When it comes to posting videos on LinkedIn, one of the most common questions is whether or not LinkedIn accepts MP4 files. The short answer is yes, LinkedIn does allow users to upload and share MP4 videos on both their profile and with their connections through posts. However, there are some specific guidelines and best practices to keep in mind when sharing MP4 files on the platform.
MP4 File Guidelines on LinkedIn
LinkedIn supports sharing both horizontally and vertically formatted MP4 files. The maximum file size for videos uploaded to LinkedIn is 5GB. As for length, videos can be up to 10 minutes long when shared in posts and up to 30 minutes when added to your profile. When uploading an MP4 file, LinkedIn recommends using high quality videos with resolutions of 720p or 1080p for the best playback experience.
It’s also important to note that LinkedIn automatically converts and processes videos to meet its requirements before publishing them. This means the platform may alter the file during upload if the original quality or format doesn’t meet LinkedIn’s specifications. For that reason, it’s a good idea to upload the highest quality MP4 possible to avoid excessive compression.
Sharing MP4 Videos in LinkedIn Posts
Posting MP4 videos in updates on LinkedIn can be a great way to add dynamic and engaging content. To share a video in a post:
- Click the “Start a post” box at the top of your LinkedIn feed
- Click the video icon (it looks like a clapperboard)
- Select the MP4 video file you want to upload from your computer
- The video will be added to your post
- Add any text, hashtags, tagging people, or location to the post
- Click “Post” to share the video publicly or change the audience before posting
One tip for video posts is to include a compelling caption and description that gives context. Engaging thumbnails and preview images also help draw attention.
Adding MP4 Videos to Your LinkedIn Profile
In addition to sharing in posts, you can also add MP4 videos directly to your LinkedIn profile. This is a great way to showcase video content that supports your professional brand and expertise. To add a video to your profile:
- Go to your profile and click “Add profile section”
- Select “Media” from the options
- Give your video a title and click upload to add your MP4 file from your computer
- The video will now appear in the media section of your profile
Having a videos on your profile allows visitors to engage with your content without leaving LinkedIn. This helps highlight important projects and areas of skill. As with post videos, compelling titles and descriptions are key.
Best Practices for Sharing MP4 Files on LinkedIn
To maximize the impact of MP4 videos on LinkedIn, keep these best practices in mind:
- Optimize video content for a professional audience – avoid overly promotional or casual videos
- Use high quality MP4 files – 720p or 1080p resolution is best
- Trim videos to 3-5 minutes for posts and under 30 minutes for profiles
- Add text overlays to highlight key points and captions if needed
- Include interesting preview thumbnails and titles to draw viewers in
- Post consistently and monitor engagement analytics to see what resonates best
- Promote videos through your other LinkedIn activity and shares
- Run as organic native videos for better visibility versus links to outside platforms
Using Video to Engage Your LinkedIn Connections
Video content tends to be very engaging on social media. On LinkedIn specifically, video can help you connect with your professional network by:
- Demonstrating your knowledge and thought leadership
- Sharing company news, product launches, and announcements
- Providing tips, advice, and “how-to” guidance
- Highlighting events, conferences, and speaking engagements
- Exhibiting your creativity and storytelling abilities
- Showing off products, services, and case studies
- Communicating your brand personality and culture
Videos inline on your profile or shared through posts have high visibility in the LinkedIn feed. This gives your connections, and their networks, convenient access to dynamic content without having to leave the platform.
Pros of Sharing MP4 Files on LinkedIn
Compared to simple text or photo posts, video offers some unique benefits:
- Higher engagement – video posts see significantly higher comment rates and shares vs regular posts
- Personable and relatable – video gives a face and voice to your brand for more authentic connections
- Dynamic and memorable – video stands out and creates an emotional impact through motion and sound
- communicated – video can demonstrate and explain products/services in action
- Improved discoverability – video content can rank well with LinkedIn’s algorithm and search
- Added context – important messages can be emphasized through visuals and captions
Video is still a bit more novel on LinkedIn compared to other platforms. Taking advantage of video’s unique strengths can help grab attention.
Potential Cons of MP4 Files on LinkedIn
There are also a few drawbacks to be aware of with video:
- Higher production effort – creating quality video requires more resources than written posts
- Limitations in some networks – videos may not load as smoothly or quickly for some viewers
- Expectation of motion – if visuals are static, engagement may suffer
- Reduced skimmability – key messages in video must be communicated very succinctly
- Audience preference – some connections may not wish to watch videos as frequently
Understanding the higher commitment of resources and limitations of the medium can help focus video efforts on the most impactful topics and use cases.
Optimizing MP4 Videos for LinkedIn
To help MP4 videos maximize their reach and results on LinkedIn, here are some optimization best practices:
- Caption videos clearly so they can be understood without sound
- Show real people and relatable scenarios as much as possible
- Use strong contrasting colors and clean fonts that are visible on smaller screens
- Hook viewers in the first 5-10 seconds with an engaging intro
- Film horizontally whenever possible and stabilize shaky shots in editing
- Spotlight your offering and value proposition with overlays and graphics
- Experiment with video styles and lengths to see what resonates best
- Promote top performing videos through LinkedIn’s self-serve ads
Testing and optimizing based on data can help refine an effective video marketing approach over time.
Alternatives to MP4 Files on LinkedIn
If MP4 video isn’t the best fit, here are a few other options for engaging visual media on LinkedIn:
- GIFs – brief looping animations that capture attention
- Image carousels – swipe through a series of photos to tell a story
- Slides and documents – share visually formatted presentations or PDFs
- Illustrations and graphics – custom designed static visuals
- Live video – broadcast real-time footage to your network
Experimenting with different visual formats can help determine what best fits your brand’s goals and audience on LinkedIn. While static images have their place, video stands out in its ability to capture attention and communicate complex ideas through sight, motion and sound.
Common Questions about MP4 Video on LinkedIn
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sharing MP4 files on LinkedIn:
What are the ideal video lengths for LinkedIn?
For profile videos, keep it under 30 minutes. In posts, 3-5 minutes is ideal. Shorter videos under a minute can also work well for quick announcements or messages.
Is there a limit to how many videos I can post?
There is no hard limit, but spacing out video posts with other content types is recommended. Posting exclusively video can seem promotional to some connections.
Can I upload videos straight from my phone?
Yes, the LinkedIn mobile app allows quick uploading and posting of videos filmed directly from your smartphone camera.
Do I need expensive editing software to create videos?
Basic video editors like iMovie or Premiere Rush offer enough tools for simple professional videos. Invest in more advanced software as your production quality increases.
What’s better – natively uploaded or linked videos?
Experts recommend uploading videos directly instead of linking to YouTube or elsewhere. This allows the video to live natively in the LinkedIn feed for higher visibility and control.
Conclusion
Posting MP4 video files on LinkedIn can be a highly effective way to engage your professional network. By following LinkedIn’s guidelines around formats and length, optimizing video content specifically for LinkedIn, and experimenting to see what your audience responds to best, video can help grow meaningful connections.
While producing quality video requires effort, the impact MP4 files can have make it worth the investment. As more business and communication shifts online, leveraging compelling visual media like video gives brands and professionals an edge in connecting with their community.
