When creating videos for LinkedIn, choosing the right pixel size is important for optimizing engagement and visibility. LinkedIn recommends uploading videos at 1920×1080 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio for the best playback experience across devices. This article will provide a deep dive into ideal video specs for LinkedIn and how to create optimized assets.
What is the ideal resolution for LinkedIn videos?
The recommended resolution for LinkedIn videos is 1920×1080 pixels, also known as full HD or 1080p. This refers to the total number of pixels that make up the video frame. 1920 pixels from left to right, and 1080 pixels from top to bottom.
Uploading videos at 1080p resolution ensures crisp, high-quality playback on both desktop and mobile. Lower resolution videos may appear blurry or pixelated, while higher resolutions are unnecessary and will only increase file sizes.
Why 1920×1080 for LinkedIn specifically?
There are a few key reasons 1080p is the ideal resolution for LinkedIn:
- It matches most desktop and laptop screens. 1920×1080 is one of the most common monitor display resolutions.
- It looks great on mobile. 1080p videos downscale well to fit mobile screens while retaining clarity.
- It aligns with LinkedIn’s recommended 16:9 aspect ratio. More on this next.
- It’s a standard HD resolution. 1080p is recognizable, accessible, and easy to create assets for.
In short, 1920×1080 hits the sweet spot between quality and file size that looks fantastic across LinkedIn’s range of viewing contexts.
Why is 16:9 aspect ratio required?
In addition to 1920×1080 resolution, LinkedIn requires videos to use a 16:9 aspect ratio. This means the width is 16 units and the height is 9 units.
1920 (width) / 1080 (height) = 1.7777777777777778, which rounds to the standard 16:9 display ratio.
Benefits of 16:9 aspect ratio
Using the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio has a few advantages for LinkedIn videos:
- Matches most screens. 16:9 is the near universal standard for monitors, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Suitable for landscape or portrait. 16:9 works well in both horizontal and vertical video orientations.
- Optimized playback experience. Videos avoid black bars and stretch warping.
- Looks professional. 16:9 is what viewers expect for high quality video.
By sticking to 1920×1080 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, your videos will look pristine and play smoothly on LinkedIn across all devices and orientations.
What frame rate should I use?
The recommended frame rate for LinkedIn videos is 24, 25, or 30 FPS (frames per second). This produces smooth, natural looking motion without excessive file sizes.
Here are the guidelines for choosing a frame rate:
- 24fps – Cinematic look. Used for films and narrative video.
- 25fps – PAL standard. Common for European/international video projects.
- 30fps – NTSC standard. Typical for North America and online video.
30fps is a safe bet in most cases for its smooth playback and near universal device support. But 24 or 25fps can be good options for more cinematic or international delivery.
Avoid higher frame rates
While 60fps or 120fps may seem technically impressive, it is overkill for LinkedIn. Such high frame rates increase file size tremendously without any real benefit on common viewing platforms.
Stick to 24, 25, or 30fps as the standards that balance quality and file size for LinkedIn’s usage.
What video file formats work best?
The recommended video file formats for LinkedIn are:
- MP4
- MOV
These are the most reliable and high-quality formats for cross-platform online video delivery. Here are some specifics on using each format:
MP4
MP4 is the gold standard online video format due to its nearly universal device support and optimized compression for web delivery. MP4 is a safe choice for LinkedIn, providing quality playback combined with smaller file sizes.
When exporting MP4s, use the H.264 codec and AAC audio for best results.
MOV
MOV files are lossless video files that retain maximum quality. The tradeoff is larger file sizes compared to MP4. Use MOV if you have longer videos where the highest quality is necessary.
MOV files can contain different codecs. H.264 is recommended for web compatibility while Apple ProRes maintains full quality.
What are the recommended bitrate settings?
Bitrate determines how much data is used per second of video to encode quality and file size. For 1080p LinkedIn videos, target these bitrate ranges:
Resolution | Bitrate Range |
---|---|
1080p (1920×1080) | 3000 – 8000 kbps |
3000-5000 kbps is sufficient for most short videos under 5 minutes. For longer videos, use 5000-8000 kbps to maintain quality at higher resolutions and frame rates.
Finding the right balance depends on your specific video content and length. Shoot for the lowest bitrate that still delivers acceptable visual quality.
How can I optimize LinkedIn videos for mobile?
Mobile optimization is crucial since a majority of LinkedIn users view content on smartphones and tablets. Here are some tips for mobile-first video:
- Use 16:9 aspect ratio
- Frame for vertical orientation
- Add text overlays for small screens
- Check playback on mobile devices
- Set shorter length for short attention spans
The most important thing is testing your final exported videos directly on mobile to catch any playback issues. Mobile optimization should be a priority for any video content produced for LinkedIn.
What are the maximum video lengths allowed?
LinkedIn currently supports video lengths up to 10 minutes, with a recommended ideal length of 2-3 minutes.
Here are LinkedIn’s video length limits as of October 2023:
Video Type | Max Length |
---|---|
Native Videos | 10 minutes |
LinkedIn Live | 4 hours |
For native video uploads, aim for 2-3 minutes as the sweet spot. Data shows engagement drops off significantly after 3 minutes. Split longer content into a series for maximum impact.
Tips for ideal video length
- Hook viewers in the first 10 seconds
- Get to the point quickly, no meandering intros
- Wrap up with a strong call to action
- Consider splitting longer videos into series
Quality over quantity. A concise and compelling 2 minute video can outperform a dragged out 10 minute one. Think carefully about trimming length to maximize engagement.
How can I check that videos meet requirements?
To ensure your LinkedIn videos meet all the recommended specifications, there are a few quick checks you can make:
- Resolution – Open video file properties and confirm 1920×1080 pixels.
- Aspect Ratio – Divide width by height to check for a 16:9 ratio.
- Framerate – Inspect video metadata for 24, 25, or 30fps.
- File Format – Verify video encodes as MP4 or MOV file.
- Bitrate – Check video bitrate is in the 3000-8000 kbps range.
- Length – Look at run time to ensure video is under 10 minutes.
- Mobile Playback – Test watching on a mobile device.
Running through these checks will ensure your video meets LinkedIn’s recommendations for optimized playback and visibility across platforms.
What are some recommended video specs?
Putting all this together, here are the recommended specs for producing optimized video assets for LinkedIn:
Video Attribute | Ideal Spec |
---|---|
Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Framerate | 24, 25, or 30fps |
File Format | MP4 or MOV |
Bitrate | 3000 – 8000 kbps |
Max Length | 10 mins (ideal 2-3 mins) |
Feeding these optimized specs into your video production will maximize quality and engagement across LinkedIn.
Conclusion
To recap, the ideal specs for LinkedIn video are 1920×1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 24-30 fps frame rate, MP4 or MOV format, 3000-8000 kbps bitrate, and no longer than 10 minutes (ideally 2-3 minutes). Checking videos against these recommended standards will help create stellar assets optimized for LinkedIn’s critical professional audience across devices.
With video consumption rising sharply on the platform, following these best practices will give your content the edge it needs to stand out. Pair these production tips with compelling messaging that resonates with the LinkedIn community for maximum impact.