Your LinkedIn cover photo is one of the first things people notice when they visit your profile. It helps set the tone, express your personality, and make your profile more visually appealing. But finding the right image can take time — and not everyone has access to a photographer or graphic designer.

Luckily, there are plenty of free and affordable image websites where you can find high-quality photos that look great as LinkedIn banners. Here’s a list of some of the best sites to explore:

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1. Unsplash

One of the most popular free image libraries on the web. The quality is excellent, and there are thousands of modern, high-resolution photos. Use the search bar to find images that fit your personal brand — nature, architecture, abstract, workspaces, and more.

Pros:

• Free for commercial use
• No attribution required
• Beautiful, modern photography

Cons:

• Popular images can feel a little overused

2. Pexels

Similar to Unsplash, Pexels offers a wide range of free stock photos and videos. It also has a useful category system that makes it easier to find specific types of imagery.

Pros:

• Free for commercial use
• Good variety of styles
• Easy to navigate

Cons:

• Some photos feel a little stocky

3. Pixabay

Another excellent free option with photos, illustrations, and videos. If you’re looking for something a bit more creative or abstract, Pixabay might be worth a browse.

Pros:

• Large collection of images
• Includes vector art and illustrations

Cons:

• Mixed image quality — some photos are better than others

4. Adobe Stock

If you’re looking for premium quality and are open to paying for the right image, Adobe Stock offers an incredible library. Great if you want your profile to look polished and professional.

Pros:

• Professional, curated content
• Excellent quality and variety

Cons:

• Paid subscription required

5. Canva

If you want to go a step further and customize your LinkedIn cover photo, Canva is a great tool. You can use their free images, templates, and text tools to create something unique — all without needing design skills.

Pros:

• Easy to customize
• Lots of free and paid images
• Designed specifically for social media

Cons:

• Some templates and images are paid

Final Tips:

• Stick to simple compositions — busy or cluttered photos can distract from your profile
• Pay attention to dimensions — LinkedIn’s recommended cover photo size is 1584 x 396 pixels
• Be consistent with your personal brand — choose imagery that reflects your industry, personality, and style

If you want to preview how your new cover photo will look, try out SocialPreviewing.com — a free tool that helps you test profile pictures and cover images on LinkedIn and other platforms.

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