LinkedIn is a great platform for sharing professional content like articles, images, infographics and videos. Videos can be especially powerful for engaging your audience and getting your message across. However, a video won’t have much impact if the quality is poor. Blurry visuals, bad lighting, echoey audio – these issues can make your video seem unprofessional and reflect poorly on your personal brand or company.
The good news is there are many ways to improve the quality of videos you post to LinkedIn. With a few simple tips and the right tools, you can create videos that look and sound great. In this article, we’ll go over the main factors that affect LinkedIn video quality and how to optimize them.
Video Resolution
One of the most important technical factors in video quality is resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the video image. More pixels equals sharper, more detailed visuals.
Here are some key resolution standards to know:
– SD (Standard Definition) – 480p
– HD (High Definition) – 720p or 1080p
– 4K – 2160p (2160 horizontal pixels)
For professional quality, you’ll want your videos to be at least 720p HD. However, 4K resolution is becoming more popular on sites like LinkedIn as people watch more content on high resolution screens.
When recording your video, set your camera, camcorder or smartphone as close to 4K as possible. Even if LinkedIn compresses your video upload, starting with higher resolution source footage will help retain crisp image quality.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio refers to the shape and dimensions of the video frame. On LinkedIn, the ideal aspect ratio for videos is 16:9, which is a widescreen horizontal rectangle. This is the standard widescreen ratio used for high definition TVs and computer displays.
Older videos may have a 4:3 ratio, which is more like a vertical rectangle. However, this shape will have black bars on the sides when viewed in LinkedIn’s 16:9 video player. Recording in 16:9 avoids black bars and makes better use of the available screen space.
Most modern cameras, camcorders and smartphones default to 16:9 ratio for video recording. But it’s worth double checking your device’s video settings to ensure you have the right widescreen aspect set before filming.
Frame Rate
Frame rate describes the number of individual frames or images that make up each second of video footage. Standard video frame rates include:
– 24fps (24 frames per second)
– 30fps
– 60fps
Higher frame rates tend to create smoother, sharper looking motion. 60fps is common for online videos, but 30fps is also acceptable, especially forSaving footage at 30fps instead of 60fps can also shrink video file sizes with minimal impact on quality.
The key is to keep your frame rate consistent throughout your video. Sudden drops or variations in frame rate can make the video look choppy. Set the recording device to 30 or 60fps before you start filming and stick with that.
Bitrate
Bitrate is the amount of data or bits used per second of video playback. A higher bitrate corresponds to more raw image information, resulting in higher video quality.
Bitrate settings on cameras and editing software are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). For reference, here are some common bitrate benchmarks:
– 2-5 Mbps – Minimum for basic online video
– 8 Mbps – DVD video quality
– 12-15 Mbps – Solid online video quality
– 20+ Mbps – High quality HD video
When exporting your final edited video, aim for a bitrate of at least 12 Mbps to balance quality and file size. The maximum bitrate for LinkedIn video uploads is 128 Mbps.
Lower bitrates may be necessary for longer videos to keep file sizes manageable. But in general, it’s best to export video at the highest sustainable bitrate based on your editing platform and internet bandwidth.
Anti-Aliasing
Aliasing refers to jagged, pixelated edges that can appear when diagonal or curved lines are rendered digitally. Enabling anti-aliasing in your video edits will help smooth edges and improve quality.
Most video editing software includes anti-aliasing options and filters. Some tips when applying anti-aliasing:
– Use sparingly – Overusing it can make footage appear blurry
– Target angled lines and object edges
– Adjust intensity to balance smoothness and sharpness
Anti-aliasing is especially helpful at lower resolutions like 720p to minimize visible pixelation. But it can refine footage at any resolution when applied carefully.
Avoid Compression Artifacts
Compression artifacts are visual imperfections that can occur when video is compressed, like macroblocking, color banding and pixelation. Excessive compression can negatively affect video quality.
While some compression will occur when you export and upload to LinkedIn, here are tips to minimize artifacts:
– Export at high bitrate and resolution
– Use optimal encoding options for your editing platform
– Limit edits and re-encoding video repeatedly
– Pick clean frames for thumbnails to avoid quality loss
Maintaining quality in the source recording and final export gives you the best starting point for artifact-free videos.
Color Correction and Grading
Proper color correction and grading can significantly improve the look of your videos. This involves adjusting exposure, contrast, saturation and other settings to create a visually pleasing color palette.
When color grading footage, aim for:
– Balanced exposures without overly bright or dark areas
– Pleasing skin tones and accurate colors
– Stylistic choices that suit the video subject and branding
– Consistent color temperature between shots
For professional results, consider using color grading software like Adobe Premiere Pro. But many basic color adjustments can be made in free editing apps as well.
Audio Quality
Crisp, clear audio quality is just as crucial as your video visuals when posting on LinkedIn. Poor audio filled with background noise or echos can ruin the viewing experience.
Here are some key tips for optimizing audio:
– Use an external microphone close to audio sources instead of built-in camera mics which pick up more ambient sound. Lavalier mics are great for interviews.
– Check audio levels to avoid peaking and distortion
– Remove background noise with high-pass filters
– Equalize frequencies if needed to boost voice clarity
– Add light compression to even out volume differences
– Include subtle background music at lower volume if appropriate
Recording in 24 bit 48Khz sample rate is recommended for best quality. But 16 bit 44.1Khz audio can also give you solid results.
