LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking platforms, with over 722 million users as of April 2021. On LinkedIn, users create profiles to network with other professionals, search for jobs, follow companies, and join industry groups. With so many users actively engaging on the platform, visual content like images and GIFs can be an effective way to make posts stand out and engage your audience.
What are GIFs?
GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. GIFs are short animated images that loop continuously. They are commonly used across social media to add visual interest and humor to posts.
Compared to static images, GIFs have some advantages:
- They grab attention with movement and animation
- They can convey emotions and reactions
- They can communicate concepts quickly and simply
Popular uses of GIFs include reacting to someone’s post, expressing feelings, illustrating ideas, responding with humor, and more.
Does LinkedIn support GIFs in posts?
Yes, LinkedIn does support uploading and sharing GIFs in posts. Users can add GIFs on both desktop and mobile.
On desktop, when creating a new post, click on the photo icon to open up media uploading options. From there, you can upload a GIF file from your computer. You can also search for and select a GIF from LinkedIn’s GIPHY integration.
On mobile, tap the photo icon when composing a post, then tap the GIF option to search and add one.
Guidelines for using GIFs on LinkedIn
When using GIFs on LinkedIn, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Use high-quality GIFs that look professional
- Make sure GIFs are relevant to your post’s topic
- Use GIFs sparingly, and don’t overdo it
- Ensure GIFs are appropriate and inoffensive
Benefits of using GIFs on LinkedIn
Posting GIFs on LinkedIn can provide several benefits:
Increase engagement
GIFs instantly catch the eye on the LinkedIn feed. Using an appropriate, high-quality GIF is a great way to get more likes, comments, and shares on your posts. The animation draws attention and makes people more likely to react.
Express emotions easily
Finding the right GIF lets you communicate emotions and nonverbal reactions. You can respond to someone’s post with a GIF expressing excitement, laughter, appreciation, or any other sentiment.
Convey ideas visually
GIFs can illustrate concepts and ideas efficiently. A well-chosen animated image can speak volumes without needing explanatory text.
Add humor and personality
Use funny, playful GIFs sparingly to show your personality and make your followers smile. The right humorous GIF can make your content more relatable and human.
Potential drawbacks of LinkedIn GIFs
While GIFs can be impactful when used well, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind:
Can seem unprofessional
LinkedIn prioritizes professionalism. Silly or distracting GIFs may damage your brand image.
May not convey complex ideas
GIFs work best for simple concepts and reactions. Relying solely on GIFs to communicate complex thoughts is difficult.
Can distract from main message
If a GIF doesn’t directly support the core topic, it may seem random or detract from your main point.
Overuse looks spammy
Using too many GIFs too frequently can appear like spam behavior.
Tips for using GIFs effectively
Here are some tips to add GIFs successfully on LinkedIn:
- Match the GIF’s tone to your brand voice and personality
- Choose high-quality GIFs from reputable sources
- Ensure GIFs are relevant and purposeful, not random
- Use sparingly and consistently for maximum impact
- Test different GIFs and analyze engagement
- Consider your audience and industry norms
Examples of great LinkedIn GIF uses
Here are some examples of LinkedIn posts where a GIF is used effectively:
Reacting to exciting news
A LinkedIn user shares some exciting personal news in a post. Another user comments with a GIF showing celebration and applause, conveying congratulations.
Demonstrating a concept
A user creates a post about the importance of always keeping learning new skills. They include a GIF of a student frantically taking notes to visually encapsulate the concept.
Responding with humor
On a post about dealing with technical issues, a commenter adds a GIF of a frustrated person staring at a computer screen to commiserate with humor.
Conclusion
GIFs can be impactful on LinkedIn when used judiciously. They grab attention, express emotion, communicate concise concepts, and add personality. However, GIFs should be professional, topically relevant, and used in moderation. With the right strategy, GIFs can boost engagement and enhance your LinkedIn presence.