Uploading videos to LinkedIn can be a great way to increase engagement, showcase your skills, and attract new business. However, not all video formats are supported on the platform. One common format that users often wonder about is MP4.
What is MP4?
MP4, also known as MPEG-4 Part 14, is a digital multimedia container format. It is commonly used to store video and audio but can also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images.
Some key things to know about MP4:
- MP4 files use advanced compression algorithms to condense large video files into smaller sizes. This makes them great for transferring and streaming videos online.
- MP4 is an international standard format approved by the ISO and IEC standards organizations.
- It is considered a “container” format because it can store various types of data – video, audio, subtitles, etc. – in one file.
- MP4 supports high-quality videos and offers relatively high compression rates compared to other formats.
- MP4 files have the .mp4 file extension.
Due to its compression abilities and versatility, MP4 has become one of the most commonly used video formats online for platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and more. It is supported by virtually every video player and operating system.
What formats does LinkedIn support?
When uploading videos to your LinkedIn profile or pages, the platform supports the following formats:
- MP4
- MOV
- WMV
- AVI
- MPEGPS
- FLV
- 3GPP
- WebM
As you can see, MP4 is one of the supported formats. This makes it easy to upload and share MP4 videos on LinkedIn.
Benefits of using MP4 on LinkedIn
Uploading videos in MP4 format offers several benefits:
- High compression – MP4 files are compressed, so they take up less space and bandwidth to share. This helps videos stream and download faster for viewers.
- Compatibility – Almost any computer or mobile device can play MP4 files with the right video player software. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
- Quality – MP4 supports high-definition videos while maintaining relatively small file sizes.
- Optimization for LinkedIn – Since MP4 is a LinkedIn-supported format, it is optimized for playback on the platform. Other formats may not work as seamlessly.
- Easy editing – Many video editing programs support exporting to MP4. The format is easy to edit, compress and manipulate as needed before uploading.
Using the MP4 format ensures your LinkedIn videos look and perform their best.
How to upload an MP4 video to LinkedIn
Uploading an MP4 video to LinkedIn is a straightforward process:
- Verify the video file is in .mp4 format before uploading.
- Go to your LinkedIn profile and click “Add profile section.” Choose the “Featured” section.
- Click the “Media” tab then select “Add video.” This will open your file explorer.
- Browse and select the MP4 file you want to upload.
- Fill out the “Display title” and “Description” as you want them to appear.
- Click “Save.”
The video will now appear in the “Featured” section of your profile. You can also follow these same steps to upload MP4 videos to other sections like “Background” or “Projects.”
When sharing an MP4 on your LinkedIn feed, use the “Upload Video” option. Simply select your file and add any text or post details.
Best practices for video on LinkedIn
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn videos, keep these best practices in mind:
- Optimize video length for the platform – Videos less than 3 minutes tend to perform best.
- Add an engaging thumbnail preview image to capture attention.
- Mention relevant hashtags and keywords in your descriptions to improve discovery.
- Include a strong, interesting title that makes viewers want to watch.
- Share tips, advice and insights that provide value for your target audience.
- Promote your videos on other channels like YouTube to expand reach.
- Analyze video metrics to see which content resonates and improve over time.
Other supported formats
Again, MP4 is not the only format you can upload to LinkedIn. Some other options include:
- MOV – Works well for quicktime videos.
- WMV – Good for Windows Media formatted videos.
- AVI – Useful for shorter raw digital videos.
- MPEGPS – Supports some DVD formatted videos.
- FLV – Enables you to upload and share flash video files.
- 3GPP – For lower resolution mobile videos.
- WebM – An open, royalty-free media file format.
Test out uploading videos in any of LinkedIn’s supported formats to see which works best for your content.
Other ways to share video on LinkedIn
In addition to uploading videos directly, you can also embed and share videos on LinkedIn from other sites like YouTube or Vimeo using their embedded code. The video plays right in your LinkedIn post for viewers to watch.
Simply copy and paste the embed code from one of those platforms instead of uploading a file. This allows you to share the content without audiences having to leave LinkedIn.
Limitations to be aware of
While you have lots of options for video formats on LinkedIn, there are some limitations to note:
- Maximum file size is 5GB.
- Maximum length per video is 10 minutes.
- Your posts can include up to 4 video embeds.
- Unused video files expire after 90 days.
Review LinkedIn’s full video guidelines for any other specifics. In general, shorter, high-quality videos tend to work best.
Troubleshooting tips
If you are having trouble uploading MP4 or other videos to LinkedIn, try these tips:
- Convert the file to a supported format using a video converter tool.
- Try compressing the MP4 to reduce file size.
- Make sure your video meets the minimum resolution and aspect ratio.
- Double check your file extension – it must end in .mp4 or other supported format.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies then try reuploading.
- Try uploading from a different web browser or device.
- Contact LinkedIn support for further help troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Uploading MP4 videos is perfectly acceptable on LinkedIn. In fact, as a widely used video format optimized for web, it is recommended for sharing high-quality video content on the platform. Following LinkedIn’s guidelines and best practices can ensure your MP4 videos make a strong impact on your profile and feed. Leverage video to showcase your thought leadership, demonstrate products, connect with your audience and bring more visual interest to your powerful LinkedIn marketing.