Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2014 and reflects Twitter’s profile update at that time. Some details (image dimensions, feature names) may have changed. For current Twitter/X strategy, visit our social media blog.

You’ve probably noticed people talking about the new Twitter Profile (and the inevitable comparisons to Facebook). With the option to upgrade to the new profile now available for all users, our social media agency wanted to share what your brand needs to do before you make the switch.

Upload a Compelling Header Photo

Like Facebook, your header photo is the first impression that your brand gives to potential followers who visit your profile. This is prime real estate to showcase your brand or important campaigns. The recommended size is 1500×500 pixels.

Update Your Twitter Profile Photo

To avoid a blurry profile picture when you upgrade, ensure that your photo is the recommended size (400×400 pixels); your image will be automatically resized to fit. This picture should be a unique representation of your brand, as this is what your followers will see in their timelines and streams.

Optimize Your Bio

Like always, you will have a short bio that appears below your profile photo. Use this space to tell your brand’s unique story (in 160 characters or less) and share the value proposition for becoming a follower.

Plan for Tweets You Want to Pin

You can now pin a specific tweet to the top of your profile. Is there a tweet that saw high engagement or an important announcement that you’d like your followers to keep top of mind when checking out your profile? Pin it to the top by simply clicking the “more” option on your tweet.

Revisit Your Content Strategy

As any rockstar community manager knows, it’s always important to continually revisit your content strategy to look for opportunities to grow. Social networks are always changing (duh, that’s why you’re reading this post), so you want to make sure your content is always optimized for each individual network. It’s even more important now since your more engaging tweets will appear larger on your profile.

The truth is… social networks will continue to change, whether we like it or not, so make sure you’re ready to upgrade. We can help keep you up to date on the latest change with our Social You Should Know newsletter – sign up below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my Twitter header photo be?

The recommended size for a Twitter header photo is 1500×500 pixels. This space is prime real estate to showcase your brand or highlight important campaigns.

What is the recommended Twitter profile photo size?

Your Twitter profile photo should be 400×400 pixels. Twitter will automatically resize it to fit, so uploading at the correct size prevents a blurry result after upgrading to the new profile.

How long can a Twitter bio be?

Twitter bios are limited to 160 characters. Use this space to communicate your brand’s unique value proposition and give visitors a reason to follow you.

How do you pin a tweet to the top of your Twitter profile?

To pin a tweet, click the “more” option on the tweet you want to feature and select the pin option. Choose a tweet with high engagement or an important announcement you want visitors to see first.

Why does content strategy matter more with the new Twitter profile?

With the new Twitter profile, more engaging tweets appear larger on your profile page. That makes it more important than ever to optimize content specifically for Twitter — high-performing posts will receive greater visual prominence to anyone visiting your profile.