When creating video content for LinkedIn, one of the most important technical considerations is choosing the right frame rate. The frame rate determines how smooth and clear the video appears, which has a big impact on the overall quality and viewer experience.
What is frame rate?
The frame rate of a video refers to the number of individual frames that are displayed per second. It is measured in frames per second (FPS). The higher the frame rate, the smoother the motion in the video appears.
Standard video frame rates include:
- 24 fps
- 25 fps
- 30 fps
- 60 fps
A frame rate of 24 fps is considered the minimum for a video to appear natural and smooth to the human eye. At frame rates below 24 fps, the video can start to look choppy.
Recommended frame rate for LinkedIn
For LinkedIn specifically, the recommended frame rate for uploaded videos is 29.97 fps.
This frame rate aligns with the 30 fps broadcast standard. 30 fps is commonly used for television, online video, corporate video, and more. It provides a good balance of smooth motion and file size.
Here are some key reasons why 29.97 fps is ideal for LinkedIn video:
- It’s consistent with other video uploads, allowing for a uniform viewing experience across LinkedIn
- 29.97 fps provides smooth, natural motion that holds the viewer’s attention
- The file sizes are manageable and optimized for streaming on the platform
- It adheres to LinkedIn’s recommended encoding specs for a 30 fps output
While 30 fps is also a solid option, 29.97 fps aligns exactly with LinkedIn’s preferred encoding methods. The 29.97 fps rate will integrate seamlessly with LinkedIn’s video players and streaming technology.
Avoiding low frame rates
When creating LinkedIn videos, it’s important to avoid very low frame rates below 24 fps. For example:
- 15 fps
- 12 fps
- 10 fps
At these low frame rates, the video can look choppy, blurry, and unprofessional. This gives a poor impression and reflects poorly on your brand. Viewers are more likely to click away from low-quality videos.
Low frame rates can occur if the wrong encoding settings are used when exporting the video. To avoid this, be sure to choose the 29.97 fps or 30 fps preset if your editing software offers one.
Is a higher frame rate better?
While 29.97 fps or 30 fps is recommended, what about going higher? For example:
- 60 fps
- 120 fps
Higher frame rates like 60 fps will make the video appear extremely smooth. However, for LinkedIn, they are usually overkill.
Here are some downsides of using a very high frame rate:
- Large file sizes that can make uploading and streaming difficult
- Higher production resource requirements
- Not aligned with LinkedIn’s encoding recommendations
- Too smooth – can look unnatural and dreamlike
For most LinkedIn videos like company overviews, product explainers, employee spotlights, and more, 29.97 fps or 30 fps is sufficient. Save the high 60+ fps rates for very special situations like high-intensity sports replays.
Frame rate tips
Here are some additional tips when selecting frame rate for your LinkedIn videos:
- Choose consistent frame rates across videos in a series or campaign
- Use the same frame rate end-to-end from recording to final export
- Match the frame rate to your recording equipment and editing software settings
- Use faster frame rates like 60 fps only for slow motion effects
- For animations, 12-15 fps can be sufficient to maintain small file sizes
Recommended LinkedIn video resolution
In addition to frame rate, the video resolution is also important for quality. Here are LinkedIn’s recommended video resolutions:
| Resolution | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| SD | 640 pixels | 360 pixels |
| HD | 1280 pixels | 720 pixels |
HD (1280 x 720) is the best option for a clear, high-quality viewing experience. But SD (640 x 360) can be acceptable as well, especially for shorter videos.
LinkedIn’s video encoding requirements
To recap, here are LinkedIn’s overall recommended encoding settings for video uploads:
- Container: MP4
- Video codec: H.264
- Frame rate: 29.97 fps
- Resolution: HD (1280 x 720) or SD (640 x 360)
- Bitrate: 2-5 mbps
- Audio codec: AAC
Configuring your video to these specs before uploading will help ensure the best quality and playback experience for viewers.
Conclusion
When preparing a video for LinkedIn, using a frame rate of 29.97 fps is recommended. This provides smooth motion and clear playback while meeting LinkedIn’s encoding guidelines. Along with the correct resolution and bitrate, the 29.97 fps frame rate will result in professional, optimized videos that showcase your brand effectively and engage LinkedIn audiences.
