Choosing the right cover photo for your LinkedIn video is an important part of making a good first impression and presenting yourself professionally on the platform. The cover photo appears right below the video thumbnail, so it’s one of the first things viewers will notice when coming across your video in their feed.
Taking the time to select an appropriate, high-quality cover photo that complements your video content will help draw more attention to your video and entice viewers to click play. Follow the tips below to learn how to best choose a LinkedIn video cover photo.
Optimize for LinkedIn’s Image Specifications
LinkedIn has specific image size requirements for cover photos on videos in order to ensure the images display properly across devices and platforms. The ideal cover photo size for LinkedIn videos is 1,584 x 396 pixels. This is a little smaller than the cover photo size used for LinkedIn profiles and pages.
Before uploading your image, be sure to check the size and crop or resize as needed. Having the right proportions will prevent distortion or pixelation issues. It’s better to upload a larger image and shrink it down rather than try to increase the size of a small photo.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the file type and size limit. LinkedIn recommends JPG, PNG or GIF files under 25MB. Avoid super compressed JPGs that might lose image quality. Aim for photos around 100KB to ensure crisp, clear rendering.
Use an Eye-Catching, Relevant Image
The cover photo should complement and enrich the video content, not compete with it. Look for images that are bold and eye-catching but not too busy. You want the photo to draw attention without being distracting.
Ideally, the image should communicate something meaningful about the video topic and establish the overall tone and mood. For example, if your video is a tutorial on graphic design, your cover photo could showcase some sample designs. A video on workplace communication may feature a photo of coworkers collaborating.
Imagery that is directly related to the video content creates congruency and reinforces what viewers can expect from the video. Photos featuring people also tend to perform well and create more human connection.
Focus on Quality and Composition
No matter what image you choose, it should be high resolution and visually striking. Blurry, pixelated photos look unprofessional and may cause people to scroll past.
When evaluating images, look for those that utilize good photographic principles like the rule of thirds, interesting perspectives, and proper lighting. Images don’t necessarily have to look professionally shot, but they should be thoughtfully composed with the viewer in mind.
Be aware of small details too. Make sure there are no distracting objects in the background and that your image is color corrected. Review at multiple sizes to check for issues that may appear when compressed or expanded.
Use Free Image Sites Sparingly
Stock photo sites like Unsplash and Pexels are great resources for cover photos you can use for free without copyright issues. However, very generic stock imagery may not feel cohesive or authentic to your brand.
If using a stock image, look for unique photos that aren’t overused and take the time to customize with overlays and text. Combining stock photos with your company colors, logo, or other branded elements can help them feel more original.
When possible, create your own images or work with a photographer to capture customized photos purposefully designed for your videos and brand identity. Original imagery will always be more memorable and impactful.
Try Multiple Options
Don’t just choose the first photo you come across that seems halfway decent. Spend time researching and experimenting with a variety of images to see what works best.
Utilize A/B testing by uploading different cover photos and monitoring the click-through rates. This will reveal valuable data on which images your audience is most responsive to. You may be surprised by what performs better than you expected.
The great thing about LinkedIn is you can change your cover photo as often as you’d like. Try out new images periodically to keep your video content looking fresh. Pay attention to any effects on metrics to guide your photo selections.
Make Sure Faces are Recognizable
If your cover photo includes people’s faces, especially your own, be sure they are clearly visible and not obscured. You want viewers to be able to instantly recognize who is featured in the image.
This helps create familiarity and trust with your audience. Putting a name to a face makes you more memorable. Keep this in mind when cropping group photos or composing shots.
Use Text and Graphics Sparingly
You can add text and graphic overlays to your LinkedIn cover photo for emphasis, but use these design elements sparingly. You don’t want the image to appear too cluttered or busy.
Simple, clean text works best. Avoid long sentences or paragraphs of text which will be difficult to read. Make sure any text stands out well against the background photo without blending in too much.
Well-executed graphics like logos, icons or charts can help convey important information at a glance to complement the image. But be careful not to go overboard with too many competing visuals in a small space.
Optimize for Mobile
Many people will view your LinkedIn video from their mobile devices, so optimize your cover photo for small screens. The most important focal points should be prominently featured even when scaled down.
Review your chosen image on actual mobile devices to evaluate how it renders. Zooming in may reveal issues not visible when viewing the photo full size on a desktop.
Prioritize images with simple, focused visuals that are easy to decipher on small screens. Busy backgrounds and small text tend to get lost when viewed on smartphones.
Use Tools to Edit and Enhance
If needed, use photo editing software to touch up or improve your cover photo. Basic tools like cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness and contrast can go a long way.
You can also utilize more advanced editing features if desired. Removing distractions from a background or creatively combining images can help take your photo to the next level.
Just don’t go overboard with excessive filtering or manipulation. You want the image to look polished while retaining a natural, authentic feel aligned with your personal brand.
Choose Images That Evoke Emotion
The most powerful cover photos create an emotional connection or spark a reaction from the viewer. Think about the feelings you want people to have when seeing your image. Does it inspire, intrigue or excite them?
Photos that evoke positivity, warmth and optimism tend to resonate well in the LinkedIn community. Share glimpses into company culture, showcase achievements, or highlight inspiring role models.
Images with emotional appeal give viewers another reason to feel invested in watching your video. Leverage the cover photo to draw them in on a personal, human level.
Display Diversity and Inclusion
Assess your cover photo options with diversity and inclusion in mind. Represent people of different ages, races, ethnicities, genders and abilities in your visual content.
Showcasing diverse perspectives demonstrates your commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all professionals. Featuring underrepresented groups also expands your relevance to wider audiences.
Pay attention not just to the people in images but settings and contexts as well. For instance, highlight professionals from diverse backgrounds succeeding in leadership roles. Use your cover photo to advance values of equality and empowerment.
Align with Your Personal Brand
Stay on brand with your photo selections. The imagery should feel cohesive with how you want to present yourself or your company on LinkedIn.
For example, if you aim to project a fun, approachable vibe, energetic lifestyle photos may work well. More serious corporate brands could feature sleek portraits of professionals or minimalist office settings.
Think about your larger brand messaging and how to reflect that visually on a small scale through your cover photo. Consistency strengthens your identity and makes you more memorable.
Showcase Your Product or Services
For business profiles, the cover photo presents a prime opportunity to highlight specific products, services or company culture. Show people what makes your brand unique.
Get creative with how you feature offerings in lifestyle scenarios or interesting arrangements tailored to the LinkedIn audience. Spark intrigue and interest to motivate viewers to learn more through your video.
Just avoid overly promotional or salesy imagery. Focus on organic, conversational presentations of your brand instead of obvious advertising.
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn video cover photo provides valuable real estate to make an impactful first impression and get viewers excited to hit play. Dedicate time to selecting high-quality, engaging images optimized for LinkedIn’s specifications that represent your brand and enrich the video experience.
Pay close attention to composition, emotional appeal, diversity, originality and mobile optimization when evaluating photo options to choose the best fit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and keep adjusting over time as you refine your brand strategy. With a compelling supporting visual that complements your content, you can maximize views and expand your reach.
