fun. If you didn't upload images when you signed up for your account — or you are unhappy with your current profile image — you can upload a new avatar photo at any time.

Your Twitter avatar image must be a JPEG, GIF, or PNG file. If the image you want to use is in a different file format, put it through a free photo converter, and choose one of Twitter's supported formats for the conversion.

Twitter profile images cannot exceed 2MB in size and must be square. Twitter recommends 400x400 pixels for your profile image. Don't bother uploading a nude image. Twitter will reject it.

Select a well-lit, high-quality image to represent you in the Twittersphere. A casual headshot works best for personal accounts, while a formal headshot or a company logo is suitable for a business account. Keep a few things in mind:

• Some of the best looking Twitter avatars have a solid background that contrasts with the user's face.
• If you're using Twitter for business, consider conveying a short message with one or two words or incorporate a telltale graphic element. A baker might hold a cake, or a web designer might showcase its logo.
• Once you upload an avatar, change it only rarely. When your followers see a consistent image over time, it builds your brand.

To change your avatar, log in to Twitter on your computer and then:

1. Click or tap your name, current profile photo or header photo at the top of the left panel of your Twitter feed to open your profile.
2. Select the Edit profile button under your header photo.
3. Click Change your profile photo, which is superimposed over your existing profile image. If you haven't uploaded a profile photo previously, it will say Add a profile photo instead.
4. Choose Upload photo from the drop-down menu.
5. Select and upload the picture that you want to use for your avatar.
6. Adjust the position and size of the profile photo and then select Apply.

The image is saved to your profile and will appear next to your Twitter posts.

You can also change your Twitter avatar using the mobile Twitter app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

1. Open the Twitter app and tap your current avatar at the top of the screen.
2. Tap Profile in the menu to open your profile.
3. Tap the Edit profile button.
4. Tap the camera icon that is superimposed over your current avatar. You may be asked to allow Twitter access to your photos.
5. Select a photo from your collection or tap the camera icon to take a new photo.
6. Position the image in the circle as you want it to appear on Twitter.
7. Tap Apply.