LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 850 million members. As a content sharing platform, LinkedIn allows users to post media in various formats to engage their connections. One common question is whether MP4 video files can be shared on LinkedIn. The short answer is yes, you can share MP4 videos on LinkedIn to make your posts and content more dynamic. However, there are some limitations and best practices to keep in mind when sharing MP4 files on LinkedIn.
MP4 File Format Overview
MP4 is a digital multimedia file format that allows storing audio, video, subtitles and still images in a single file. MP4 files provide high-quality audio and video playback while using compression to reduce file sizes. This makes it convenient for uploading and sharing online. Some key advantages of MP4 files include:
– High compression for smaller files sizes compared to formats like AVI and MOV files. This makes sharing faster.
– Support for high-quality HD video resolutions like 720p and 1080p.
– Capability to store multiple audio tracks like Dolby Digital surround sound.
– Wide device compatibility across computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more.
– Ability to securely stream videos using HTTPS encryption.
Due to these benefits, MP4 has emerged as the most popular file format for online video sharing and streaming. Most major platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn support MP4 video uploads.
Uploading MP4 Files to LinkedIn
LinkedIn supports uploading and sharing MP4 video files across the platform in different ways:
– LinkedIn Video Posts: You can upload an MP4 video when creating a new video post that will appear in your connections’ feeds.
– LinkedIn Company and Showcase Pages: MP4 videos can be added to company pages, university pages, showcase pages and more to showcase branded content.
– LinkedIn Ads: For sponsored content campaigns, MP4s can be used in carousel image ads, video ads and other ad formats.
– LinkedIn SlideShare Presentations: MP4s can be embedded into SlideShare presentation decks and documents.
– LinkedIn Groups: In relevant LinkedIn Groups, MP4 videos can be shared to engage with niche professional communities.
– LinkedIn Messaging: MP4 files can be sent via messaging to directly reach connections.
Uploading an MP4 video on LinkedIn is similar to uploading photos or other multimedia. When creating a new post or on relevant pages, use the upload or media icon to select your MP4 file from your computer or device storage. LinkedIn will automatically process and transcode the video for optimized streaming.
LinkedIn MP4 Video Specifications
LinkedIn recommends MP4 videos to meet the following specifications for best results:
Resolution | 720p HD or higher |
File Size | Up to 5GB per video |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 or 9:16 |
Duration | Up to 10 minutes |
Bitrate | Up to 8Mbps |
Meeting these technical specifications ensures your MP4 video uploads and streams smoothly in LinkedIn feeds and pages. However, LinkedIn may be able to support lower resolution or longer duration videos as well case by case.
Best Practices for Sharing MP4 Videos on LinkedIn
To maximize the impact of MP4 videos on LinkedIn, keep these best practices in mind:
– Optimize video for mobile viewing since most LinkedIn engagement is on mobile devices. Use vertical 9:16 aspect ratio for mobile-first video.
– Add captions or subtitles to make videos accessible. Transcribe audio into text for search indexing.
– Insert relevant keywords, hashtags and mentions in the video description to improve discoverability.
– Publish videos natively rather than links to reach more audience and gain better engagement.
– Focus on quality over quantity. One professional, relevant video delivers more value than multiple insignificant ones.
– Use strong thumbnails and preview images that capture attention when videos are embedded in feeds.
– Track video metrics like views, completion rate, comments, shares, reactions and followers gained to refine strategy.
– Promote your videos proactively with status updates, SlideShare decks, sponsored content and social channels.
– Foster engagement with meaningful calls to action based on the video content and audience needs.
Ideal Video Content Types for LinkedIn
Certain genres of MP4 video content tend to resonate better on LinkedIn compared to personal social media. Some top-performing content types to focus your video strategy on include:
Expert Talks and Tutorials
Educational videos where industry experts share advice build credibility and position you as an influencer. For example, HR leaders could share tips on managing hybrid teams. Finance pros can explain market trends. These how-to, insider tips and growth mindset videos appeal to working professionals looking to level up their skills and knowledge.
Product Demos and Virtual Events
MP4 videos are an opportunity to showcase your company’s products, services and technology in action. For example, a live product demo video or recording of a virtual summit, workshop or training. This powerful show rather than tell approach engages your audience.
Customer Testimonials and Case Studies
Client success stories and testimonials humanize your brand and build trust. An MP4 video interview of a satisfied customer explaining their positive experience with your solution resonates on an emotional level.
Company Culture Videos
Authentic behind the scenes videos that showcase your company values and people positively portray your employer brand. MP4s can capture employee testimonials, a day in the life vlogs, company celebrations and community involvement.
Thought Leadership Presentations
Recordings of keynote talks, panel discussions and presentations at industry conferences or corporate events provide value. MP4 files make your thought leadership accessible beyond just live event attendees.
News and Announcements
Major company announcements like new funding rounds, product launches, office openings, partnerships, etc are impactful on video. An MP4 press release generates more excitement.
Limitations of MP4 Videos on LinkedIn
While MP4 files provide an excellent video sharing experience on LinkedIn, a few limitations exist:
– Max duration of 10 minutes per video limits longer-form content. You will need to split up much longer videos.
– As a professional platform, excessive marketing or promotional MP4s may backfire. Content should educate, inform or inspire.
– Video posts have lower organic reach compared to native text-based posts. Paid promotion may be needed for critical videos.
– Technical issues like incorrect encoding settings, aspect ratio, high file size etc can hamper playback.
– Multimedia posts see lower average engagement rates compared to text content per LinkedIn’s analytics.
– Multitasking users may skip past videos in feeds to quickly scan text posts instead during short breaks.
Conclusion
MP4 video content, when done right, can capture attention and humanize your brand on LinkedIn. By sharing meaningful, professional videos that align to your audience’s interests, you can engage viewers on an emotional level compared to plain text. However, multipurpose videos tailored specifically to the platform, with compelling thumbnails and captions for mobile users, drive the highest organic reach and engagement. Focus on quality over quantity and track video analytics to refine your LinkedIn video strategy over time. With these best practices, MP4 files give you a versatile, dynamic medium to communicate and express yourself as a thought leader.