A LinkedIn cover photo is the large banner image that appears at the top of your LinkedIn profile. It serves as the background image behind your profile photo and all of your key professional details. Your cover photo is one of the first things people will notice when visiting your LinkedIn profile, so it’s important to make a good impression with an eye-catching and professional image.
While LinkedIn cover photos are typically static images like photos or graphic designs, one common question is whether you can use a video instead. Videos can be more dynamic and engaging as a cover photo, but does LinkedIn support video files as cover images?
The short answer is no, LinkedIn does not currently allow videos for cover photos. LinkedIn cover photos are limited to standard image files only. However, there are a few workarounds and alternatives worth considering if you want to add visual interest to your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn Cover Photo Specifications
LinkedIn has specific size and file requirements for cover photos that do not support video files:
- Minimum size: 1400 x 425 pixels
- Recommended size: 1584 x 396 pixels
- Maximum file size: 8MB
- Supported file types: JPG, PNG, or GIF
As you can see, only standard static image formats like JPG, PNG, and GIF are allowed. Video files types like MP4, AVI, MOV, etc. are not supported. The cover image must also meet the minimum 1584 x 396 pixel size requirement.
Videos have their own distinct file formats and dimensions. Even if you converted a video to a series of JPG images, the frame dimensions would likely not meet the 1584 x 396 pixel cover image size.
Workarounds for Adding Video to LinkedIn Cover
While you can’t upload a video directly as your LinkedIn profile cover image, there are some creative workarounds to simulate the look and feel of a video background:
1. Use a GIF instead of a photo
LinkedIn does allow animated GIF files to be used as cover images. So creating or converting a short video clip into an animated GIF can add some motion. Just keep the dimensions within 1584 x 396 pixels and under the 8MB file size limit when converting your video to an animated GIF.
2. Use video editing software to export a video frame
You can take a single interesting frame from a video in video editing software and export it as a JPG file at the right dimensions for a LinkedIn cover photo. This lets you customize a captivating image from your video for the cover position.
3. Create a collage of video screenshots
Using screenshots from your video, you can assemble a collage image at the needed photo dimensions. Arrange screenshots in sequence to simulate motion across frames. Add text overlays as needed. Then export the full collage as a single JPG file for your cover.
4. Design a cover image with embedded video
Some graphic design tools like Canva allow you to embed videos into image designs. You can create a cover photo layout with a video playback area and additional text/graphics. Export the full design with embedded video as a standard image file for LinkedIn. The video won’t actually play on LinkedIn, but will be seen as a static video placeholder image.
Alternatives for Including Video on Your Profile
If you really want to feature video content on your LinkedIn profile, there are a couple areas that do support uploaded videos:
Media Section
You can add a media section to your LinkedIn profile and upload videos here. The media section displays thumbnail previews of your videos that viewers can click to watch the full video. This section is displayed further down your profile page rather than prominently behind your profile photo.
Content Sharing
When making posts to your LinkedIn feed, you can include embedded videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Loom, and other platforms. Shared video content will be playable directly in your feed. You can also link to external videos in the content you share.
So while cover videos aren’t possible, there are still ways to use video creatively on your LinkedIn profile. A compelling cover photo remains a key part of making a great first impression and showcasing your professional brand.
Example Cover Photo Ideas
Here are just a few examples of eye-catching LinkedIn cover designs to spark ideas:
Cover Photo Concept | Description |
---|---|
Collage of photos/graphics | Assemble a collage of images like products, office, team, infographics |
Event photos | Photos from a recent conference, trade show, or other industry event |
Graphs and charts | Highlight key stats and data relevant to your business |
Office photos | Lifestyle photos representing your company culture and values |
The cover image options are nearly limitless. Brainstorm ideas that best represent you or your business. Images that look professional, display your skills, and encourage viewers to learn more about your profile are ideal.
Tips for Creating a Great LinkedIn Cover Photo
Follow these best practices when designing your LinkedIn profile cover photo:
- Choose high-quality images that are in focus and well-lit
- Avoid selecting overly busy backgrounds that are distracting
- Make sure important details are legible at smaller sizes
- Use minimal text – your name and headline are displayed over the image
- Reflect your personal brand with colors, images, style, etc.
- Design images to align well with your profile photo
Your cover photo and profile photo should work cohesively to present your professional image.
Aim for a consistent style and vibe across both photos. The profile photo subjects should connect logically to the cover photo background.
Conclusion
While uploading video files is not supported for LinkedIn cover images, you do have options to showcase videos on your profile. A compelling cover photo remains a key component in making a great first impression and effectively branding yourself on LinkedIn. Invest time in selecting or designing images that represent you in the best possible light. With a well-designed cover photo and profile, you can maximize the impact of your LinkedIn presence.