When sharing content on LinkedIn, it’s important to optimize images for how they will display in the LinkedIn feed. The image that appears in the main LinkedIn post preview is critical for capturing attention and driving engagement. So what are the recommended image dimensions to use for LinkedIn post previews?
The LinkedIn Post Image Dimensions
LinkedIn displays images in the main post preview at a size of 1200 x 627 pixels. This means the ideal image dimensions for LinkedIn posts are:
- Width: 1200 pixels
- Height: 627 pixels
Images at this 1200 x 627 pixel size will completely fill the main post preview on both desktop and mobile. Using images sized for the LinkedIn post preview helps ensure they look crisp and readable when displayed in the feed.
Why These Dimensions?
LinkedIn designed their main post preview display around these 1200 x 627 pixel dimensions. This allows the image to take up a significant amount of visual space to capture attention, while also allowing room for the post text and metadata.
When you share a post on LinkedIn, it shows up in the feed with three main elements:
- Profile image and name
- Post image (at 1200 x 627 pixels)
- Post text preview and metadata
Using an image sized at 1200 x 627 pixels ensures it will fill the allotted image space in the overall post preview layout. Images at other sizes may appear cropped or stretched in undesirable ways.
Image Orientation
The 1200 x 627 pixel size is designed for landscape image orientations. For portrait images, the dimensions would be reversed to 627 x 1200 pixels.
Either orientation works for LinkedIn post images. Just be sure the important focus point of the image lines up with the center of the preview.
File Size and Type
In addition to dimensions, file size and type are also important for LinkedIn images. Here are the recommended specs:
- File Size: Less than 5MB
- File Types: JPG, PNG, GIF
Keeping the file size under 5MB ensures the image will load quickly in the preview. And using standard image types like JPG, PNG, and GIF are supported across LinkedIn.
Image Design Tips
When designing images specifically for LinkedIn, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high resolution images for crisp quality
- Optimize and compress images to reduce file size
- Add visual interest with color, textures, graphics
- Use minimal text overlays for clarity
- Ensure important focus points align center and top
With the proper size, file specifications, and design, you can create compelling, eye-catching images to use for LinkedIn posts.
Tools to Create LinkedIn Post Images
You can design custom images for LinkedIn posts using various graphic design tools and resources. Here are some top options:
Design Applications
- Canva
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- GIMP
Robust design apps like Photoshop and Illustrator offer extensive features for image creation and editing. Canva and GIMP are free, simpler options.
Social Media Image Templates
- Canva templates
- Creative Market templates
- Envato Elements templates
- Design Wizard templates
Many design sites offer templates sized specifically for different social networks, including LinkedIn. These can provide a fast way to create polished images.
Stock Photo Sites
- Getty Images
- Adobe Stock
- Shutterstock
- iStock
Stock photos offer a diverse range of high quality, affordable imagery to use for LinkedIn posts and other content.
Sizing Images for Different LinkedIn Surfaces
The 1200 x 627 pixel size is ideal for the main LinkedIn post preview image. However, you may need smaller or larger images for other areas of LinkedIn. Common dimensions include:
LinkedIn Location | Image Dimensions |
---|---|
Post Preview | 1200 x 627 pixels |
Profile Picture | 400 x 400 pixels |
Company Page Logo | 300 x 300 pixels |
Company Page Cover Image | 1584 x 396 pixels |
Shared Link Preview | 200 x 200 pixels |
Refer to LinkedIn’s marketing solutions guidelines for their latest recommendations on image sizes across platforms.
Optimizing Images for LinkedIn Feeds
In addition to proper image dimensions, there are other best practices for optimizing images for LinkedIn:
- Use relevant, high quality images that align with your industry and content
- Avoid overly commercial stock photos that look generic
- Feature people and faces for greater engagement
- Use text sparingly, keep overlays simple and minimal
- Provide image descriptions and alt text for accessibility
- Check colors and contrast for visually impaired users
Well-designed images tailored for the LinkedIn audience can boost views, likes, comments, and shares.
Analyzing LinkedIn Post Performance
To refine your image strategy, analyze how different images perform in your LinkedIn posts over time. Look at metrics like:
- Impressions
- Clicks
- Engagement rate
- Comments
- Likes
- Shares
Pay attention to top performing image styles, subjects, and design elements. Identify any correlations between images and post performance.
You can use LinkedIn’s analytics tools or third-party social media analytics software to evaluate post metrics.
A/B Testing LinkedIn Post Images
A/B test different images to see which ones resonate most with your LinkedIn audience. Steps for A/B testing images include:
- Create two images with different designs, copy, or content
- Post the images at a similar day and time to control other variables
- Target each image to a similar audience segment
- Compare engagement metrics between the two posts
- Determine which image achieved better results
Consistently A/B testing images will provide data to refine your visual strategy over time.
Conclusion
Optimizing images to 1200 x 627 pixels will make them pop in the LinkedIn feed preview. This ensures they grab attention and encourage profile views, post engagement, and shares. Along with proper sizing, compelling image design and split-testing different versions will help drive optimal results.
Pay close attention to how images display in LinkedIn posts and iteratively refine your visual content based on performance. With thoughtful images tailored for the platform, you can boost brand awareness and expand your LinkedIn reach.