LinkedIn message attachment size limit

When sending messages on LinkedIn, you have the option to include file attachments along with your message text. However, LinkedIn enforces limits on the size of files you can attach to Direct Messages and InMail messages in order to optimize performance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LinkedIn’s message attachment size limits, including:

• The maximum file size for Direct Message attachments
• The maximum file size for InMail attachments
• Tips for sending large files on LinkedIn
• Troubleshooting when your attachments exceed the size limit
• LinkedIn’s reasons behind attachment size restrictions

Direct Message Attachment Limit

For regular Direct Messages sent to connections within your LinkedIn network, the maximum attachment size is 25 MB per file.

You can attach multiple files to a single Direct Message, but each individual file cannot exceed 25 MB. The total message size, including attachments, is limited to 50 MB.

If you try to attach a file larger than 25 MB to a Direct Message, you’ll receive an error notification that the file exceeds the allowable limit.

InMail Attachment Limit

For InMail messages sent to recipients outside your connections, the file attachment limit is much lower than standard Direct Messages.

The maximum InMail attachment size is only 5 MB per file. As with Direct Messages, you can include multiple attachments up to a total message size of 50 MB.

Attempting to attach files above 5 MB to an InMail will result in an error notifying you that the attachments are too large.

Why Attachment Limits Are Lower for InMail

You may be wondering why LinkedIn imposes stricter attachment limits on InMails compared to regular Direct Messages. There are a few reasons behind this:

• InMail is a paid feature while Direct Messaging is free – LinkedIn needs to manage server resources for its paid services.
• InMail can be sent to anyone, even people outside your network. Direct Messages only reach existing connections.
• Lower limits reduce the risk of InMail being abused for spreading malware or spam.

By restricting attachment sizes for InMails, LinkedIn is attempting to balance user experience with performance and security concerns. Larger attachments are acceptable within an existing connection, but risky when messaging strangers.

Tips for Sending Large Files on LinkedIn

If you need to share files larger than 25 MB with your LinkedIn connections, or files over 5 MB with non-connections, you have a few options:

• Upload the file to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link in your message rather than attaching the file directly.
• Split large files into smaller parts that fit within the size limit.
• Use a third-party large file sharing service that integrates with LinkedIn.
• If permitted, switch to email for sharing very large files.

You can also consider compressing files using WinZip, 7Zip or other compression tools before attaching them to LinkedIn messages. This reduces file size at the cost of longer upload/download times.

Troubleshooting Attachments Over the Limit

When trying to attach files that exceed LinkedIn’s size restrictions, you’ll see an error message that states:

“Your attachments exceed the allowable limit per message. Please reduce the size and try again.”

If you receive this error, here are some steps to resolve it:

1. Check that each individual attachment is under the 25 MB limit for Direct Messages or 5 MB for InMail.
2. Try compressing files to reduce their size.
3. If you have multiple attachments, remove some to get below the 50 MB total message cap.
4. Upload large files to a cloud service and share the link instead of attaching the file directly.

You may need to get creative with sharing very large files via LinkedIn. Their attachment limits keep messages lightweight but restrict sending gigantic files. Plan around these limits when communicating with your connections.

Why Does LinkedIn Limit Attachment Size?

In addition to the InMail-specific reasons covered previously, there are some general technical and usage factors behind LinkedIn’s capped attachment sizes:

• Prevents abuse that could impact performance, like spamming huge files.
• Reduces server and network bandwidth usage.
• Provides a consistent experience across mobile and desktop.
• Encourages sharing links rather than attaching copies of large files.
• Limits exposure if messages containing malware slip through filters.

While frustrating if you want to share large documents, the limitations are in place to ensure optimal reliability and speed for all LinkedIn members.

The Bottom Line

When sending Direct Messages to your LinkedIn connections, you can attach files up to 25 MB each, with a total message size of 50 MB.

For InMails sent to non-connections, the per-file limit drops to just 5 MB.

If you exceed these limits, LinkedIn will prevent you from sending the message. Workarounds include file compression, splitting into multiple messages, uploading to cloud services instead of attaching, or using third-party integration tools.

Attachment size limits maintain LinkedIn performance and reduce risks associated with large file sharing. Keep these max sizes in mind when messaging professional contacts and you’ll avoid potential frustrations.