The quick answer is yes, you can use bold and italic formatting in your LinkedIn posts and comments. LinkedIn supports a limited set of HTML tags that allow you to add bold, italics, lists, links, and more to your text.
Using Bold and Italics in LinkedIn Posts
To make text bold in a LinkedIn post or comment, surround the text with HTML tags like this:
This text will be bold
For italics, use the HTML tags:
This text will be in italics
You can also combine the two to have text that is both bold and italicized:
This text will be bold and italic
The bold and italic HTML tags are simple to use, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when using them on LinkedIn:
- The tags must be in lowercase – and . Uppercase tags like or will not work.
- Make sure to properly close the tags at the end of the text you want to style. Unclosed tags may cause formatting issues.
- Too much formatting can make posts hard to read. Use bold and italics sparingly for emphasis.
- The tags will only work in the main text field for posts and comments. They won’t work in titles or subtitles.
Why Use Bold and Italics in LinkedIn Posts?
Using some simple formatting like bold and italics in your LinkedIn content can help in a few key ways:
- Draw attention to important text. Making key points or terms bold helps them stand out in a block of text.
- Add emphasis to words and phrases. Italics mimic vocal inflection and cadence, adding color to your writing.
- Improve readability and scanning. The formatting breaks up dense text, making it easier to read.
- Convey tone and personality. Bold and italics allow you to express yourself more fully.
The judicious use of bold and italics can make your LinkedIn posts more scannable, lively, and engaging. Just be sure not to overdo it – you don’t want your posts to look messy or overformatted.
Other Supported HTML Tags
In addition to bold and italics, LinkedIn supports a few other basic HTML tags for formatting posts and comments:
| HTML Tag | Result |
|---|---|
| <b> | Bold text |
| <i> | Italicized text |
| <u> | Underlined text |
| <ol> | Numbered list |
| <ul> | Bulleted list |
| <li> | List item |
| <a href=”url”> | Hyperlinked text |
| <br> | Line break |
These allow you to add lists, hyperlinks, line spacing, and a little bit of text styling. But LinkedIn does not allow other common HTML tags like headings, images, videos, tables, etc.
Why LinkedIn Limits Formatting
LinkedIn purposefully limits the HTML tags that can be used in posts and comments. There are a few reasons for this:
- Prevent spam and abuse – Too much formatting could enable malicious links and content.
- Maintain readability – Posts with excessive formatting are difficult to read.
- Ensure accessibility – Screen readers may not handle complex HTML well.
- Mobile optimization – Simple text translates better on small screens.
- Performance – Supporting more tags would increase overhead.
So while you can’t get too fancy with formatting, the supported tags do provide some flexibility in styling your text. Just be sure to preview your posts to make sure they look as expected.
Formatting Differences Between Posts and Comments
The HTML formatting tags work slightly differently depending on whether you are posting an update or commenting:
LinkedIn Posts
- All tags listed above are supported.
- Tags work in both the main post text and the expanded caption.
- You cannot use tags in the short teaser title.
LinkedIn Comments
- Only <b>, <i>, and <u> are supported in comments.
- Other tags like links and lists are not allowed.
- Formatting is only applied to the main comment text.
So remember that your formatting options are more limited when commenting on LinkedIn compared to creating posts.
Tips for Using HTML Tags on LinkedIn
Here are some tips to use HTML formatting effectively in your LinkedIn posts and comments:
- Preview before posting – Always check how your formatting looks.
- Use sparingly – Don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.
- Be consistent – Use the same formatting for similar elements.
- Check for errors – Make sure all tags are valid and properly closed.
- Experiment – Try different tags to see what works for your content.
- Consider your audience – Technical formats may not appeal to all readers.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn’s formatting options are limited compared to other social media, you can use HTML tags for bold, italics, links, lists, and more. This allows you to add visual interest and emphasis to your posts. Just be sure to preview your content, use the tags sparingly, close them properly, and avoid errors. With a little practice, you can use simple formatting to enhance your LinkedIn content.
