A default profile photo is a generic image that is automatically set as a user’s profile picture when they sign up for an online account or service without uploading their own photo. Default profile photos come in many forms and serve different purposes across various platforms and apps.
Common Types of Default Profile Photos
There are a few common types of default profile photos seen on many popular social media sites and apps:
Silhouette or Avatar Icon
Many services use a generic silhouette or avatar icon as the default profile photo. These feature a stylized outline of a head and shoulders, sometimes custom-designed to match the brand or style of the particular platform. Silhouette and avatar icons come in many forms, but serve the purpose of representing a user in a generic, non-identifying way.
Geometric Shapes
Simple geometric shapes are also widely used as abstract default profile pictures. Circles, squares, triangles and hexagons in solid colors give a placeholding image to accounts without a custom photo. These geometric shapes are simple, neutral and provide no identifying details of the user.
Default Female/Male Icons
Some platforms use stylized icons representing a female or male figure as their default profile photos. These sometimes include hair, clothing, facial features and coloring to indicate gender. Default male and female icons serve to provide some basic visual identification in lieu of an actual user photo.
Initials or Monogram
A plain background featuring the user’s initials is a common default profile picture used by many services. Displaying first name and last name initials or a simple monogram gives a bit more personalized touch than generic icons while still maintaining privacy.
Nature/Scenic Images
Some platforms opt for nature images like forests, sunsets or mountains as their default profile picture option. These scenic images provide a friendly, inviting profile photo while remaining neutral. Nature scene default photos are common if a platform wants to avoid abstract icons.
Purposes of Default Profile Photos
Default profile pictures serve a variety of different purposes and roles on social platforms, websites and apps. Here are some of the main reasons they are used:
Privacy
Default images allow users to maintain privacy by not sharing their real photo or identity. This is especially important on professional networks or sites used for sharing sensitive content.
Placeholder Until User Uploads Photo
Acting as a temporary placeholder gives users time to customize their profile with their own photo at their convenience. Default pics fill the gap in the meantime.
Represent Users Without Photos
For users who choose not to upload a personal photo, the default gives them an acceptable generic representation.
Reflect Platform Branding
Default profile pics often align with a platform’s visual branding, using on-brand colors, logos and imagery that reflect its style.
Visually Unify Users
Using the same default profile photo for all users creates a visually unified look across the platform or community.
Add Context for Anonymous Users
Even when users are anonymous, default pics add some context, such as gender, location or interests.
Examples of Default Profile Photos on Popular Platforms
Here are some examples of the default profile pictures used on some popular apps and sites:
The default Facebook profile photo is a light gray silhouette of a person’s head and shoulders. This abstract, gender-neutral icon provides a placeholder when no user photo is added.
Twitter’s default profile pic is simply a light blue circle with no other details. Circles of different colors are sometimes randomly assigned as well.
LinkedIn uses a photo of a landscape or nature scene as their default profile picture. It provides a natural look and feel without identifiability.
Slack
Slack’s default is a colored hexagon with a styled wordmark displaying the user’s initials. The geometric shape and initials identify users while maintaining privacy.
Zoom
Zoom video conferencing uses a female silhouette facing forward as their standard default profile image.
Changing a Default Profile Photo
Most social platforms make it simple to change your default profile picture to a custom photo of your choice. The ability to upload and customize your profile photo is standard on most sites and apps. Here are some tips for changing your default profile picture:
- Go to your account or profile settings page
- Look for a “change profile photo” option
- Choose the photo you want from your computer files or mobile camera roll
- Save the changes to your profile
- The photo should update immediately or within a few minutes
Some platforms provide the ability to revert back to a default placeholder photo at any time. Changing a default profile picture to reflect your identity or brand is one of the easiest ways to stand out and customize your presence on any digital platform.
Why Change Your Default Profile Picture?
Here are some key reasons to change your default profile photo and upload a custom picture instead:
Show Your Personality
A custom photo that reflects your personality helps express who you are as an individual.
Establish Your Brand
Businesses should always customize profiles with logos and branding to establish their brand identity.
Look More Professional
Generic default pics can look unprofessional – customize your image to put your best foot forward.
Avoid Confusion
When many people use the same default, it’s harder to distinguish users at a glance.
Stand Out
Changing your profile pic makes you stand out from those still using the default placeholder image.
Increase Identification
A custom photo makes it easier for others to identify and remember you.
Reflect Current You
Profile photos should update over time to reflect your current self and style.
Tips for Choosing a Good Custom Profile Picture
Not just any photo makes for a great profile picture. Consider these tips when selecting a custom default photo:
- Choose a clear, high-quality photo of yourself or brand logo
- Make sure your face and eyes are visible
- Use a flattering, friendly expression
- Wear professional or neat attire
- Look directly at the camera
- Avoid cluttered backgrounds
- Be sure the image looks good at small sizes
- Pick a current photo that reflects your true identity
Conclusion
Default profile photos serve important purposes, but customizing your image can better represent you or your brand identity. Change your generic default picture when you want to showcase your personality, appear more professional, establish your brand or simply stand out from the crowd.
Following tips on choosing a profile photo that looks great at a small size and reflects your best self is key. With an updated profile picture that is uniquely you, you’ll make memorable first impressions wherever your image appears online.