Yes, it is possible to attach files in LinkedIn messages. LinkedIn allows you to send files up to 25MB in size through messages. This can be a useful way to share documents, images, presentations and other files with your connections on LinkedIn.
How to Attach a File in a LinkedIn Message
Attaching a file in a LinkedIn message is easy to do through the LinkedIn website or mobile app. Here are the steps:
On LinkedIn Website
1. Go to the LinkedIn homepage and log into your account.
2. Click on “Messaging” in the top navigation bar.
3. Click on “Compose new message” to start a new message.
4. Enter the name of the recipient in the “To” field.
5. Type your message in the text box.
6. Click on the paperclip icon next to the send button.
7. In the attachment window, click on “Upload attachment”.
8. Locate and select the file you want to attach on your computer.
9. Once the file finishes uploading, click “Attach”.
10. The file will now be attached to your message.
11. Click “Send” to send the message with the attached file.
On LinkedIn Mobile App
1. Open the LinkedIn app on your phone.
2. Tap on the messaging icon on the bottom.
3. Tap the pencil icon to start a new message.
4. Enter the recipient’s name.
5. Type your message.
6. Tap on the paperclip icon next to the send button.
7. Select “Document” or “Photo/Video” depending on the type of file.
8. Browse and select the file you want to attach.
9. Tap “Attach” once the file is selected.
10. The file will be attached to your message.
11. Tap “Send” to send the message with the file attached.
Tips for Attaching Files in LinkedIn Messages
Here are some tips to keep in mind when attaching files to LinkedIn messages:
- Make sure the file size is under 25MB. Larger files cannot be sent.
- Let the recipient know you are sending them a file so they can expect it.
- Provide some context about the file – what it contains and why you are sending it.
- Double check that you are sending the right file to avoid mistakes.
- For privacy, avoid sending sensitive or confidential information through LinkedIn messages.
- Follow up with the recipient to ensure they received the file successfully.
- Use file naming conventions so the recipient can easily identify the file.
Supported File Types
LinkedIn allows you to attach and send the following file types in messages:
- Documents – PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel files
- Images – JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP files
- Video – MP4, MOV files
- Audio – MP3 files
- Zip/Compressed files
Files with extensions other than the above may not upload successfully. LinkedIn does not allow attaching executable files such as EXE for security reasons.
File Attachment Limits
There are some limits when attaching files to LinkedIn messages:
- Individual file size limit is 25MB.
- You can attach up to 5 files in one message.
- Total attachments per message cannot exceed 30MB.
If the files you are trying to send exceed these limits, try compressing them or splitting them into multiple messages.
Where Does the Attached File Go?
When you send a file attachment in a LinkedIn message, where does the file go on the recipient’s end?
The attached file will be included directly within the message itself. When the recipient opens the message, they will be able to download the attached file from there. The file does not get saved anywhere else on the recipient’s LinkedIn account. The file essentially gets embedded into the message.
Does the Recipient Get a Notification?
Yes, when you attach a file and send a LinkedIn message, the recipient will get a notification that there is a new message for them. This notification will appear in their LinkedIn inbox and via email if they have email notifications enabled.
The notification indicates that there is an attachment in the message, so the recipient will know they need to open the message to view and download the file.
How Long are Message Attachments Saved?
Any files you attach and send via LinkedIn messages will remain available for download as long as the message thread is present. So as long as you or the recipient do not delete the message, the attachment can continue to be downloaded.
However, if either person deletes the message thread containing the attachment, the files will no longer be accessible.
For this reason, it is recommended to download and save any important file attachments from LinkedIn messages for your records.
Can I Send Attachments to Groups?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not allow attaching or sending files through group messages currently. You can only attach files when sending personal one-to-one messages.
If you need to share a file with a LinkedIn group, you can post it as an update and include a link for group members to click and download the file from there.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips for situations when you are unable to attach files to LinkedIn messages:
- Make sure the file size is under 25MB. Large files will be rejected.
- Check that the file type and extension is supported by LinkedIn messaging.
- If the file takes too long to upload, there could be a network connectivity issue.
- Try compressing the file or splitting into smaller sizes if the total size exceeds 30MB.
- If all file types are getting rejected, log out and log back into LinkedIn and try again.
- Make sure you have the latest version of the LinkedIn app if on mobile.
- On desktop, try a different browser if attachments are not working in one browser.
LinkedIn Message Attachments vs Google Drive
A common question that arises is how sharing files via LinkedIn message attachments compares to sharing via Google Drive links.
Here is a comparison between the two methods:
- Google Drive allows sharing larger files beyond 25MB.
- Message attachments have size limits but are integrated right into LinkedIn.
- Google Drive links require the recipient to have a Google account.
- Attachments only require having a LinkedIn account to receive them.
- Google Drive offers more control like view, edit or download permissions.
- Message attachments provide a quick way to share files via LinkedIn only.
In summary, Google Drive may be preferable for sharing very large files or setting permissions. But LinkedIn message attachments provide a simpler way to quickly send files if you just need to get someone a document or image under 25MB.
Conclusion
Attaching files to LinkedIn messages can be a handy way to share small documents, presentations, images and other files up to 25MB in size. It provides an integrated way to send files to your professional connections right within LinkedIn messaging.
Just keep in mind the file size and attachment limits. For sharing larger files, documents that require access control, or distributing to groups, you may want to post a Google Drive or Dropbox link instead.
But for quick personal file transfers under 25MB, using LinkedIn message attachments can be the simplest option.
