LinkedIn allows you to send messages to connect with other professionals. However, there is a character limit on messages. If you try to send a message longer than the limit, LinkedIn will truncate your message and not send the full text.
The character limit for LinkedIn messages is 3600 characters. This includes spaces and punctuation. So you have approximately 600 words to work with in a single LinkedIn message.
If you need to send a longer message that exceeds LinkedIn’s limit, here are some options:
Break your message into multiple parts
The easiest way to send a long message on LinkedIn is to break it up into multiple shorter messages. You can send the messages consecutively within the same conversation thread. Just be sure each individual message stays under the 3600 character restriction.
When crafting your multi-part message, consider breaking it up logically into sections. End each message with a note like “Message continued” or “Part 2” so the recipient knows to expect more parts coming.
Attach a document
Another option is to attach your longer message as a document. LinkedIn allows you to attach Word docs, PDFs, presentations, and other files up to 25MB to your messages.
To attach a document to your LinkedIn message:
- Draft your full message in a Word doc, Pages file, Google Doc, or other document format.
- When composing your LinkedIn message, click the paperclip icon to open the attachment window.
- Select your document from your computer files to attach it.
- The file name will appear in your message. Make sure to include a note in the message body indicating you’ve attached the full content.
The recipient will then be able to open and view the entire long message in the attached document.
Send the message body via email
You can send the full content of your message via email if you have the recipient’s email address. Include a short note in your LinkedIn message like:
“I’m sending the full message via email since LinkedIn has a character limit. Please check your inbox.”
Then copy and paste your long message into an email to the recipient. This allows you to bypass LinkedIn’s restrictions.
Invite the contact to connect outside LinkedIn
Another workaround is inviting the recipient to continue the conversation outside of LinkedIn. For example, you can suggest moving your messages to a chat app or text messaging.
Simply include a note in your truncated LinkedIn message saying something like:
“I have more details I’d like to share with you but LinkedIn’s message limit is restricting me. Would you be open to connecting via text or WhatsApp to continue the dialogue?”
Most professionals today use various channels to communicate. Proposing an alternative may allow you to send your full message.
Upgrade to a Premium Account
LinkedIn Premium accounts offer increased character limits for messages. The Premium limit is 20,000 characters instead of 3,600.
So if you frequently need to send lengthy messages, upgrading to Premium may be worthwhile. The increased limit provides ample space for detailed communications.
Some key benefits of LinkedIn Premium accounts include:
- 20,000 character limit for messages
- Ability to see full profiles of everyone who viewed your profile
- Access to advanced filtering and research tools
- 30 InMail credits per month to contact anyone
Premium plans start at $29.99 per month. You can compare plans and pricing on LinkedIn’s website.
Post a long update instead
If your long message contains information you want to broadcast widely, consider posting it as an update on your LinkedIn feed instead.
Updates have a 10,000 character limit, allowing you to share much longer content.
You can tag the intended recipient in the update and say you have details to share with them. Or you can send them a short message with a link directing them to the update.
Posting a long update rather than a private message allows you to share the information publicly with your entire network if relevant.
Ask the recipient to approve an extended connection
You can request that the recipient you want to message approve an “extended connection” with you. This removes LinkedIn’s message limits between you and that member.
To do this, include a note in your message such as:
“I have a lot more information I’d love to share with you. Would you be open to approving an extended connection with me? That will allow us to message without restrictions.”
If they approve the extended connection request, you can send messages up to 20,000 characters in length back and forth.
Summarize key points in your message
Given LinkedIn’s character limitations, it can also help to summarize the key points of your message concisely. Try to distill the most important details and value into 600 words or less.
Get straight to your main message and core objective without lengthy background or filler details. You can elaborate further in a document attachment or email if needed.
Remove unnecessary words or spacing
To squeeze a bit more text into your messages, look for opportunities to tighten up your language. Eliminate long-winded phrases, verbose explanations, and repeated statements.
Cutting unneeded words and being more concise in your writing style allows you to convey more information within the character restrictions.
You can also remove extra line spacing between paragraphs or sections. Removing blank lines helps condense your message and maximize the allowable characters.
Use abbreviations and shorthand
Incorporating common abbreviations and shorthand forms of certain words or phrases is another way to condense your message. For example: info, specs, docs, msg, corp, dept, approx, w/, w/o, etc.
You can also abbreviate job titles (VP, Sr. Director) and department names (IT, HR, PR).
Keep it professional, but using agreed upon shorthand forms where appropriate can help you communicate more concisely.
With a bit of creativity and planning, you can communicate longer messages within LinkedIn’s restrictions. Focus on summarizing key details, dividing your content into multiple messages, and streamlining your writing style. With the right approach, you can connect and engage professionally even with large amounts of information to share.
