LinkedIn is one of the most popular social media platforms for professionals and businesses. With over 800 million users worldwide, LinkedIn provides a great opportunity to expand your reach and get your content in front of a large, targeted audience. One of the best ways to do this on LinkedIn is through video content. However, in order to successfully upload and share videos on LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the recommended video dimensions and requirements.
LinkedIn Video Requirements
Here are the key requirements to keep in mind for LinkedIn videos:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 9:16
- Dimensions: 1280 x 720 pixels (minimum)
- File Size: 5GB maximum
- Length: 10 minutes maximum
- File Types: MP4 or MOV
Meeting these requirements will help ensure your videos look and play great across all devices and on LinkedIn. Let’s explore these requirements in more detail:
Aspect Ratio
LinkedIn supports two aspect ratios for videos – 16:9 or 9:16. The 16:9 landscape orientation is ideal for most video content, while the 9:16 portrait mode can work well for mobile-focused videos.
Dimensions
The minimum video dimensions recommended for LinkedIn are 1280 x 720 pixels (720p HD). However, for best quality, aim for 1920 x 1080 (1080p HD). The larger the video dimensions the better, provided the file size stays within the 5GB limit.
File Size
LinkedIn allows video files up to 5GB in size. This gives reasonable flexibility for file sizes. However, a good target is between 50-500MB if possible. Higher resolution and longer videos will push the file size toward the higher end of that range.
Length
LinkedIn has a 10 minute limit for video length. This is sufficient for most B2B marketing videos. However, you can break up longer content into multiple videos if needed.
File Types
The supported file types for LinkedIn video are MP4 and MOV. These are the most common video file formats and recommended for optimal playback across devices.
Ideal Video Sizes
Based on LinkedIn’s requirements, here are some ideal video dimensions to use:
| Video Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 720p HD (Minimum) | 1280 x 720 |
| 1080p HD | 1920 x 1080 |
| 4K UHD | 3840 x 2160 |
| Vertical Video | 1080 x 1920 |
720p HD hits LinkedIn’s minimum size requirements, while 1080p HD offers sharper image quality. 4K UHD is not required but provides ultra high-resolution if desired. Vertical 1080 x 1920 is ideal for mobile-focused content.
Where to Upload Videos on LinkedIn
LinkedIn offers several options for sharing video content:
LinkedIn Video Uploads
You can directly upload video files to LinkedIn from your computer. Supported file types include MP4, MOV, and MKV formats. Videos can be up to 10 minutes long and 5GB in size.
Embed Videos
Adding an embedded video from YouTube, Vimeo, or other platforms is another great option. Simply copy the embed code and paste it into your LinkedIn post or article.
LinkedIn Live Video
With LinkedIn Live, you can live stream video directly to your LinkedIn connections. Live video can help create engagement and buzz for events, announcements, Q&As, and more.
Sponsored Content Videos
You can sponsor video content as ads on LinkedIn to reach a wider, targeted audience beyond just your connections. This is a paid promotion but can expand your visibility.
Video Marketing Best Practices
When creating video content for LinkedIn, keep these best practices in mind:
- Optimize video content for a B2B audience – provide value, build thought leadership
- Keep videos short and concise – under 2 minutes ideal
- Use compelling visuals – relevant b-roll, graphics, animations
- Write clear, succinct captions – explain the video, use keywords
- Include a call-to-action – invite viewers to follow, comment, share
High-quality, valuable video content tailored specifically to engage LinkedIn’s professional audience is key. Optimize videos for mobile viewing and add captions for accessibility.
Tools to Create LinkedIn Videos
Here are some top tools and resources for creating great videos for LinkedIn:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional video editing software to cut clips, add effects, audio, titles and more.
- Adobe After Effects: Motion graphics and visual effects software for animations and complex video effects.
- Adobe Photoshop: Image editing program to create custom thumbnail images and graphics.
- Camtasia: Screen recorder and video editor perfect for tutorial videos, demos and presentations.
- Animoto: Quick and easy automated video maker with templates and drag-and-drop functionality.
Investing in high-quality video production is important. But you can also get great results with more affordable tools like Camtasia or even using PowerPoint. The most important factors are your message, visual storytelling and production value.
Video Ideas for LinkedIn
Consider these engaging video content ideas tailored specifically for LinkedIn:
Expert Interviews & Fireside Chats
Interview industry experts and thought leaders in your niche. Position yourself as the host and moderator.
Behind-the-Scenes Company Videos
Give inside access to your company culture, community initiatives, events and more.
Employee Spotlights
Let team members or executives introduce themselves and put a human face on your brand.
Conference & Event Recaps
Share highlights, key insights and memorable moments from conferences or webinars.
Stats & Data Visualizations
Bring data and research to life in videos using animations, motion graphics and visual effects.
Tutorials & How-Tos
Teach your audience valuable skills related to your industry or products.
Product Demos
Showcase your product or service in action by walking through real-life use cases.
Customer Testimonials
Let happy customers tell powerful stories about how you solved their problems.
Conclusion
Optimizing your video content for LinkedIn’s specifications and business audience is key for success. The ideal dimensions are 1280×720 or 1920×1080 in landscape 16:9 format. Keep videos short, valuable and visually compelling. Include relevant calls-to-action and optimize for organic and sponsored distribution. With high-quality video that informs and engages professionals, you can expand your reach and impact on LinkedIn.
