It's been forever since we've had a new social media update.
Ha, kidding. More like new things are rolling out every week. And this week, it's Twitter that's grabbing the limelight by launching its new profile page design yesterday on the Today Show. Like the recent LinkedIn Company Page changes, the update is purely aesthetic, providing what looks kind of like a right-aligned Facebook Timeline cover photo for brands to play with. We're here to show you how to set it up (it's not immediately obvious if you log in to your Twitter account, but it's really quite simple) and show you how a few brands have changed their Twitter profiles up since the launch. You know -- for a little inspiration!
How to Set Up the New Twitter Profile Page
To update your Twitter profile, follow these steps.
Step 1: Log in to Twitter, and click on the gear icon in the top right corner. A drop-down menu will appear. Select 'Settings.'
Step 2: On the next screen, you'll see a menu of options on your left. Click 'Design.'
Step 3: Scroll down to the 'Customize your own' section and select 'Change header.' Note the image size requirements -- the minimum dimensions are 1252x626, and the maximum file size is 5MB.
Step 4: Upload your image, and then simply drag the photo into the positioning you like, and zoom in and out to your heart's content. When you like the look of your new Twitter profile header image, hit 'Save,' and kapow! You did it. Super easy.
Some Twitter Profile Pages to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Now that you know how to update your profile header photo, let's take a look at some of the brands that have already taken the plunge. Since this new update was launched on the Today Show, let's take a look at what they've done with their new page, and then find a few more examples (many brands haven't updated their photos yet) to get you thinking. I'm not following all of these folks, either, so you can see what your profile will look like for current followers, and those who are soon-to-be!
Note: That white text you see over all of the photos? Yep, that's your username, bio, URL, location ... all that stuff that used to be under your header image in the old layout. If you ask me, it's a little underwhelming over the cover photos. But hey, that's just my opinion.
The Today Show
Comedy Central
The Holiday Inn
Mars Curiosity Rover (NASA)
Search Engine Land
HubSpot
Have you updated your Twitter profile page yet? What do you think of the new layout?
Image credit: eldh
Inbound Marketing Blog Feed
LC Goodwin 2:13 PM on September 19, 2012
Thanks for the quick and easy update info!
I just Love HubSpot!
Michelle Carvill 2:13 PM on September 19, 2012
Great to see examples. I blogged about this change today. One key thing with the Header at thereby is that the text on the header ( which is the all important bio, # infiltrated and keyword optimised and call to action link) automatically shows in white. Currently there doesn't seem to be any way to amend it. So when you're designing your image - you may want to consider this.
Gordon Diver 2:14 PM on September 19, 2012
Very handy and well done.
HCSM_Rosilyn 2:16 PM on September 19, 2012
I'm not a fan of the information being located on top of the photo--will this be mandatory or will it continue to be an option?
Deena 2:21 PM on September 19, 2012
Awesome post! Hubspot is the best. I have learned so much from you and the hits just keep on coming. Thank you!
Rick Noel 2:28 PM on September 19, 2012
Great examples of Twitter header images Corey. Definitely helpful in generating creative ideas for our company's Twitter page which is currently in need of a header image. Thanks for sharing.
Jeanne Gumbleton 2:44 PM on September 19, 2012
I'm not crazy about the profile pic showing up in the middle of my header. It doesn't go well as it blocks out some words on my header. I'll have to re-think the header picture, but I like the one we have as it matches our website.
Jonathan Thompson 2:47 PM on September 19, 2012
Just wanted to say thank you for the useful information.
AJ Austin 3:11 PM on September 19, 2012
Thanks so much for keeping us up-to-date and on our toes! Great (and helpful) information :).
Andrieka "AJ" Austin
www.JourneyGirl.org
@journeygirlatl
John 4:04 PM on September 19, 2012
Thanks for the great advice
Spellzey 4:33 PM on September 19, 2012
Love to try this but got bogged down...tried to upload a photo and everything froze...anyone have advice?
terrie 6:20 PM on September 19, 2012
Save the image as a jpg or a different format. My jpg file at 1252 x 626 pixels was only 400k.
Sarah 6:21 PM on September 19, 2012
Thanks for this post - which is a great 'heads-up' to a new Twitter feature. The only minor point I would add is the dimensions for the header are 1200 by 600 pixels... an essential measurement if you want to successfully upload your image.
fred canevet 6:54 PM on September 19, 2012
Hi !
I made a quick tour in the Top 100 of the Worlwide twitter accounts... And only 13% made the change to the new profile...
Discovers the list here : http://fr.slideshare.net/conseilsmarketing/the-new-twitter-cover-profile
Bye
Thiết kế website chuyên nghiệp 9:49 PM on September 19, 2012
It is so cute news. I have applied this to our new Twitter channel.
@vietbood
I have updated a lot of interesting tips from Hubspot and used them for my business. Thank you very much for your informative and useful blog posts. :)
Trang 10:19 PM on September 19, 2012
How can I remove the stupid anchor text in my previous comment, and remove this comment too! I inserted it without notice :(
Ketty 11:44 PM on September 19, 2012
Thanks for guide :)
Marie Kris Rodriguez 12:46 AM on September 20, 2012
Nicely done. Thank you HubSpot
Monika Szabadkaiova 4:11 AM on September 20, 2012
That was quick! Thank you, HubSpot! Already changed all mine :)
balraj 5:13 AM on September 20, 2012
Very nice & innovative
Jean-Michel Biltresse 8:32 AM on September 20, 2012
And may be a creative way to include QR code campaign
stealth media agency 1:33 PM on September 20, 2012
Also, have to keep in mind which photo looks good with white text since they don't let you change that yet.
Studio Rooms in Halkidiki 4:32 PM on September 20, 2012
Thank you for the quick update on this!
Interesting views about using QR codes, will have a go at them too :)
F. Torres 4:39 PM on September 20, 2012
I kinda like this new layout! Comedy Central's design is the best!
jared 8:27 PM on September 20, 2012
I'm glad Twitter added this feature as it will help brands and businesses.
Theresa Wagar 7:42 PM on September 21, 2012
Mine is updated and even did a training video for my peeps. Always something new. Love it
Ekamu African Butterfly Hair Clips 10:16 PM on September 21, 2012
Still looks a bit messy but I guess its all about working your cover pic around the text. All feedback welcome. Examples are great thanks C:
Drewry 8:43 PM on September 22, 2012
great job on the twitter rollout cover photos. I just promoting you guys on Facebook and distributing free Twitter marketing e-book for people to download for free. Keep up the good work in let's keep moving forward together :-)
Brett 7:45 PM on September 23, 2012
Let's face it people: this is Twitter adding a feature just for the sake of adding a new feature. Good advice though for those who want to make the update.
Keller Coleman 10:24 PM on September 23, 2012
I'm making those changes this week on my twitter account. Thanks for sharing that one.
Joan Stewart 9:43 AM on September 25, 2012
Thanks for this update Corey, Social Media platforms have been making a lot of changes, this looks short and sweet.