Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to upload a PDF file as a carousel post on LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows users to upload images, videos, PDFs, and presentations as carousels. To upload a PDF:
- Go to the ‘Write an article’ section on LinkedIn
- Select ‘Carousel’ as the format
- Click ‘Add content’ and choose ‘Upload’
- Select your PDF file to upload
- The PDF pages will appear as slides in the carousel
The benefit of uploading a PDF as a carousel is that viewers can flip through the pages seamlessly within the post. It presents multi-page documents in a digestible way compared to a single image of a PDF. Overall, transforming PDFs into carousels makes them more visually engaging on LinkedIn.
Uploading PDFs as Carousels
LinkedIn supports various content formats for articles and posts, including images, videos, presentations, and PDF files. The carousel feature allows combining this multimedia content into a cohesive post with flipping slides. Specifically, users can upload PDF files and view them page-by-page as a carousel.
Here are step-by-step instructions to upload PDFs as carousels:
- Go to LinkedIn and click ‘Write an article’ on the homepage. This will open up the post editor.
- Select ‘Carousel’ as the format for your post. This will display the carousel content adder.
- Click on ‘Add content’ in the carousel section and choose ‘Upload’. This will open your file explorer.
- Browse and select the PDF file you want to upload from your computer.
- The PDF will start uploading. Once done, you’ll see the individual pages appear as slides in the carousel.
- You can rearrange, add or delete slides as needed for your carousel.
- Adding a caption or description for each slide is recommended.
- When ready, click ‘Publish’ to post the PDF carousel.
The key benefit of using this method is that viewers can flip through the multi-page PDF within your post without having to download the file separately. The carousel format also makes PDF content more visually engaging.
Tips for PDF Carousels
Here are some tips to create optimized PDF carousels on LinkedIn:
- Simplify complex PDFs to highlight key information in each slide.
- Add captions to summarize the core message of each page.
- Ensure PDFs follow the recommended carousel dimensions of 1024×512 pixels.
- Use high-quality vector PDFs for better resolution.
- Link to the full PDF in the captions for downloading.
- Insert up to 10 slides in each carousel for the best experience.
Following these best practices will ensure your PDF carousels look polished and drive engagement on LinkedIn.
Benefits of Posting PDFs as Carousels
Uploading PDF files as carousels offers several benefits compared to simply attaching a PDF or sharing an image preview.
Enhanced Engagement
Carousels create an immersive viewing experience as audiences can flip through the slides seamlessly. This caters to shorter attention spans on social media.
Mobile Optimization
LinkedIn’s carousel feature is designed and optimized for mobile. PDF carousels provide easy mobile access to documents on the go.
Improved Accessibility
Making PDFs accessible within posts removes friction for viewers. They can immediately browse the content without needing to download attachments.
Added Visual Interest
Carousels are more visually compelling than blocks of text or a static image. Animated slides boost visual storytelling.
Simplified Content
Carousels allow cherry-picking key pages to highlight rather than overwhelming audiences with full documents.
Overall, integrating PDFs as carousels improves content consumption and helps better connect with audiences on LinkedIn. The interactive format leads to higher engagement metrics.
Ideal Types of PDFs for Carousels
While most PDFs can work, some document types are better suited for carousel posts:
Presentations
Turning presentation decks into carousels lets audiences browse slides as intended. Add captions to summarize key points.
Reports & Guides
Pulling out critical data, stats, and info from reports as a carousel makes them more digestible.
Lookbooks & Catalogs
Product and service catalogs can be showcased well through a carousel post. Add captions to highlight offerings.
Infographics
Complex infographics can be broken down into slides focusing on each insight or statistic.
Work Samples
Designers, developers, and creatives can showcase work pages in their portfolio carousel.
Checklists & Lists
Lengthy lists and step-by-step guides translate well into consumable carousel posts.
Evaluate your existing documents and identify ones that align with these uses for maximum impact.
Summary
Uploading PDF files as carousels is a great way to make multi-page documents more engaging on LinkedIn. The platform supports simple integration of PDFs into slide-based posts. Follow the best practices of simplifying content, adding captions, and optimizing visuals for the carousel format. Presentations, reports, catalogs, infographics, portfolios, and guides make ideal PDF carousel posts. Utilizing this feature can significantly boost views, engagement, and sharing of PDF content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the file size limit for PDF uploads on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn supports PDF files up to 100MB to be uploaded and used in carousel posts. However, smaller file sizes under 25MB are recommended for optimal loading and performance.
What PDF types and formats does LinkedIn support?
The recommended PDF formats are PDF/A, PDF 1.3, PDF 1.4, PDF 1.5, PDF 1.6, and PDF 1.7. Other types like encrypted PDFs, editable PDFs, and compressed PDFs may have issues uploading.
Can I edit a PDF after uploading it to LinkedIn as a carousel?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not allow editing or making changes to a PDF once it is uploaded in a carousel post. You will need to edit the original PDF file and re-upload the updated version.
Is there a limit to the number of slides for PDF carousels?
LinkedIn allows up to 10 slides in a single carousel post. So PDF pages need to be limited to 10 for a single carousel. You can create multiple sequential posts if needed for longer PDFs.
Do all pages in a multi-page PDF upload if added as a carousel?
No, only the selected pages that you specify when creating the carousel will be uploaded. By default, the first page is included, so you need to choose which additional pages to add.
Can I see how many views my PDF carousel posts get on LinkedIn?
Yes, LinkedIn provides analytics on carousel posts, including total post views and views per slide. Monitor these metrics to optimize engagement.
Conclusion
Posting PDF files as carousels is an excellent LinkedIn feature to boost engagement. By uploading multi-page documents in a slide format, audiences can easily consume the content within the platform. Follow the tips outlined to create optimized PDF carousel posts that align with LinkedIn’s requirements. Measure views and engagement to identify top performing documents to carouselize. With this strategy, it is possible to connect with more professionals and build authority using PDF content.