Gravatar (globally recognized avatar) is a third-party service that gives you a Profile image, name and a bio that you can use on various sites. Yes, you could upload a thumbnail image for your user account on site XYZ, but when you use Gravatar, the image will be used on many sites instead of just that one.

[box type=”info”]You can also have one Gravatar and then add images to your different email addresses. [/box]

When you wonder how people get their little thumbnail on a forum or as a commenter on a (especially) WordPress site, this is usually how they do it. As a bonus, there’s the “hovercard” which gives the visitor just a bit more about you. Have a photo handy? Mini bio? It’s easy.

Enter your email address to begin the verification.

Enter your email address to begin the verification.

Here’s the site you’ll need: Gravatar

  1. Go to gravatar.com.
  2. Add you email address in the middle of the screen where it says, Enter your email to get started.
  3. Check your email, click to verify.
  4. When you’re back in Gravatar, upload your image (or link to its URL).
  5. Crop your image.
  6. Rate it “G.” (If it’s not, it won’t show up publicly.)
  7. Wait a few minutes for it to work on your site.
  8. That’s it!

You can also add more email addresses to your main account and then associate other email addresses with other photos.