> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/meta-business-setup/display-picture/display-picture-guide.md).
# Display picture guide
Learn what a display picture is, why it matters for your WhatsApp API number, and how it affects the way customers see and trust your business.
Learn what a display picture is, why it matters for your WhatsApp API number, and how it affects the way customers see and trust your business.
#### What's covered
* [What exactly is a display picture](#what-exactly-is-a-display-picture)
* [Why is the display picture important](#why-is-the-display-picture-important)
* [Who can see your display picture](#who-can-see-your-display-picture)
* [What should you use as a display picture](#what-should-you-use-as-a-display-picture)
* [Is the display picture mandatory](#is-the-display-picture-mandatory)
* [Does changing the display picture affect messaging](#does-changing-the-display-picture-affect-messaging)
* [Where is the display picture managed](#where-is-the-display-picture-managed)
Your **display picture** (also called a **profile image**) is the small image that appears next to your business name when customers see or open a WhatsApp message sent from your API number.
For businesses using **DoubleTick**, this image plays a key role in how customers recognize, trust, and remember your brand on WhatsApp.
#### What exactly is a display picture
A display picture is the visual identity of your WhatsApp Business API number. It is shown:
* In the customer's chat list
* At the top of the WhatsApp chat screen
* Inside your WhatsApp business profile
In simple terms, it's the face of your business on WhatsApp.
#### Why is the display picture important
When customers receive a WhatsApp message, they usually notice three things first:
1. Business name
2. Display picture
3. Message preview
A clear and professional display picture helps:
* Customers instantly recognize your business
* Build trust before they even read the message
* Reduce confusion with unknown or spammy numbers
* Strengthen your brand presence on WhatsApp
{% hint style="info" %}
Even if your message content is perfect, a poor or missing display picture can reduce credibility.
{% endhint %}
#### Who can see your display picture
Your display picture is visible to:
* Any customer who receives a message from your WhatsApp API number
* Anyone who opens your WhatsApp business profile
Visibility may depend on the customer's personal WhatsApp privacy settings, but most users will see it.
#### What should you use as a display picture
Best choices:
* Your official company logo
* A clean brand symbol
* A high-quality, centered image
Avoid:
* Personal photos
* Blurry or low-resolution images
* Images with too much text
* Posters, banners, or flyers
{% hint style="info" %}
WhatsApp crops the image into a circle, so always keep important elements centered.
{% endhint %}
#### Is the display picture mandatory
No, a display picture is not mandatory to use WhatsApp API. However:
* Accounts with a display picture look more professional
* Customers are more likely to trust and respond
* Your brand looks consistent across WhatsApp, website, and social media
#### Does changing the display picture affect messaging
No. Changing your display picture:
* Does not interrupt messaging
* Does not require template re-approval
* Does not affect your WhatsApp API status
It's a safe and recommended update.
#### Where is the display picture managed
Your WhatsApp API display picture is managed through:
* **DoubleTick Dashboard** (quick updates) — see [how to set or change your display image](/meta-business-setup/display-picture/how-to-change-your-display-image.md)
* **Facebook Business Manager / WhatsApp Manager** (source-level control) — see [how to change it from Facebook Business Manager](/meta-business-setup/display-picture/how-to-change-your-display-picture-in-fbm.md)
Both methods update the same display picture on WhatsApp.
#### Key takeaways
* Your display picture is the face of your business on WhatsApp — it appears in the chat list, chat screen, and business profile.
* A clear, professional image builds trust and improves recognition; a missing or poor one can hurt credibility.
* WhatsApp crops the image into a circle, so keep the important elements centered.
* It's not mandatory, but strongly recommended for a professional presence.
* Changing it is completely safe and doesn't affect messaging, templates, or your API status.
* You can update it from either the DoubleTick Dashboard or Facebook Business Manager — both update the same picture.
#### FAQs
**Is a display picture required to send WhatsApp API messages?**\
No, it's optional. Your API number will work without one, but a display picture makes your business look more professional and trustworthy to customers.
**Will changing my display picture disrupt my ongoing WhatsApp campaigns?**\
No. Changing the display picture does not interrupt messaging, does not require template re-approval, and does not affect your API status in any way.
**What image format does WhatsApp use for the display picture?**\
WhatsApp crops your uploaded image into a circle, so make sure your logo or brand mark is centered with no important details near the edges.
**Can everyone who messages my business see the display picture?**\
Yes, in most cases. Anyone who receives a message from your number or opens your WhatsApp business profile will see it, though individual privacy settings can occasionally affect visibility.
**Where should I update my display picture?**\
You can update it from the DoubleTick Dashboard for a quick change, or directly from Facebook Business Manager / WhatsApp Manager for source-level control. Both update the same image.
#### Related topics
* [How to change your display image](/meta-business-setup/display-picture/how-to-change-your-display-image.md)
* [How to change your display picture in FBM](/meta-business-setup/display-picture/how-to-change-your-display-picture-in-fbm.md)
* [Display name guide](/meta-business-setup/display-name/display-name-guide.md)
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