Common reasons images fail to upload on LinkedIn
There are a few common reasons why your images may fail to upload properly on LinkedIn:
- The file size is too large – LinkedIn has a file size limit of 5 MB per image. If your image exceeds this size, it will fail to upload.
- The file type is not supported – LinkedIn only supports JPG, PNG and GIF image formats. Other formats like BMP, TIFF etc will not work.
- The image dimensions are too large – LinkedIn recommends uploading images that are 1600 x 1600 pixels or smaller. Overly large images may fail to upload.
- There are connectivity issues – Slow internet connections or intermittent connectivity can disrupt and fail the image upload process.
- The LinkedIn app is outdated – Using an outdated version of the LinkedIn mobile app can result in upload failures. Update to the latest version.
- You’ve reached your monthly upload limit – LinkedIn allows users to upload 5 images per month for free. Beyond this limit, uploads may fail.
- The image violates LinkedIn policies – Images containing nudity, violence, hate speech etc will get rejected by LinkedIn’s automated filters.
So in summary, the most common upload failure reasons are:
- Large file size
- Unsupported file types
- Overly high resolution
- Connectivity issues
- Outdated app
- Reaching monthly upload limit
- Violation of LinkedIn policies
Check your images against these parameters before trying to upload them to avoid failures.
How to troubleshoot and fix image upload failures on LinkedIn
If your LinkedIn image uploads keep failing, here are some troubleshooting tips to fix the problem:
1. Check the file size and dimensions
The first step is to check your image file size and dimensions. As mentioned above, LinkedIn has a file size limit of 5 MB and a recommended resolution of 1600 x 1600 pixels.
Use a free image editing tool like GIMP to view and edit the image properties if needed. Resize overly large images and use compression options to optimize the file size below 5 MB.
This alone can fix a majority of image upload errors.
2. Convert to a supported file type
LinkedIn only allows JPG, PNG and GIF image formats. If your image is in another format like BMP, TIFF, HEIC etc, use an image editor to convert it to JPG or PNG first.
JPEG offers the best compression for photographs while PNG is better for logos and images with text.
3. Try uploading on desktop
Uploading via the LinkedIn mobile app sometimes fails even with valid image files. In such cases, switch to uploading via the LinkedIn website on your desktop browser.
The desktop upload process is more stable and may work even if the mobile app fails.
4. Check your monthly upload quota
With a free LinkedIn account, you can only upload 5 images per month. If you’re hitting this monthly limit, additional image uploads will fail.
Consider upgrading to a premium Business or Sales Navigator account which provides more monthly image uploads. Alternatively, space out your uploads over the month to stay within the 5 image limit.
5. Use a PNG instead of GIF
If you’re trying to upload an animated GIF, try converting it to a PNG sequence instead.
LinkedIn has stricter limits on GIF files and strips out multiple frames during compression. PNG sequences have a better chance of retaining the animation.
6. Try again on a better network
Slow or inconsistent internet connectivity can disrupt the upload process and cause failures.
Try uploading again when you have a stronger Wi-Fi or cellular data signal to improve reliability. Upload from a different network location if needed.
7. Update to the latest LinkedIn app
Buggy old versions of the LinkedIn mobile app can also trigger image upload failures in some cases.
Updating to the latest version of the app may resolve these bugs and instability issues that affect image uploads.
8. Avoid banned content
Finally, make sure your image does not contain objectionable content like nudity, graphic violence, hate speech etc. LinkedIn’s automated filters will reject such images.
Stick to uploading profile pictures, company logos, infographics, and other safe, work-related image content only.
Best practices for uploading images on LinkedIn
Follow these best practices when uploading images to maximize success and minimize failures on LinkedIn:
- Keep image files under 5 MB in size for optimal performance.
- Use JPEG for photos and PNG for logos/icons at 1600 x 1600 pixels or less.
- Never upload offensive or illegal content which will get automatically rejected.
- Stay within the monthly upload limits based on your account type.
- Use desktop upload if the mobile app is glitchy or keeps failing.
- Only upload images that add value and enhance your LinkedIn profile.
- Make sure you have a strong internet connection when uploading images.
- Convert large GIFs to PNG sequences to maintain animation effects.
- Triple check image content before uploading to avoid policy violations.
Stick to these best practices and your LinkedIn image uploads should go through smoothly without errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my image uploads on LinkedIn failing?
The most common reasons for LinkedIn image upload failures are file size too large, unsupported file types, overly high resolution, connectivity issues, outdated app, hitting monthly upload limits or violating content policies.
What is the maximum file size for LinkedIn image uploads?
LinkedIn allows a maximum file size of 5 MB per image. Anything larger will fail to upload.
What image types can I upload on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn supports JPG, PNG and GIF image formats. Other formats like BMP, TIFF, HEIC etc. are not allowed.
How can I edit an image to meet LinkedIn requirements?
Use a free image editor like GIMP to resize your image below 1600×1600 pixels, convert it to JPG/PNG format, and use compression to optimize the file size under 5MB.
Why do my GIFs fail on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn’s compression can strip out multiple frames from an animated GIF. Convert your GIF to a PNG sequence before upload for better results.
How many images can I upload per month on LinkedIn?
Free LinkedIn accounts have a monthly upload limit of 5 images. Premium accounts allow more uploads. Space out uploads to avoid hitting the limits.
Does LinkedIn content policy allow nude images?
No, LinkedIn expressly prohibits uploading of nude, violent, offensive or illegal images, which will get automatically rejected.
Summary
To summarize, the most common reasons for LinkedIn image upload failures include large file size, unsupported formats, high resolution, connectivity issues, outdated app, hitting monthly limits and content policy violations.
Troubleshoot by optimizing your image file properties, using desktop upload, upgrading your account, and strictly following LinkedIn’s recommended guidelines for image uploads.
Stick to the 5MB size limit, use JPEG/PNG formats, keep resolutions below 1600×1600, upload from stable connections, stay within monthly quotas, and avoid unprofessional content.
Following LinkedIn’s best practices for image uploads can help avoid frustrating failures and ensure your photos, logos and visual content appear properly on your profile.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting and fixing LinkedIn image upload failures may seem frustrating, but just requires you to optimize your image files and upload approach. By following LinkedIn’s guidelines on file size, dimensions, formats, monthly limits and content policies, you can successfully upload visual content that enhances your professional profile.
With the right tools and techniques, you can diagnose the root causes of upload errors, and take corrective steps like resizing images, converting formats, using desktop upload, upgrading accounts, and sticking to compliant content. These best practices will ensure a smooth, failure-free image upload experience on LinkedIn.
The ability to upload photos, infographics and other visual content is a key part of standing out on LinkedIn. Avoid upload frustrations by understanding LinkedIn’s image requirements and troubleshooting any issues with care. Your investment will pay off with a compelling, visually enhanced profile that strengthens your professional brand and reaches the right audiences.