What are the best methods to store user profile pictures in a web chat application, and should images be stored as Base64 or in a file system?

Question

I am really curious to learn how to store images in a database or, in general, where to store them. Since I made my first live chat app, I want to implement a profile picture feature. My question is: How do I do it? Should I convert them to Base64, or should I store them directly as image files?

I have looked into Base64 but from what i understood it is not that practical?