Adding a video to your LinkedIn profile picture is a great way to stand out and showcase your personality to connections and potential employers. LinkedIn allows you to upload MP4 or MOV files up to 10MB as your profile photo. The video will play automatically when someone visits your profile. Here’s a quick overview of how to add a video to your LinkedIn profile picture on desktop and mobile.
Requirements for LinkedIn Profile Video
Before uploading a video as your profile picture, make sure it meets LinkedIn’s requirements:
- File format must be MP4 or MOV
- Video must be under 10MB in size
- Aspect ratio should be 1:1 (square)
- Length should be 5-10 seconds
- Ensure there is no audio or music, as LinkedIn will mute it
Having a short video that clearly shows your face and loops seamlessly is ideal. You want the video to be visually engaging but not distracting.
How to Add a Video Profile Picture on LinkedIn Desktop
Adding a video profile picture on the LinkedIn desktop site is easy to do in a few steps:
- Click on your current profile picture in the top right and select “Change picture”
- Click on the video camera icon to upload a video from your computer
- Select your properly formatted MP4 or MOV video file (under 10MB)
- Crop the video thumbnail as desired
- Click “Save” and your video profile picture will now be live
Once uploaded, you can preview how the video appears on your profile. Make sure it loops smoothly and conveys the image you want to share.
Video Profile Picture Tips
Here are some tips for creating an effective video profile picture:
- Film horizontally if shooting on a phone
- Get good lighting on your face/upper body
- Wear professional or neat attire
- Smile and appear approachable
- Show your authentic personality
Having solid background and audio are also best practices. Remember LinkedIn will mute any audio in the video.
Adding a Video Profile Picture on Mobile
You can also upload a video profile picture directly from the LinkedIn mobile app for iOS or Android:
- Tap your profile picture icon in the top left
- Tap “Change picture”
- Select “Upload video”
- Choose the properly formatted video from your camera roll
- Crop the thumbnail as needed
- Tap “Save” and your video profile will be active
The process is very similar to the desktop steps. One tip is to film your video horizontally to match LinkedIn’s 1:1 aspect ratio requirement.
Mobile Video Recording Tips
If creating a video directly on your phone, keep these tips in mind:
- Film horizontally in landscape mode
- Use the rear/external camera for better quality
- Check lighting to avoid shadows or overexposure on your face
- Prop your phone against something for a stable shot
- Record 5-10 seconds of usable footage
With proper planning, you can record a great profile video on just your smartphone.
Best Practices for a LinkedIn Profile Video
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile video, keep these best practices in mind:
- Spotlight your face/upper body – don’t get too far away
- Wear business professional or business casual attire
- Smile and exhibit a positive demeanor
- Convey your personality and values
- Have a simple, solid background
- Loop the video seamlessly
- Keep file size under 10MB for quick loading
- Change your video regularly to stay fresh
An authentic, personable video will make a great first impression and humanize your LinkedIn presence. Avoid generic videos or anything distracting.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn Profile Video Issues
If you run into any problems adding a profile video on LinkedIn, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Video Not Appearing
If your video doesn’t show up after uploading, try the following:
- Confirm the file format is MP4 or MOV
- Verify the file size is under 10MB
- Check the aspect ratio is 1:1
- Reload your LinkedIn profile page
- Try re-uploading the video file
Ensuring your video meets LinkedIn’s requirements is key. Re-uploading the file can often resolve issues.
Video Loading Slowly
If your video takes a long time to load, it’s likely the file size is too large. Try the following fixes:
- Use video editing software to compress the file
- Convert to a more efficient codec like H.264
- Reduce video resolution if needed
- Aim for a file size under 5MB for fastest loading
With a properly compressed video, the loading time will be much quicker.
Video Not Looping Seamlessly
If there’s an awkward jump between loops, you can edit your video to fix it:
- Trim the beginning and/or end frames in editing software
- Add a fade transition effect between the start and end
- Export new file and re-upload to LinkedIn
Smoothly looping your profile video provides the best experience.
Conclusion
Adding a profile video is a great way to spice up your LinkedIn presence and showcase your personality. With an understanding of the requirements, you can easily upload a custom video from desktop or the mobile app. Follow best practices to create an engaging, looping profile video under 10MB in size. A well-executed video can help you stand out and personalize your LinkedIn profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats can I use for a LinkedIn profile video?
LinkedIn only supports MP4 and MOV video file formats for profile videos. Other formats like AVI or WMV are not allowed.
What is the maximum file size for a LinkedIn profile video?
LinkedIn profile videos have a file size limit of 10MB. Anything over that size will be rejected.
How do I take a video on my phone for LinkedIn?
To record a profile video directly on your phone, open your camera app and switch to video mode. Film horizontally in landscape orientation. Make sure you are well lit and framed from the shoulders up. Record 5-10 seconds of usable footage.
Can I use music or audio in my LinkedIn profile video?
No, LinkedIn automatically mutes any audio in profile videos. It’s best to create your video without music or extraneous sounds.
How often should I change my LinkedIn profile video?
It’s recommended to update your LinkedIn profile video every 6 months to 1 year. Switching up your video periodically can help you continue making a great first impression.
What is the ideal length for a LinkedIn profile video?
The best length for a LinkedIn profile video is 5-10 seconds. You want the video to be long enough to convey your personality, but short enough to loop seamlessly and maintain viewer attention.
How do I make sure my video loops smoothly?
To loop your video seamlessly, trim any unnecessary frames at the start and end during editing. Adding a fade transition between the first and last frames can also help it loop cleanly.
What are some tips for creating a great LinkedIn profile video?
Tips for an excellent profile video include dressing professionally, smiling warmly, conveying your personality, having a simple background, filming horizontally, and keeping the file size under 10MB. An authentic, personable video can make a great impression.
Why is my LinkedIn profile video not appearing?
If your video isn’t showing up, it likely doesn’t meet the requirements. Confirm the file is MP4 or MOV, under 10MB in size, and has a 1:1 aspect ratio. Trying re-uploading the file. If issues persist, contact LinkedIn support.