LinkedIn allows users to upload and share videos as part of their profiles, pages, groups, and other content. However, there are limits on the length and file size of videos that can be uploaded to LinkedIn.
LinkedIn Video Length Limit
The maximum length for a video uploaded to LinkedIn is 10 minutes. Any video longer than 10 minutes will be automatically truncated when uploaded. This applies to videos uploaded to a user’s profile, Company Page, Showcase Page, or Group.
The 10 minute time limit for LinkedIn videos has been in place since around 2017. Prior to that, the limit was much shorter at only 5 minutes. So the current 10 minute allowance gives users more flexibility in the length of videos they can share on the platform.
Why LinkedIn Limits Video Length
There are a few reasons why LinkedIn enforces a max video length:
- Keep user engagement – Longer videos tend to see lower view completion rates. LinkedIn wants to promote videos that users will actually watch in full.
- Optimize for mobile – Many LinkedIn users view content on mobile. Shorter videos stream better on mobile data connections.
- Control server load – Long videos require more storage and bandwidth to stream. A length limit helps manage LinkedIn’s infrastructure costs.
By restricting videos to 10 minutes or less, LinkedIn aims to provide a better viewing experience and make video part of sustainable networking activities.
LinkedIn Video File Size Limit
In addition to the 10 minute length limit, LinkedIn also imposes a file size restriction on uploaded videos. The maximum file size for a video uploaded to LinkedIn is 5GB.
If your video exceeds 5GB in size, you will need to use video compression or editing software to reduce the file size before uploading. Some tips for lowering file size include:
- Use a lower resolution – 720p or 1080p is likely sufficient for LinkedIn.
- Reduce audio quality – 192kbps audio will still sound good.
- Use H.264 compression – H.264 is efficient at shrinking video file sizes.
- Shorten the video – Cut any unnecessary content to reduce length.
How and Where to Upload Longer Videos
If you have a video that exceeds LinkedIn’s 10 minute or 5GB limits, you still have a few options to share it with your audience:
- Host it externally – Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo, then embed or link to it in a LinkedIn post.
- Split into multiple parts – Break up a long video into 10 minute or smaller segments.
- Share highlights/clips – Instead of the full video, share short 1-2 minute highlights.
You can drive viewers from LinkedIn to a long-form video hosted on another platform. Or get creative with how you slice up content to work within the limits.
Max Video Length for LinkedIn Ads
If you are running LinkedIn video ads, the limits are slightly different than for organic user generated videos.
For LinkedIn Sponsored Video ads, the maximum length is:
Ad Format | Max Video Length |
In-Feed/Content Recommendation | 3 minutes |
Messaging | 2 minutes |
So LinkedIn video ads have stricter time limits of only 2-3 minutes maximum. This helps ensure the ads can reach and engage viewers within short-form content experiences across LinkedIn.
Why LinkedIn Ads Have Shorter Video Limits
LinkedIn imposes tighter restrictions on the length of video ads compared to organic user content for a few reasons:
- Deliver in short form content – Video ads need to work in short scrollable feeds like the LinkedIn mobile app.
- Increase completion rates – Shorter ads are more likely to be watched to completion.
- Limit ad interruptions – Long video ads create a more disruptive experience.
The shorter video ad limits allow LinkedIn to insert relevant branded video content into feeds without distracting too much from the core user experience.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Videos
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn videos, keep these best practices in mind:
- Hook viewers quickly – Lead with your most engaging content in the first few seconds.
- Use captions – Make your videos accessible and consumable without sound.
- Include a strong call-to-action – Give viewers a specific prompt to drive actions after viewing.
- Promote your videos – Share them proactively with your audience vs. just passively posting.
- Analyze performance – Review LinkedIn video metrics to see what content resonates.
Follow the technical requirements but also focus on creativity and promoting your videos to turn views into meaningful business results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload longer videos if I have a premium LinkedIn account?
No, the 10 minute and 5GB video limits apply to all LinkedIn accounts regardless of premium status. Having a premium Business Plus or Sales Navigator account does not allow you to upload longer or larger videos.
What happens if I upload a video that is too long?
If your video exceeds 10 minutes, LinkedIn will automatically truncate it to 10 minutes when processing the upload. Any content after the 10 minute mark will be cut off.
Can I embed a YouTube video on LinkedIn that is longer than 10 minutes?
Yes, you can embed or share a link to a YouTube video over 10 minutes without any issues. The 10 minute limit only applies to videos uploaded directly into LinkedIn, not to third-party videos embedded in posts or shared via links.
What are the image dimensions for LinkedIn video thumbnails?
LinkedIn recommends video thumbnails to be 800×450 pixels. This 16:9 horizontal image ratio will display properly across LinkedIn including mobile app feeds.
What are the approved video formats and codecs for LinkedIn?
LinkedIn supports common video formats like .MP4, .MOV, and .AVI. Recommended codecs include H.264, VP8, VP9, and MPEG-4.
Conclusion
LinkedIn limits user-generated videos to a maximum length of 10 minutes and file size of 5GB. LinkedIn video ads have even stricter limits of only 2-3 minutes long. These length and size restrictions aim to optimize videos for platform delivery and user experience. When uploading longer videos, you can split into multiple parts, host externally, or repurpose short highlights. Adhere to the time limits but focus most on compelling video content that engages your audience.