Lighting Techniques
Proper lighting can make a dramatic difference in video quality. Here are some key techniques and tips:
– Use soft box or diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows
– Position backlights, key lights and fills at optimal angles
– Bounce light off reflectors for softer illumination
– Color correct lighting to balance mixed color temperatures
– Increase brightness for online videos compared to TV
– Avoid shadows on faces for interview videos
– Add video lights to boost exposure if needed
The goal is well-lit footage without excessive low light noise or overexposure. Test lighting setups and make adjustments until you achieve a professional look.
Stabilization & Camera Movement
Shaky, jerky camera movement can undermine the polished look you want. Here are ways to get stabilization:
– Mount your camera to a tripod or stabilization rig
– Use camera poles or stabilizers for moving handheld shots
– Add digital stabilization effects in editing if needed
– Pan, tilt and zoom smoothly. Sudden movements look sloppy.
– Cut between camera angles instead of panning constantly
Maintaining controlled, steady framing takes practice but is worth the effort. Even small amounts of stabilization go a long way towards improving video watchability.
| Video Quality Issue | How to Improve |
|---|---|
| Low resolution | Record at highest resolution possible like 4K |
| Incorrect aspect ratio | Set camera to record in 16:9 widescreen |
| Low/variable frame rate | Set consistent frame rate of 30 or 60fps |
| Low bitrate | Export videos at 12+ Mbps bitrate |
| Compression artifacts | Limit re-encoding and use optimal encoding settings |
| Poor color grading | Color correct footage for balanced, pleasing colors |
| Bad audio quality | Use external mics and apply audio filters/effects |
| Harsh/imbalanced lighting | Use soft box lighting and brightness/fill adjustments |
| Shaky camerawork | Stabilize with tripods, rigs and post-production |
Pick the Right Filming Locations
Don’t underestimate the impact your location can have on video quality. Look for spots with:
– Abundant, flattering lighting
– Minimal ambient noise and echos
– Aesthetically pleasing backdrops relevant to your content
– Enough space for cameras, tripods, mics and lighting
Spaces with large windows, high ceilings and hard surfaces tend to create issues with lighting, noise and visual appeal. Opt for locations suited to video production whenever possible.
Invest in Quality Equipment
While you can shoot decent videos with a smartphone, using professional equipment goes a long way in boosting quality. Consider investing in:
– Higher-end cameras and camcorders with top resolution, sensors and lenses
– Stabilizer rigs, sliders and gimbals for smooth camera movements
– External microphone systems with boom poles or lavalier mics
– Continuous video lighting kits and reflectors
– Higher-capacity SD cards and storage solutions
You don’t necessarily need the most expensive gear. But avoiding the cheapest options gives you more room to create great looking, sounding footage.
Learn Video & Camera Best Practices
No equipment can substitute for learning core videography skills and best practices. Study up on techniques like:
– Proper camera handling to avoid shake
– Getting the right focus, exposure and composition in each shot
– Adjusting shutter speed and aperture for optimal brightness and motion blur
– Setting up interviews with good camera angles, framing and eye lines
– Using the rule of thirds and other composition methods
– Panning/zooming based on the action instead of randomly
Solid fundamentals go a long way even with basic gear. Take the time to learn the nuances of capturing professional quality footage before filming.
Allow Time for Meticulous Editing
The editing process plays a huge role in polishing your video content before uploading to LinkedIn. Be sure to:
– Organize footage and create an edit plan with shot sequences
– Adjust color grading, exposure and audio across clips for consistency
– Use transitions carefully and remove shaky/blurry clips or b-roll
– Add graphics if helpful but don’t go overboard
– Include end screens/calls to action relevant to your goal
– Export with video codecs optimized for online delivery (h.264, VP9, etc.)
Rushing the editing stage can sabotage an otherwise well-shot video. Dedicate sufficient time for detailed post-production work.
Check Video Quality Before Sharing
Always watch your finished videos closely before making them public. Verify:
– Playback is smooth with no lag or stuttering
– Audio levels are audible but not peaking or distorted
– Visual quality is as expected without compression issues
– Intro and outro titles/graphics appear correctly
– There are no unfinished edits or glitches
Double check videos on the actual platforms where you’ll share them, like LinkedIn. Preview on mobile devices too since issues may appear differently on smaller screens.
Test Upload and Encoding Settings
When exporting your final file, test different upload encoding settings to optimize for LinkedIn:
– Try different bitrates to balance quality and file size
– Adjust codec types if available – h.264 gives great results
– Enable “optimize for social media” export presets in your editing platform if available
– Upscale HD video to 4K if desired, let LinkedIn downsample on upload
– Check that uploads match source quality without issues
Dialing in optimized export settings for LinkedIn takes experimentation. Test to find your ideal balance of quality and performance.
Allow Time for Uploading High Quality Videos
Plan for the extra time needed to upload high resolution, high bitrate video files. Long upload times are worth it for quality results.
If you need to reduce file size, try:
– Lowering bitrate slightly without compromising quality
– Trimming clip length to only essential content
– Using proxy editing workflows
– Compressing without quality loss like zipping files
Patience and proper planning relieves frustration when dealing with large video files. Build in leeway for longer upload times.
Conclusion
Avoiding common video quality pitfalls takes forethought and effort. But the impact of sharing rich, professional videos on LinkedIn is worth the investment. Follow the tips in this guide during planning, production and post work for stellar results.
With practice and the right gear, you can create videos that effectively represent your brand and engage your audience. Video content done right has immense power to tell compelling stories and make meaningful connections.
