When uploading videos to LinkedIn, it’s important to be aware of which file formats are supported on the platform. Using an unsupported format can result in issues with your video being processed, played back, or even uploaded at all. In this article, we’ll take a look at the video formats that LinkedIn does and does not support.
Overview of Supported Formats
In general, LinkedIn recommends using common video encoding formats like MP4 and MOV when uploading videos. These formats are widely supported across platforms and browsers. Here are some of the key details on supported formats:
- MP4: This is the most commonly recommended format for LinkedIn. MP4 uses H.264 video encoding and AAC audio encoding, which are well supported. Make sure your MP4 files are H.264/AAC to avoid issues.
- MOV: LinkedIn supports MOV files using H.264/AAC video and audio. As with MP4, using these codecs will ensure better compatibility.
- AVI: This format is supported, but not recommended. AVI files can have compatibility issues depending on the specific codecs used.
- WMV: Files in WMV format will work on LinkedIn. However, support can vary depending on the WMV codec and settings.
- MPEG-2: The MPEG-2 format is technically supported, but has poor compatibility. It’s recommended to avoid uploading MPEG-2 videos.
In addition to these formats, LinkedIn also supports 3GPP formats used for mobile video playback. Overall though, MP4 and MOV with H.264/AAC encoding are your best options in most cases.
Unsupported Video Formats
While LinkedIn supports a range of common formats, there are some that have limited or no support due to codec limitations. Here are some specific video types that should be avoided:
FLV (Flash Video Files)
FLV files use codecs like Sorenson Spark and On2 VP6 that LinkedIn’s video player does not support. Uploading FLV files will lead to playback failures.
WebM
The open WebM format is not supported on LinkedIn. WebM uses the VP8/VP9 video codecs and Vorbis audio, which are not compatible with LinkedIn’s video player.
Ogg Theora
Like WebM, the Ogg Theora video format is not supported. Ogg Theora uses the older Theora video codec which has limited browser compatibility and support.
AMV (Anime Music Videos)
The AMV format contains animated video encoded with codecs specific to Chinese and Japanese media players. These specialized codecs mean AMV files will not work with LinkedIn.
3GPP2
While the 3GPP mobile video standard is supported, the related 3GPP2 format is not. 3GPP2 uses codecs incompatible with LinkedIn’s video player.
DivX/Xvid
Early MPEG-4 codecs like DivX and Xvid have poor support on LinkedIn. While MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC is supported, DivX/Xvid video is not recommended.
VC-1
Microsoft’s VC-1 codec is incompatible with LinkedIn’s video player. Although VC-1 is related to WMV, support for the codec itself is limited.
Recommended Video Encoding Settings
In addition to using the right container format, encoding your source video file properly is key to ensuring compatibility. Here are some recommended settings to use:
| Video Codec | H.264 |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (1920 x 1080) or 720p (1280 x 720) |
| Bitrate | 2-5 Mbps |
| Framerate | 30 fps |
| Audio Codec | AAC-LC |
| Audio Bitrate | 128 kbps |
Adhering to these video and audio encoding recommendations when exporting your source video will help avoid any playback or compatibility issues when uploaded to LinkedIn in a supported container like MP4.
Checking Video Format Before Uploading
Before spending time uploading a video to LinkedIn, it’s smart to validate what format and codecs are used in the file. This can help catch any potential issues before they lead to a failed upload.
On Windows, you can right click a video file, select Properties, and check the Details tab. This will show the file type, video codec, resolution, framerate, and other key details. There are also free tools like MediaInfo that can provide in-depth info on a video file’s technical parameters on both Windows and Mac.
If you’re encoding video yourself, pay close attention to the export settings when outputting the final file you plan to upload. The encoding software you use should make it clear what format, video codec, audio codec, and other settings are being applied.
Following LinkedIn’s published recommended formats and codec guidance can help avoid problems, but verifying your specific video’s details is an important extra step before uploading.
Conclusion
To summarize, LinkedIn supports common video formats like MP4 and MOV, provided the right video and audio codecs like H.264/AAC are used. Other containers may work, but MP4 is the recommended choice. Legacy formats like FLV and WebM are not supported. Avoiding codecs like VP6, Theora, and VC-1 is advised as well. Ensuring your uploaded videos adhere to LinkedIn’s recommended resolution, framerate, and bitrates will also improve compatibility and playback.
Checking your video files beforehand using properties and tools like MediaInfo can help validate if the format and technical parameters will work as expected. Overall, the safest approach is to export and encode your video using LinkedIn’s published recommended settings to avoid any issues uploading or having your audience view the video.