LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 810 million members worldwide. It allows professionals to connect, share content and build their personal brand. One popular feature on LinkedIn is the ability to create photo or video carousels in posts. Carousels allow you to share multiple images or videos in one post, which creates more visual interest for your audience. But what file formats can you use when uploading carousels on LinkedIn?
In this detailed guide, we will cover the recommended image and video formats to use for LinkedIn carousels. We will also provide tips on image and video optimization best practices. Following proper file formats and optimization steps will ensure your LinkedIn carousels look sharp, load fast and drive maximum engagement.
Recommended Image Formats
When creating a photo carousel for LinkedIn, you have the option to upload images in JPG, PNG or GIF formats. However, LinkedIn recommends using JPG or PNG file types for best results. Here is an overview of the ideal image formats to use:
JPG/JPEG
This is the most common and recommended image format for LinkedIn carousel posts. JPG files are supported across all browsers and devices. They also typically provide the best image quality when compressed.
Key Tips:
– Save images as high-quality JPGs with a compression level between 6 and 12 for optimal image quality and file size. This will reduce pixelation or artifacts.
– Stick to JPGs for photos and realistic images. The compression works well for this type of imagery.
– Use tools like Photoshop or online converters to optimize JPGs. This includes compressing large files and resizing for the appropriate dimensions.
PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is another excellent image file format option for LinkedIn carousels.
Key Tips:
– Use PNGs for simple logos, icons, illustrations or graphics with flat colors and sharp edges. The PNG format preserves transparency and works well for these image types.
– Be mindful of file size – larger PNGs will increase carousel load time. Use a tool to compress and optimize the PNG if needed.
– PNGs are preferable over JPGs when you need an image with a transparent background.
GIF
While GIF files are supported by LinkedIn, they are not the ideal format for carousel images.
Key Points:
– Convert short animated GIFs to silent MP4 videos whenever possible. Videos have better playback and performance.
– Only use small GIFs under 3MB in file size. Larger GIFs negatively impact load time.
– Make sure short looping GIFs have a meaningful first frame and send a clear message to the viewer.
By following these tips and sticking to JPG and PNG file formats, you will deliver the best quality and performance with your LinkedIn photo carousels. Carefully check all images before uploading.
Recommended Video Formats
In addition to photo carousels, you can also create engaging video carousels on LinkedIn. This allows you to share multiple videos in one post.
When uploading videos for LinkedIn carousels, MP4 is the recommended file format for best results across all devices and browsers. Here are the key details on MP4 video:
MP4
MP4 is the ideal and most widely supported video format to use on LinkedIn.
Key Tips:
– Format your source video files into MP4 to upload natively into LinkedIn. This avoids quality loss from extra compression.
– MP4 supports both HD and SD quality. For carousels, 720p or 1080p HD is recommended.
– Keep the file size under 100MB per video in the carousel for smooth streaming.
– Use a dedicated video converter or editing software like Handbrake to optimize MP4s.
– Stick to common aspect ratios like 16:9 or 4:3 that fit how viewers watch videos on LinkedIn.
By saving and exporting videos specifically as MP4 files, you deliver the best playback experience in your LinkedIn video carousels while minimizing file size.
Avoid these other video formats:
– MOV files require extra encoding which can lower quality. Convert to MP4 instead.
– GIFs have very low video quality on LinkedIn. Convert short GIFs to silent MP4s.
– AVI files are not well supported across devices. Again, use MP4.
Sticking to MP4 video ensures reliable cross-platform playback and faster loading for a smooth streaming experience.
Image and Video Optimization Best Practices
In addition to selecting the proper file formats, you also need to optimize your visual assets for the best results on LinkedIn:
Image Optimization Tips
– Resize images to fit 600×800 pixels. This is LinkedIn’s recommended image size that adapts nicely across devices. Avoid overly small or overly large images.
– Use 72 or 96 ppi resolution. Higher resolutions create unnecessarily large files. 72-96 ppi is ideal for web images.
– Save JPGs at 80% quality or medium compression. Finding the sweet spot between quality and file size.
– Use image editing tools to crop, sharpen, adjust color/lighting as needed. This helps the image pop on screen.
– Add descriptive filenames like “linkedin-carousel-image-1.jpg.” Help organize your images.
Video Optimization Tips
– Match video resolution to 720p or 1080p HD. This fits LinkedIn’s video player dimensions.
– Ensure key action and elements are visible in the first few seconds. This catches viewers’ attention fast.
– Keep videos 60-90 seconds or shorter when possible. Hold viewers’ attention and keep load times fast.
– Use MP4 video bitrates between 3,000 – 6,000 kbps. Reduces file size without sacrificing quality.
– Include descriptive video file names like “linkedin-promo-video-1”. Helps you reference and find videos.
By taking the time to properly optimize both your images and videos, you will deliver the best visual quality and engagement across devices. Follow these best practices for all your LinkedIn carousel posts.
Proper Image & Video Dimensions
To recap, here are the ideal carousel image and video dimensions for LinkedIn:
Asset Type | Dimensions |
---|---|
Images | 600×800 pixels |
Videos | 720p or 1080p |
Use these recommended dimensions as you resize and optimize assets for your carousels. This ensures they display properly across all platforms and devices.
Conclusion
Using the right file formats and following optimization best practices are key to creating high-quality, eye-catching carousels on LinkedIn. To summarize the recommendations:
– Use JPG or PNG for image formats.
– Save video carousel clips as MP4 files.
– Resize visuals to recommended dimensions of 600×800 pixels (images) and 720p or 1080p (video).
– Optimize and compress files properly.
– Include descriptive filenames.
By sticking to these best practices for formatting and optimizing your visual assets, you will produce engaging, professional carousels that captivate LinkedIn audiences. Sharper images and smoother video will lead to more post likes, shares, and comments.
Additional LinkedIn Carousel Tips
Here are some additional tips to create stellar LinkedIn carousels that convert:
– Include a strong call to action for each carousel card – offer, discount, link, etc. Make it easy for viewers to take action.
– Keep text short, impactful and readable on each card. You have limited space.
– Showcase a range of content – product images, infographics, quotes, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes photos, etc.
– Tell a story across the carousel cards. Arrange them for flow and impact.
– Use the carousel headline to summarize the theme or message. Grab attention.
– Mix vertical and landscape orientated visuals for more variety.
– Limit carousels to 7 or fewer cards. Too many can overwhelm.
– Add your logo, branding colors and visual style for consistency.
– Check for typos, formatting issues, offensive images before posting.
– Analyze performance and engagement. Refine over time.
Spend time planning, creating, optimizing and refining your LinkedIn carousels. This effort leads directly to greater visibility, engagement and results with your key professional audience.