Systems and methods for passive social media contact engagement are provided. In example embodiments, a publication that represents an item available for purchase is identified. An item image for the publication is accessed. A profile image using the item image is generated. The profile image is assigned to an entity profile, corresponding to an entity associated with the publication, of a social networking service. The assignment of the profile image causes the profile image to be displayed to members of the social networking service in place of a member profile image.