Quick Answer
The recommended image size for a LinkedIn post is 1200 x 627 pixels. This size provides an optimal balance between image quality and fast loading times on both desktop and mobile. The minimum image size supported is 50 x 50 pixels, while the maximum is 3840 x 3840 pixels.
What is the Ideal LinkedIn Post Image Size?
LinkedIn recommends using a header image for your posts in the size of 1200 x 627 pixels. This size provides high enough resolution for the image to look sharp on all devices, while still being small enough for quick loading times.
Some key advantages of using the recommended 1200 x 627 pixel post image size include:
- Displays well across all devices – The image will nicely fill the width of both desktop and mobile feeds without being distorted or pixelated.
- Loads quickly – At a reasonable file size, the image will not slow down page loading speeds for your audience.
- Looks great in previews – This size is ideal for how post images appear in LinkedIn post previews across platforms.
- Ample real estate for engagement – The taller height leaves plenty of clear space below the image for your post text and call-to-action buttons.
What are the Minimum and Maximum Image Sizes?
While 1200 x 627 pixels is the recommended size, LinkedIn does allow flexibility to use images between the minimum and maximum dimensions:
Minimum Image Size:
– Width: 50 pixels
– Height: 50 pixels
Maximum Image Size:
– Width: 3840 pixels
– Height: 3840 pixels
Very small images under the minimum 50 x 50 pixels may appear blurry or pixelated.
Extremely large images over the maximum 3840 x 3840 pixels can slow page loading speed, take up storage space, and deliver no real benefit over smaller versions.
So for best results, aim for image sizes within the recommended range – not too small, but not overly huge.
How Does LinkedIn Handle Wrong Size Images?
If you upload an image that is outside of the 50 x 50 to 3840 x 3840 pixel boundaries, LinkedIn will automatically resize and crop it to fit within those constraints.
Specifically:
- Undersized images smaller than 50 x 50 pixels will be enlarged to meet the minimum.
- Oversized images larger than 3840 x 3840 pixels will be shrunk down to the maximum dimensions.
- Disproportionately wide or tall images will be cropped to fit the right ratios.
However, it is best to size your images properly before uploading to avoid unwanted cropping or distortion. The automatic resizing may cut off important parts of your photo or reduce quality.
How does LinkedIn determine the preview/thumbnail size?
When you share a post with an image on LinkedIn, it displays a preview thumbnail to represent the post.
The size of this preview thumbnail depends on where it is being displayed:
- Mobile feed preview: 320 x 180 pixels
- Desktop feed preview: 220 x 147 pixels
- Share preview (mobile and desktop): 196 x 110 pixels
So the preview thumbnail will dynamically change size based on the screen width, but maintain the same aspect ratio as your original image.
LinkedIn automatically crops and scales down the full-size image to generate these optimized preview thumbnails. This helps ensure fast load times while still presenting high quality previews.
Again, using the recommended header size of 1200 x 627 pixels will result in clear, professional-looking preview thumbnails.
How does image size impact performance?
Image size significantly affects the performance of your LinkedIn posts in two key ways:
Page loading speed
Larger image files take longer to load on networks and devices. Using smaller, properly compressed images will allow your post to load faster, keeping visitors engaged.
Storage space
LinkedIn limits storage space for images to 5GB per account. Smaller sized images will allow you to upload more photos before hitting that limit.
In summary, the smaller the image size, the better performance you will see – as long as the images remain high quality.
Tips for resizing and optimizing images
To ensure your LinkedIn post images are properly sized and optimized, follow these tips:
- Use image editing software like Photoshop, Canva, GIMP etc to resize.
- Crop images to the ideal 1200 x 627 pixel size.
- Use 72 PPI resolution for web images.
- Save images as compressed JPG files – not BMP, TIFF etc.
- Use a compression level of 6/10 for good balance of quality and size.
- Resize oversized images before uploading to LinkedIn.
- Double check image dimensions before posting.
Properly resizing and optimizing your LinkedIn images will ensure they look polished while supporting fast page loading speeds.
Conclusion
The ideal image size for LinkedIn posts that balances quality and performance is 1200 x 627 pixels. This size displays beautifully across platforms while keeping file sizes reasonable.
Aim for header images within the minimum 50 x 50 pixel and maximum 3840 x 3840 pixel boundaries. Preview thumbnails will then be automatically generated at smaller sizes optimized for different screens.
With the right sizing and compression, your LinkedIn post images will look professional and engage your audience.