LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking sites, with over 530 million users worldwide as of 2022. On LinkedIn, users create profiles to showcase their work histories, skills, education, accomplishments, and more. One of LinkedIn’s key features is its messaging system, which allows users to communicate with connections and network.
Sending Photos in LinkedIn Messages
Yes, you can send photos in LinkedIn messages. The LinkedIn messaging feature allows users to send text messages, as well as attach files such as photos, to connections and groups.
There are a few different ways to send photos via LinkedIn messages:
- Attach a photo file – When composing a new message, click the paperclip icon to attach a photo from your computer. LinkedIn supports common image formats like JPG, PNG, and GIF.
- Drag and drop – You can also drag and drop an image file directly into the message composition box to attach it.
- Copy and paste – Copy an image and paste it directly into the message body. The image will be embedded and sent.
- Add from LinkedIn post – If you have a photo uploaded in one of your LinkedIn posts, you can attach it to a message straight from the post.
The size limit for attached photos on LinkedIn is 10MB per image. You can attach multiple images in one message, as long as each one is under the limit.
Who Can You Send Photos to on LinkedIn?
You can only send photo attachments to your 1st-degree LinkedIn connections. These are people you are directly connected to on the platform. You cannot attach photos when messaging 2nd or 3rd-degree connections, or people outside your network.
Here are the types of LinkedIn connections you can send photo attachments to in messages:
- Direct connections – You can attach photos when messaging anyone in your 1st-degree connection network on LinkedIn.
- Group members – If you and another LinkedIn member are both part of the same LinkedIn group, you can send photo attachments to each other through group messages.
- Company followers – If someone follows your LinkedIn Company Page, you can attach photos when messaging that follower.
Essentially, there must be some existing relationship on LinkedIn in order to attach photos to messages. You cannot attach photos when messaging strangers or people outside your network.
How to Send Photos in LinkedIn Messages
Sending photo attachments in LinkedIn messages is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the LinkedIn messaging window by clicking the chat bubble icon at the top.
- Click the “Message” button to start a new message. Search for and select a 1st-degree connection as the recipient.
- Write your message in the text box as normal. When ready to attach a photo, click the paperclip icon at the bottom.
- In the attachment window, click the “Upload” tab. Select your photo file(s) you want to attach from your computer files.
- Your photo(s) will now show as attachments below your message. You can rearrange or remove them as needed.
- When your message is ready, hit the send button (paper airplane icon).
And that’s it! Your photo attachments will now be sent as part of the message to your connection.
Tips for Sending Photos in LinkedIn Messages
Here are some tips to keep in mind when sending photo attachments via LinkedIn messaging:
- Double check that your recipient is a 1st-degree connection before attaching photos.
- Mention the attached photos in your message text for context.
- Only attach photos that are relevant to the conversation and connection.
- Respect others’ privacy – don’t attach or request photos that are inappropriate.
- Keep your attached photos organized and label them clearly if sending multiple.
- Preview your attachments before sending to make sure you have the right files.
- Follow up if you don’t receive a response from your attachments.
LinkedIn Message Photo Examples
Here are some examples of how LinkedIn members can use photo attachments effectively in messages:
- A recruiter attaching screenshots of job descriptions when messaging potential candidates.
- A sales professional sending product photos to clients.
- An employee sharing photos from a work event with coworkers.
- An accountant sending charts or graphics detailing financial data to a client.
- A marketing specialist sharing mockups of campaigns with their team.
- A designer providing logo or other graphic design samples to a potential new client.
Photos allow LinkedIn users to share visual information effectively over messaging. Just remember to only attach relevant photos to connections in your network.
LinkedIn Message Attachment Limits
When attaching photos or other files to LinkedIn messages, there are a few limits to be aware of:
- 10MB maximum file size per individual attachment
- 100MB total attachment limit per message
- 5 attachments allowed per message
- Files types supported: JPG, PDF, PNG, GIF, PSD, DOC/DOCX, PPT/PPTX, XLS/XLSX
As long as each individual attached photo or file is under 10MB, you can include multiple attachments in a single message while staying under the 100MB total limit. But LinkedIn will only allow up to 5 separate attachments.
If you need to share larger photo files, you may need to compress images to reduce their size. There are many free online tools available to optimize and shrink down image sizes.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn Message Photo Attachments
In some cases, you may run into issues when trying to attach photos to LinkedIn messages. Here is how to troubleshoot common problems:
Recipient Cannot See Photo Attachments
Double check that the recipient is one of your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn. If they are a 2nd/3rd-degree connection or outside your network, they will not be able to view attached photos in messages due to LinkedIn’s privacy settings.
Attachment Fails to Send
An attachment can fail to send if it exceeds the 10MB individual file limit. Try compressing your photo file to reduce its size under 10MB. Also check that you have an internet connection and reload the LinkedIn tab/app.
Can’t Attach More than 5 Files
LinkedIn caps attachments at 5 files per message. You will need to remove some attachments or split up your photos into multiple messages in order to attach more than 5 files.
Attachments Take Too Long to Upload
Large attachments will take longer to process and upload. Try compressing your photo files or split them up into separate messages for quicker uploading.
Message Fails to Send
If your message failed to send entirely, check your internet connection. LinkedIn also caps total attachments per message at 100MB, so reduce your file sizes if you exceeded that limit.
Conclusion
Sending photos through LinkedIn messaging can be highly beneficial for sharing visual information with your professional connections. To recap, you can attach photos files up to 10MB in size to 1st-degree connections by using the paperclip attachment icon.
Make sure to only send relevant photos to keep conversations productive. Also follow LinkedIn’s limits on attachments per message and individual file size. With the proper etiquette, photo attachments can take your LinkedIn messaging to the next level.