There are a few potential reasons why you may be getting an error saying “media upload failed” when trying to post images or videos on LinkedIn:
Image/video file size is too large
LinkedIn has file size limits for images and videos uploaded to the platform. The maximum file size for images is 10MB and for videos is 5GB. If your media file exceeds these size limits, LinkedIn will give you the “media upload failed” error message. Reducing the file size, such as by compressing the image or video to a smaller resolution, can help avoid this issue.
File type not supported
LinkedIn only allows certain file types and formats for images and videos. For images, LinkedIn supports JPG, PNG, and GIF formats. For videos, LinkedIn supports MP4 and MOV files. Uploading an image or video in an unsupported file type will result in a failed upload. Double check that your media is in a supported format before uploading.
Poor internet connection
Uploading media files requires a stable, fast internet connection. If you have a weak or intermittent connection, the upload may fail partway through. Try uploading again when you have a better WiFi or mobile data connection to ensure the full media file can be transferred to LinkedIn’s servers.
LinkedIn server issues
In rare cases, the issue may actually be on LinkedIn’s end. Server outages or glitches could temporarily prevent uploads from completing successfully. Trying again later when LinkedIn’s servers are up and running properly typically resolves this. You can check LinkedIn’s status page at http://linkedin.com/status for any known issues.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you keep getting the “media upload failed” error, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
1. Check the file size
Verify that your image or video file does not exceed LinkedIn’s size limits (10MB for images, 5GB for videos). Use an app or your computer’s file properties to check the file size. If it’s too large, use an image editor or video converter to reduce the size.
2. Check the file type
Confirm the file format and extension are supported by LinkedIn. Rename the file if needed so it has a .jpg, .png, .gif, .mp4, or .mov extension. Avoid uncommon formats like .tiff, .avi, or .wmv.
3. Use a different network
If on mobile, try uploading over WiFi instead of mobile data. Or go to a different WiFi network if your current one is slow or unreliable. Uploading over a strong, high-speed connection gives the best chance of success.
4. Restart/update the LinkedIn app
If uploading on mobile, force quit and relaunch the LinkedIn app. Also make sure the app is updated to the latest version. This ensures no software glitches are causing upload failures.
5. Try again later
In some cases, the issue is temporary and resolves itself after some time. Wait an hour or two and attempt the upload again when LinkedIn’s servers may be less busy.
6. Contact LinkedIn support
If you still can’t isolate the cause, reach out to LinkedIn’s customer support for personalized troubleshooting help. They can diagnose if there are any problems on LinkedIn’s end preventing your media from uploading.
How to Avoid “Media Upload Failed” Errors
Here are some tips to help avoid seeing the “media upload failed” message when posting images and videos on LinkedIn:
Compress files before uploading
Use image and video compression tools to reduce file sizes. This ensures they fall within LinkedIn’s size limits. Free online compressors like TinyPNG (for images) and Handbrake (for video) work well.
Stick to common file types
Convert files to universally compatible formats like JPG, PNG, MP4, and MOV before uploading. Avoid less common formats that LinkedIn may not support.
Upload over a strong WiFi connection
Only upload media when connected to stable, fast internet. Slow or intermittent mobile data connections are more likely to result in failed uploads.
Update the LinkedIn app frequently
Keep the LinkedIn mobile app updated to avoid any bugs that could interfere with uploads. Enable auto-update if possible.
Try an alternative upload method
If uploading directly in the mobile app fails, try using LinkedIn’s website instead, or vice versa. Upload methods sometimes differ across platforms.
What to Do If “Media Upload Failed” Persists
If you still continually get the “media upload failed” error after troubleshooting, here are some additional steps to resolve the problem:
Clear the LinkedIn app cache
The app cache storing old data can sometimes interfere with uploads. Clear it by going to app settings > storage > clear cache. Then try uploading again.
Check if the file uploads on another platform
Try uploading the image or video to a different site like Facebook or Twitter. If it fails elsewhere, the file itself is likely the issue vs. LinkedIn.
Try uploading from a different device
See if you can successfully upload using a different phone, tablet, or computer. This helps identify if the problem is device-specific.
Restart your device
Power your device completely off and back on. Restarting clears out memory issues that could be preventing successful uploads.
Contact LinkedIn customer support
Explain the persistent upload failure issue to LinkedIn’s support team. They can investigate potential problems with your account or underlying bugs in the platform.
Why LinkedIn Has Upload Restrictions
While the upload limits can be frustrating, LinkedIn does have valid reasons for imposing restrictions on media files:
Prevent storage space abuse
By capping file sizes, LinkedIn stops users from uploaded gigabyte-sized files that take up excessive storage space on their servers. This controls their hosting costs.
Ensure fast performance
Large media files can slow down LinkedIn’s interface and feed loading times. Size limits help keep the viewing experience snappy for all users.
Limit inappropriate content
Requiring common file formats reduces the ability to upload malicious files or content. Restrictions help maintain a professional environment.
Promote engagement
LinkedIn wants posts to generate discussion, not just passive views. So they limit media, encouraging users to interact through comments instead.
Align with user expectations
Most social media have similar upload restrictions. Consistent limits help prevent confusion for users switching between platforms.
Best Practices for Uploading to LinkedIn
To maximize success when posting media on LinkedIn, keep these best practices in mind:
Compress files to under 10MB (images) or 5GB (video)
Use image and video compression tools to downsize files before uploading. This avoids size-related failures.
Convert to .JPG, .PNG, .GIF, .MP4, or .MOV formats
UnlinkIn specifically supports these common file types. Avoid formats like .TIFF, .WMV, or .AVI.
Upload over WiFi for reliable connectivity
Only post media when connected to strong, high-speed internet to prevent dropouts. Avoid spotty mobile data connections.
Be patient and retry if uploads fail
Temporary glitches happen. Wait a bit and try uploading again later if you encounter errors.
Update the LinkedIn app frequently
Keep the app up-to-date to eliminate any bugs that could interfere with posting media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get “media upload failed” when posting from my phone?
On mobile, weak cellular signals can interrupt uploads. Connect to stable WiFi when posting media from your phone to avoid failures. The issue can also happen if the LinkedIn app is outdated – make sure to keep it updated.
Does video size limit include both video and audio?
Yes, LinkedIn’s 5GB video file size limit encompasses both the video stream and audio stream combined. So both need to be compressed to fit under the maximum.
Can I upload media using LinkedIn’s desktop website?
Yes, you can upload images and videos on both LinkedIn’s mobile app and full desktop website. If one upload method isn’t working, try the other platform.
Why does LinkedIn limit image size more than other social media?
LinkedIn caps images at 10MB, smaller than Facebook’s 25MB limit. This is likely because LinkedIn’s feed is more text-focused, so huge images would disrupt the professional user experience.
What should I do if I exceed the maximum video length?
LinkedIn allows videos up to 10 minutes. If your video exceeds that, use video editing software to split it into multiple shorter parts before uploading.
Conclusion
Getting a “media upload failed” error on LinkedIn when posting images or videos is usually fixable by adjusting file sizes and formats, trying different upload methods, or waiting and retrying later. While upload limits can be inconvenient, they help ensure optimal performance and a professional environment. Following LinkedIn’s guidelines for supported media types and maximum file sizes can help you avoid frustrating failed uploads. With some persistence and troubleshooting, you can successfully share visual content to enhance your LinkedIn profile and posts.