LinkedIn Users Pick AI Headshot 2-to-1 in Test as Platform Urges Authentic Photos
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jul 3
LinkedIn Users Pick AI Headshot 2-to-1 in Test as Platform Urges Authentic Photos
2 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jul 3
Summary
A side-by-side LinkedIn test found users preferred an AI-generated headshot over a real office photo by roughly 2:1, even though commenters often struggled to tell which image was genuine.
Gemini produced the closest fake after repeated prompting from one primary photo and several references; paid headshot generators costing about $30 to $100 often looked less convincing on close inspection.
LinkedIn said AI-enhanced profile photos are allowed if they still reflect the user's likeness, and warned that images violating its authenticity and community rules can be removed.
Branding and career advisers said polished AI portraits may win stated preferences, but trust can erode if the image changes someone's appearance; they recommended subtle editing of real photos over fully generated headshots.