When creating videos for LinkedIn, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right aspect ratio. The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of the video frame. Selecting the ideal aspect ratio ensures your video looks polished and professional on the LinkedIn platform.
In this article, we’ll examine the two recommended aspect ratios for LinkedIn videos and the advantages of each. We’ll also provide tips on creating custom thumbnails and specs for optimal video quality. Read on to learn what dimensions your LinkedIn videos need for success.
The Two Recommended Aspect Ratios
LinkedIn officially supports two aspect ratios for uploaded videos:
16:9
The 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio is the most commonly used for LinkedIn videos. 16:9 provides a rectangular frame that is great for landscape footage or screen recordings. Examples of 16:9 resolutions include:
– 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)
– 1280 x 720 pixels (720p HD)
– 854 x 480 pixels
– 640 x 360 pixels
4:5
The 4:5 aspect ratio is vertical rectangle. 4:5 is optimized for mobile devices and works well for portrait-style shots. Examples of 4:5 resolutions include:
– 1080 x 1350 pixels
– 720 x 900 pixels
– 480 x 600 pixels
Advantages of 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Here are some benefits of using the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio for LinkedIn videos:
Aligns with most monitors and screens
Since 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio for most computer monitors, TVs, and mobile devices, it provides the most compatible framing for LinkedIn videos. A 16:9 video will seamlessly fill the viewer’s screen without black bars on the sides.
Works well for landscape footage
The rectangular 16:9 frame is ideal for capturing landscape scenes or wide establishing shots. The wide frame provides enough space to include your surrounding environment.
Standard for YouTube and other platforms
In addition to LinkedIn, 16:9 is the default aspect ratio for YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram video. Creating in 16:9 allows your videos to be repurposed easily on other platforms.
Room for text overlays and graphics
With 16:9 landscape framing, you have ample room to layer in text, logos, graphics, or other visual elements on the top and bottom of your footage. The wide frame leaves space for tasteful title treatments and calls-to-action.
Advantages of 4:5 Aspect Ratio
Here are some upsides to using the 4:5 portrait aspect ratio:
Ideal for mobile
Over 50% of LinkedIn users access the platform on mobile. The 4:5 aspect ratio is perfectly optimized for mobile viewing in vertical format. Portrait videos take up the entire phone screen.
Draws focus to people
The extra vertical space in the 4:5 frame lends itself to highlight individual speakers. The tight crop focuses attention on faces, expressions, and emotions.
Creates a more intimate feel
Similar to the effect of portrait photography, the 4:5 aspect ratio establishes a sense of intimacy and depth with subjects in the foreground. This helps viewers feel more connected and engaged.
Stand out in the LinkedIn feed
Since most user-generated videos on LinkedIn use the 16:9 landscape format, uploading in portrait 4:5 is a way to distinguish your content visually in the feed.
Tips for Creating Custom Thumbnails
When uploading a video on LinkedIn, you’ll be prompted to select a custom thumbnail image to represent it in the feed. Here are tips for creating effective custom thumbnails:
Choose an eye-catching frame
Pick a frame that captures attention like a close-up facial expression or dynamic action shot. Avoid nondescript frames with cluttered backgrounds.
Use high-contrast colors
Opt for frames with vibrant contrasting colors like warm tones (red, yellow) against cool tones (blue, green) to help your thumbnail pop.
Include text overlays
Overlay your thumbnail with short engaging captions, titles, or static text graphics teasing the content of the video.
Play with the focal point
Use the Rule of Thirds to position focal elements like faces or text along the left, right, top, or bottom third lines of the frame.
Maintain consistent branding
Use colors, logos, fonts, and graphic elements to match the visual branding of your overall LinkedIn presence.
Video Specs for Optimal Playback
To ensure your LinkedIn videos look clean and professional, it’s important to export using the proper export settings. Here are the optimal video specs:
File Format
Export videos from your editing software as .MP4 files, the ideal format for online streaming. Other accepted formats include .MOV, .AVI, and .MKV.
Resolution
For maximum quality, export at 1080p or 720p HD resolution. Higher resolution files may require longer upload times and bandwidth.
Bitrate
Use a video bitrate between 1.5 – 5 Mbps for the best balance between quality and file size. Higher bitrates improve clarity but result in larger files.
Frame Rate
An export frame rate of 24, 25, or 30 fps (frames per second) is recommended. Higher frame rates are great for sports and action shots.
Data Rate
For audio, use an audio data rate of 192 kbps for optimal sound clarity. Lower data rates may cause a slight decrease in audio quality.
Aspect Ratio
As outlined earlier in this article, export at either 16:9 or 4:5 aspect ratio depending on your creative objectives.
Conclusion
The ideal aspect ratio for your LinkedIn videos depends on the visual story you want to tell. Landscape 16:9 lends itself well to professional screen recordings, lifestyle vlogs, and interviews. Portrait 4:5 is perfect for personal selfie-style videos and eye-catching mobile content.
Use the tips in this article to select the right aspect ratio and create optimized videos that will drive views, engagement, and connections on LinkedIn. With compelling custom thumbnails and properly exported specs, your videos will look fantastic played in-feed. Choose the aspect ratio tailored to your brand messaging and start connecting more powerfully through video.