LinkedIn allows users to upload and share videos as part of their profile and posts. However, there are some requirements and limitations on the video files that can be uploaded. This article will provide an overview of the supported video file formats, specifications, and best practices for uploading videos to LinkedIn.
Video File Formats Supported by LinkedIn
LinkedIn supports the following video file formats:
- MP4
- MOV
- AVI
- WMV
- FLV
Of these formats, MP4 and MOV are recommended by LinkedIn as they have the broadest support across different browsers and operating systems. Some important notes on supported formats:
- MP4 videos must use H.264 video encoding and AAC audio encoding.
- MOV files must use H.264 video and AAC audio codecs.
- AVI files must use MPEG-4 video and MP3 audio codecs.
- WMV videos need to use WMV video and WMA audio codecs.
- FLV files must have H.263 or H.264 video with MP3 audio.
If your video is in an unsupported format like MKV, WEBM, FLAC, OGG or others, you will need to convert or re-encode it into one of the accepted file types above before uploading to LinkedIn.
Video File Size and Length Limitations
In addition to video format, there are also restrictions on the file size and length of videos that can be uploaded to LinkedIn:
- Maximum file size: 5GB
- Maximum length: 10 minutes
If your video exceeds either of these limits, it will fail to properly upload or process on LinkedIn. Some options if your video is too large or long include:
- Use video compression or re-encoding to reduce file size.
- Trim or cut your video into segments under 10 minutes.
- Upload to an external site like YouTube or Vimeo and embed the video into LinkedIn.
Video Resolution and Aspect Ratios
LinkedIn automatically processes and adapts videos for optimal viewing in both desktop and mobile experiences. However, for best results it is recommended to upload videos with the following specs:
- Resolution: At least 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen is preferred. Vertical videos (9:16) are also supported.
- Landscape orientation is recommended over portrait.
Avoid uploading videos with less than 720p resolution when possible, as they may appear more pixelated or blurry, especially when viewed on larger screens.
Video Upload Options on LinkedIn
There are a few different ways videos can be added to LinkedIn profiles and posts:
- Profile media module – Videos can be uploaded as part of the media gallery on your LinkedIn profile. This allows visitors to your profile to view the videos.
- Share video in feed – You can upload a video directly when sharing a new post or article in your LinkedIn feed.
- LinkedIn video messaging – Videos can be recorded or uploaded when sending private video messages to your LinkedIn connections.
- Company page videos – Companies can upload videos to showcase products, services, company culture and more on their LinkedIn Company pages.
Best Practices for Uploading LinkedIn Videos
To ensure your videos look and perform their best on LinkedIn, here are some top tips to follow:
- Choose the proper video format – MP4 or MOV files are ideal.
- Check the file size before uploading – Reduce size if needed to under the 5GB limit.
- Keep video length under 10 minutes per clip.
- Use HD resolution of at least 720p.
- Select a thumbnail image that captures viewers’ attention.
- Provide a compelling video title and description for context.
- Upload natively instead of embedding third-party videos when possible.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn Video Uploads
If you are having issues getting videos to upload properly to LinkedIn, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm the file format is supported (MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.)
- Check the file size is under the 5GB limit.
- Verify the video length is less than 10 minutes.
- Try re-encoding the video to standard codecs like H.264 and AAC.
- Use video compression or trimming tools to reduce file size.
- Lower the video resolution if uploading very high-res files.
- Clear browser cache and cookies then re-try the upload.
- Test uploading from a different browser or device if possible.
If issues persist, you may need to convert your video to an optimized format before a successful upload to LinkedIn is possible.
Conclusion
Uploading videos to LinkedIn can be a great way to enhance your personal profile, showcase thought leadership content, highlight company products or culture, and engage your professional network. By following the recommended specifications and best practices outlined here, you can ensure your LinkedIn videos look polished, stream smoothly, and make a positive impact on viewers.