LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking sites. With over 740 million members worldwide, it is a great platform for building connections and promoting your brand. One effective way to do that on LinkedIn is through video content.
When creating videos for LinkedIn, it is important to use the optimal video dimensions for the platform. LinkedIn recommends uploading videos in 16:9 aspect ratio. This horizontal widescreen format allows your videos to display properly across all devices and takes up the most screen real estate in the LinkedIn feed.
What is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or video frame. It is expressed numerically as width:height.
Some common aspect ratios include:
| Aspect Ratio | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 16:9 | 1920 x 1080 px |
| 4:3 | 1280 x 960 px |
| 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 px |
16:9 is the widescreen format that has become the standard for video production and online viewing. It is the recommended aspect ratio for LinkedIn because it fits natively into most user feeds.
Benefits of 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Here are some of the key benefits of using 16:9 aspect ratio for your LinkedIn videos:
1. Optimized for most displays
16:9 is the dominant widescreen aspect ratio across devices today including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Creating videos in 16:9 ensures maximal real estate and visibility across all screens.
2. Improved engagement
The widescreen format allows you to fit more visual information into the frame. This results in more immersive and engaging viewing experiences leading to higher view completion rates.
3. Native LinkedIn support
LinkedIn’s video player and feeds are designed with 16:9 in mind. Uploading in this aspect ratio means your videos will display as intended without black bars or cropping.
4. Flexibility for cross-platform use
While some platforms like Instagram and TikTok prefer square 1:1 videos, 16:9 offers the flexibility to repurpose your videos efficiently across different platforms.
Ideal 16:9 Resolutions for LinkedIn
When creating 16:9 videos for LinkedIn, you have some options in terms of resolution or the number of pixels that make up the width and height of the video.
Here are some ideal 16:9 resolutions to use for LinkedIn:
1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels)
This is the standard HD resolution and the minimum recommended size for LinkedIn videos. At 1080p, your videos will be sharp and clear on desktop and mobile.
1440p (2560 x 1440 pixels)
1440p resolution provides an even crisper, high-quality viewing experience. This is a great choice if you want to showcase products, text, or graphics in finer detail.
2160p (3840 x 2160 pixels)
2160p refers to 4K ultra HD resolution. While this creates very high-quality videos, the large file sizes can make uploads and streaming slower. Use 4K if you have critical visual information in your videos.
In most cases, 1080p hits the sweet spot between quality and file size for LinkedIn-optimized video. Avoid going below 1080p. For important visuals, 1440p or 4K may be warranted.
Tools and Settings for Recording 16:9 Video
Here are some tips on configuring your tools and settings to record professional 16:9 videos for LinkedIn:
Cameras
When using standalone cameras like DSLRs, camcorders, or premium smartphones, choose a 16:9 aspect ratio setting. Avoid vertical orientations or 4:3.
Select a 16:9 video resolution like 1080p or 4K if available. Also, double check that the final exported video matches this ratio.
Mobile Devices
When recording video with smartphones or tablets, turn the device to landscape orientation to capture in 16:9.
In the camera settings, choose the rear/main camera which supports higher resolutions. Disable digital zoom for best quality.
Screen Recording Apps
If creating screencasts or webinar recordings, use a 16:9 screen capture area in your recording software settings.
Select 1080p or 4K recording resolution if available. Checking the resolution of exported videos is recommended.
Video Editing
When editing videos, maintain the 16:9 aspect ratio on the timeline. Avoid cropping or resizing in a way that changes the width/height ratio.
Export the final edited video at 1080p resolution or higher for best quality.
Video Encoding
It’s important to encode exported videos properly for LinkedIn. Use common codec settings like MP4 video codec and AAC audio codec.
Two-pass encoding can help optimize quality and compression for online delivery. Target video bitrates between 3-5 Mbps.
Tips for Recording Effective LinkedIn Videos in 16:9
Beyond getting the technical settings right, follow these tips to create compelling, professional videos that perform well on LinkedIn:
Craft a compelling title and description
This helps capture attention and gives viewers context on what your video is about before clicking play.
Open with a hook
The first 5-10 seconds are critical. Kick off your video with an interesting question, statistic, anecdote or b-roll clip that draws viewers in.
Keep it short
LinkedIn metrics show higher average completion rates for videos under 1 minute. Aim to convey your key messages clearly and concisely.
Use high-quality visuals
Invest in decent production – good lighting, stable camerawork, pro audio, clean backgrounds, graphics, and b-roll to engage viewers.
Structure your narrative
Maintain logical flow in your video with an effective introduction, coherent main points, and clear conclusion.
Closed captions are a must
Ensure your videos are accessible and optimized for silent, mobile viewing by adding accurate closed captions.
By combining a compelling storyline with professional 16:9 video production suited for LinkedIn, you can create memorable content that educates and converts your target audience.
Conclusion
The 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio is the ideal format to use when producing videos for LinkedIn. It allows your video content to display optimally across all devices and takes full advantage of the platform’s video player dimensions.
Sticking to 1080p HD or 4K resolution in the 16:9 landscape orientation ensures professional, immersive viewing experiences for your target audience. Configuring your recording tools properly and following best practices for LinkedIn-friendly videos in terms of framing, editing, captions, and more will further boost your engagement and results.
Investing some time upfront to create top-quality 16:9 videos tailored for the platform gives you the best chance to be discovered, build credibility, and turn viewers into customers.
