How to make a cool PFP for Instagram.
An Insta-worthy PFP can give users a positive first impression of your brand. When you effectively show off what makes you or your business unique in the little circle next to your username, you can gain followers, engagement, and user trust. These three steps will help you quickly make a cool PFP for Instagram.
1. Choose a template
If you want your profile image to stand out from the crowd, a typical selfie won’t do the trick. Some of the most eye-catching PFPs start with Instagram profile picture templates, which can pair real-life images with design elements that make your photo pop.
Select a free or premium template from the Adobe Express Instagram profile picture maker — or tap any template featured later on in this post — to start customizing a PFP that matches your Instagram feed and your brand personality.
With a quality template, you won’t have to worry too much about fixing the aspect ratio of your profile pic when you finish your work. Express templates are already squares, perfectly matching the Instagram profile picture size requirements: 110 px by 110 px.
2. Take a close-up headshot
Once you know what template you want to use, you need to take an image of yourself to add to your customization. At this point, it’s important to remember that PFPs are small icons that can be difficult to see, whether you’re on an Android or iPhone or using Instagram from a computer web browser. To make the most of the pixels you have, you need to opt for a close-up shot.
Close-up images can humanize your brand by helping Instagram users put a face to your name straight away. However, they don’t have to look like boring school photos or professional LinkedIn shots. Since Instagram is a creative platform, you can pose in different angles or use fun facial expressions to make your PFP a little more exciting.
3. Match your style to your brand
Unlike Instagram posts, Instagram profile pics leave little room for you to customize your template with your brand colors and fonts. In fact, Instagram PFPs don’t typically include any text at all.
Instead of letting your brand elements do the talking, let your style shine. Choose a shirt, props, and accessories — like a hat, glasses, or earrings — that effectively express your brand. For example, if you’re running a cosplay account, it makes sense to be dressed as an anime character. However, a lawyer who wants to look ultra-professional might want to wear a suit — even if it’s a vibrantly colored one.
