LinkedIn carousel ads allow advertisers to showcase multiple images in a scrollable format. The carousel ad format provides more flexibility to highlight various products, services, content etc. However, in order to create an effective LinkedIn carousel ad, it’s important to use images of the right size. Using images that are too small or too large can negatively impact the ad’s performance. In this article, we will provide optimal LinkedIn carousel ad image sizes and specifications to help you create high-converting ads.<
What are the image requirements for LinkedIn carousel ads?
LinkedIn has specific requirements when it comes to image sizes and formats for carousel ads:
- Image Size: 600 x 314 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
- Image Type: JPG or PNG format
- File Size: Under 300 KB per image
- Number of Images: 2-10 images per carousel
Let’s look at each of these requirements in more detail:
Image Dimensions
The recommended image size for LinkedIn carousel ads is 600 x 314 pixels. This is an aspect ratio of 1.91:1 which is optimized for LinkedIn’s feed layout. Images at this size will display nicely on desktop and mobile without awkward stretching or cropping issues.
Utilizing the right aspect ratio ensures your important messaging and branding elements are fully visible to your target audience.
Image Format
LinkedIn supports the two most commonly used image formats – JPG and PNG.
JPG is great for photos and PNG is better for logos, illustrations, text overlays etc. Both formats are widely supported across devices and operating systems.
When saving your images, aim for a high quality setting without aggressive compression. This retains good image clarity while keeping file sizes reasonable.
File Size
Each image in your LinkedIn carousel should be less than 300KB in size. This ensures the ad loads quickly across devices and networks.
Large, high-res images can be optimized to meet the 300KB limit without a major loss in quality:
– Compress image using an image editor
– Save using a high quality setting
– Strip unnecessary EXIF data
Keeping images lean improves the ad experience and reduces the burden on user’s data plans.
Number of Images
You can include 2-10 images in a LinkedIn carousel ad. This allows showcasing a wide variety of products, messages, illustrations, screenshots etc.
However, aim for 5-8 images in most cases. Too many images can overwhelm users and reduce engagement. Spread messaging across a few impactful images for best results.
Creating optimized LinkedIn carousel images
Follow these best practices when creating your LinkedIn carousel ad images:
Design for attention
LinkedIn feeds are dense with information. Make images stand out with bold colors, interesting visuals, minimal text overlays. Avoid clutter and focus on the key idea you want to convey.
Highlight benefits
Communicate the value of your offering clearly. Images should highlight benefits users get – savings, convenience, status etc.
Convey emotions
Connect emotionally with LinkedIn’s professional audience. Images showing real people, expressions, relationships resonate better than generic stock photos.
Ensure readability
If using text overlays, make sure the font size and color combination has enough contrast to be readable on small screens. Avoid long blocks of tiny text.
Maintain consistency
Use consistent filters, fonts, color schemes across images for a cohesive look and feel. This strengthens branding and recognition.
Provide context
Images should work together to tell a compelling story. Maintain continuity across images to convey information clearly.
Optimize files
Run images through optimization software to reduce file size without compromising quality. Every byte saved improves load time.
Image specifications for different LinkedIn ad formats
While 600 x 314 px is the standard size for LinkedIn carousel ads, other ad formats have different specifications:
Single Image Ad
- Size: 1200 x 627 px (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
- Max File Size: 5MB
- Format: JPG, PNG, GIF (static)
Video Ad
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 720p HD minimum
- Max Length: 3 minutes
- Max File Size: 10MB
- Format: MP4, MOV
Sponsored Content
- Header Image: 1200 x 627 px
- In-Feed Image: 546 x 364 px
- Shared Image: 1200 x 628 px
- Formats: JPG, GIF, PNG
So optimize images based on the specific LinkedIn ad format you are using. Refer to LinkedIn’s advertising specifications page for full details.
Tools to create and optimize LinkedIn images
Here are some great tools to help create, edit, and optimize images for LinkedIn ads:
Design Applications
- Canva – Easy to use graphic design tool with templates
- Crello – Graphic design and image editor
- Adobe Photoshop – Advanced image editing software
- Adobe Illustrator – Vector graphics editor
Image Optimization
- TinyPNG – Compresses images while retaining quality
- Compressor.io – Resizes and compresses images
- Kraken.io – Image optimizer with API
Animation and Video
- Adobe After Effects – Video effects and motion graphics
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Professional video editing
- InVideo – Online animated video maker
Try out a combination of tools to create stunning visual assets for your LinkedIn campaigns.
Common LinkedIn image errors to avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing carousel ads for LinkedIn. Be aware of these common image errors:
Incorrect Dimensions
Using wrong sizes like square images, portraits etc. can lead to cropping or pixelation. Always match the 1.91:1 aspect ratio.
Heavy Compression
Excessive compression to reduce file size results in visible quality loss and artifacts. Optimize with care.
Text-heavy Images
Too much tiny text overload is unreadable and off-putting on small screens. Use minimal text.
Cluttered Images
Too many elements compete for attention. Declutter and simplify messaging.
Irrelevant Images
Choose images that connect with your target professional audience. Avoid consumer-style photos.
Inconsistent Branding
Mismatch in logos, fonts, colors across images dilutes brand recognition. Maintain consistency.
Outdated Information
Stale images with old offers, prices etc. confuses audiences. Use latest, relevant visuals.
Poor Quality
Blurry, pixelated images seem unprofessional. Provide high quality photographs and illustrations.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can build trust and engagement through quality visual content.
Conclusion
Optimized LinkedIn images are crucial for engaging the professional audience. Follow these best practices:
- Use 600 x 314 px image size
- Keep file size under 300KB
- Choose compelling visuals that communicate benefits
- Ensure branding consistency across images
- Create a cohesive story flow between images
- Optimize files to reduce size without affecting quality
Leveraging the optimal image specifications provided in this article will help you get the best results from LinkedIn carousel ads and other image-based formats. Visually striking images that speak to the professional audience will boost brand awareness, connect emotionally and drive higher conversions.
