LinkedIn allows users to upload and share videos as part of their profile and activity on the platform. However, there are certain requirements that need to be met for videos to be successfully uploaded to LinkedIn.
Video File Format
LinkedIn supports the upload of video files in the following formats:
- MP4
- MOV
- AVI
- WMV
- MPEGPS
- FLV
- 3GPP
- WebM
So if you are looking to upload a video to LinkedIn, it must be in one of the above file formats. Other video formats like MKV or OGG will not work.
Video File Size
In addition to video format, LinkedIn also has limits on the file size of videos that can be uploaded:
- Maximum file size for videos uploaded to LinkedIn’s native video platform: 5GB
- Maximum file size for videos uploaded to LinkedIn from other sites: 1GB
If your video exceeds these size limits, it will fail to upload to LinkedIn. So ensure your video is under the size limit before attempting to upload it.
Video Length
LinkedIn restricts the length of videos uploaded to its platform to 10 minutes. Any video longer than 10 minutes will be rejected during upload.
If you need to share a video longer than 10 minutes, you will have to split it into multiple shorter segments of under 10 minutes each before uploading.
Video Aspect Ratios
LinkedIn recommends using certain aspect ratios for uploaded videos to ensure optimal playback across different devices:
Aspect Ratio | Dimensions |
---|---|
16:9 | 1920×1080 or 1280×720 |
4:3 | 960×720 or 640×480 |
1:1 | 600×600 or 480×480 |
Videos with aspect ratios different from the above may get cropped or stretched during playback on some devices. So it’s best to use 16:9, 4:3 or 1:1 aspect ratios for optimal playback.
Video Resolution
LinkedIn recommends uploading videos with resolutions of 720p or higher. Here are the recommended video resolutions and dimensions:
- 1080p Full HD – 1920×1080 pixels
- 720p HD – 1280×720 pixels
- 480p – 854×480 pixels
- 360p – 640×360 pixels
Higher resolution like 1080p is preferred, but at minimum 720p should be used for quality playback. Videos with resolution lower than 480p may appear pixelated or blurry.
Video Codecs
LinkedIn supports standard video codecs like H.264 and VP8. Here are the recommended codecs when exporting your video for LinkedIn:
- H.264 – Most commonly supported codec across browsers and devices. Preferred codec for LinkedIn videos.
- VP8 – Open source video codec that provides a good balance between quality and file size.
- VP9 – More efficient than VP8, but has less widespread device support.
- AV1 – Emerging royalty-free codec, but still has minimal device support.
For the broadest device compatibility, your source video should be encoded using the H.264 codec before uploading to LinkedIn.
Audio Codecs
For audio in your video, LinkedIn recommends using AAC or MP3 audio:
- AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) – Offers good quality at low bitrates. Native audio format for MP4 videos.
- MP3 – Most widely compatible audio codec. Can be embedded in various video formats.
Ensure your video’s audio is encoded as AAC or MP3 for proper playback on LinkedIn.
Bitrate Optimization
The video bitrate determines the quality and file size of your video. LinkedIn recommends optimizing your video’s bitrate as follows:
- 1080p video – Upload at 8,000 to 12,000 kbps
- 720p video – Upload at 5,000 to 8,000 kbps
- 480p video – Upload at 2,500 to 5,000 kbps
- 360p video – Upload at 1,000 to 2,500 kbps
Using the recommended bitrate range for your video’s resolution will help balance quality and file size for LinkedIn.
How to Upload to LinkedIn
Uploading videos to LinkedIn can be done in two ways:
- Uploading directly – You can upload a video file from your computer to LinkedIn. Just click the “Upload” button when creating a post.
- Embedding link – Host your video on YouTube or another platform. Copy the video embed code and paste it into your LinkedIn post update box.
The direct upload method allows videos up to 5GB in size. For videos larger than that or already hosted elsewhere, use the embed link method.
Upload Settings
When uploading videos directly, LinkedIn provides various settings to optimize playback across devices:
- File format – MP4 recommended. LET LinkedIn transcode for optimal delivery.
- Dimensions – Minimum 480x360px. But 720p or 1080p preferred.
- Aspect ratio – Select 16:9, 4:3 or 1:1.
- Audio codec – AAC or MP3 recommended.
Use the optimal settings to deliver the best video quality without compromising compatibility.
Video Post Privacy
You can control who can view videos shared on LinkedIn:
- Public – Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn.
- Connections only – Visible only to your 1st degree connections.
- Private – Visible only to you.
Set the visibility as per your preference during the video post setup. Private is good for drafts while public maximizes reach.
Other Video Metadata
Additional metadata can enhance video presentation on LinkedIn:
- Title – Use clear, descriptive titles.
- Description – Briefly summarize the video content.
- Thumbnail – Auto-generated but you can upload custom image.
- Captions – Improve accessibility. Auto-generated or custom.
Enter relevant titles, descriptions and captions to provide context to your viewers.
Video Content Guidelines
LinkedIn has guidelines on video content types. Ensure your videos do not violate the rules before uploading:
- No violent, graphic or illegal content.
- No hate speech, nudity or dangerous acts.
- No spam, malware or misleading content.
- No infringing copyrights or trademarks.
Review the detailed LinkedIn Video Content Guidelines for more specifics.
Usage Rights
By uploading a video to LinkedIn, you grant them certain rights to reproduce, modify and distribute the video as outlined in their User Agreement. Ensure you have the rights to share the video content on LinkedIn.
Analyzing Performance
LinkedIn provides metrics to track video performance and engagement:
- Views – Number of times video is played.
- Comments – User discussions about the video.
- Likes – Indicator of quality and relevance.
- Shares – Helps increase reach.
Monitor these metrics over time to optimize video strategy and engagement.
Conclusion
Uploading videos on LinkedIn requires meeting certain file, length, resolution and codec requirements. Optimize your videos as per the recommended settings for playback compatibility. Add relevant titles, descriptions and captions. Follow the content guidelines and be mindful of usage rights. Analyze performance metrics to improve future video uploads and engagement.