There are a few potential reasons why your images may look blurry or pixelated when posting on LinkedIn:
Image Resolution
The most common reason LinkedIn images appear blurry is because the original image file has a low resolution. Resolution refers to the amount of detail an image contains based on the number of pixels. A high resolution image will contain more pixels and thus be able to render more clearly at larger sizes.
For best results, you should upload images that are at least 1080 pixels on the shortest side. This will ensure the image quality remains high even when viewed on large screens. If your original image is only 72ppi or saved at a small web resolution, it will likely look pixelated when enlarged on LinkedIn.
Image File Formats
LinkedIn only fully supports JPG, GIF and PNG file formats. Other formats like TIFF, PSD, BMP etc may not display properly. JPG is ideal for photographs, while PNG is better for logos and icons with solid shapes.
If you upload images in unsupported formats, LinkedIn will attempt to convert them which often results in quality loss or blurred images. For best results, export supporting assets in one of the recommended file types before uploading.
Image Compression
LinkedIn automatically compresses images to optimize page load speeds and bandwidth usage. This is especially true for their mobile app. As a result, images larger than 2048 pixels will be resized and compressed to meet these limits, resulting in reduced quality.
Aim to upload images below 2048 pixels on the longest side when possible to avoid excessive compression from LinkedIn’s systems. You may also notice more quality loss when images are expanded using the in-app image tools.
Incorrect Sizing
Another potential factor is the size at which you embed the image in your post. If you manually size images too large, they may appear blurry or pixelated as a result.
As a best practice, don’t size your images substantially larger than their native resolution in pixels. For example a 960×540 image will likely look poor quality if expanded to take up your entire post width.
Instead, let LinkedIn automatically resize images to best fit the post based on the image file itself. You can also click ‘Full size’ when adding images to have them appear at 100% scale.
Tips to Upload Crisp, Clear Images to LinkedIn
Here are some tips to help optimize your images for LinkedIn:
1. Use High Resolution Source Files
Always start with the highest resolution version of your image available. If possible, obtain the original source file rather than compressed versions such as those used for web or email. The more image data available, the better the results will be.
Ideally your image should be at least 1080px on the shortest side. This provides enough resolution to render cleanly even when viewed on large screens.
2. Save Images in Recommended Formats
JPG is ideal for photos, while PNG is better for logos and icons. Avoid formats like BMP, TIFF or PSD, as these are not fully supported and may result in quality loss.
PNG is lossless which means no image data is lost during compression. This makes it a good choice for high contrast graphics and images with text.
3. Don’t Over-Compress JPG Images
JPG images use lossy compression, meaning some image data is discarded to achieve smaller files sizes.
The amount of compression can be adjusted – higher compression results in smaller files but lower image quality. Avoid going above 80% compression when saving JPGs for web use. Too much compression will soften edges and details in the image.
4. Resize Large Images
If your image exceeds 2048px on the longest edge, resize it smaller before uploading to LinkedIn. This prevents unwanted compression and quality loss from LinkedIn’s systems.
Aim for image files between 1000 – 1500px on the longest side for an optimal balance of quality and file size.
5. Always Preview at 100% Scale
When exporting and saving images, preview them at 100% scale to spot any areas that lack sharpness or appear pixelated. Zooming in helps reveal compression artifacts and quality issues not visible at smaller sizes.
6. Use Vector Graphics When Possible
Vector image formats like SVG or EPS contain resolution independent geometric data that can be scaled significantly without loss of quality. This makes them ideally suited to applications like logos and icons.
Vector sources often provide the highest quality results, although they are less common for photos. Vector art remains razor sharp on LinkedIn profiles and pages even when expanded well beyond its original size.
Troubleshooting Blurry or Pixelated Images on LinkedIn
If you’ve uploaded high quality images that still appear blurry on LinkedIn, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Verify Image Resolution
Double check the original image file and confirm it is high resolution. Open the file in image editing software like Photoshop and look at the pixel dimensions and PPI resolution. If the source file is low resolution, no amount of optimization will improve the output quality.
Check Image File Type and Format
LinkedIn only fully supports PNG, JPG and GIF formats. Other file types may display incorrectly. Double check the file extension on your image matches one of these approved formats. Avoid exotic formats like TIFF or BMP.
Try Re-Exporting the Image
If your image is in a supported format but still looks blurry, try re-exporting and uploading a fresh copy. It’s possible the file became corrupted somewhere in the process. Use original sources if available.
Preview on Different Devices
LinkedIn images can display differently on desktop vs mobile. Preview your images on both platforms to determine if the issue only occurs on certain devices. Mobile limitations tend to cause more compression and quality loss.
Test with Other Images
Upload test images to narrow down the issue. Check if other high resolution JPG/PNG files also appear blurry, or if the problem only occurs with a specific image. Isolate whether the issue stems from the source file or LinkedIn’s rendering.
Contact LinkedIn Support
If re-uploading fresh image files in supported formats does not resolve blurry or pixelated images, contact LinkedIn support. There may be a technical issue with how LinkedIn is processing or compressing images on your account.
How to Display Crisp Images in Your LinkedIn Posts
Here are some best practices for embedding images in LinkedIn posts to keep them looking sharp:
Let LinkedIn Resize Images
When inserting images into your post, use the default or ‘Full size’ display options. Avoid manually resizing images substantially larger than their native pixel dimensions.
Set Image Display Size to ‘Standard’
Under post settings, set the image display size to ‘Standard’ rather than ‘Large’ or ‘Full width’. The standard setting displays images at an optimal balance of size and quality.
Don’t Over-Compress on Mobile
The LinkedIn mobile app tends to compress images more aggressively. Avoid posting ultra high-res images you then size down drastically, as this forces excessive compression.
Use Vector Graphics When Possible
Vector-based SVG or EPS files stay razor sharp at any size. If you have the option, use vector sources for logos, icons and diagrams to take advantage of their lossless scalability.
Preview on Multiple Devices
Always preview your posts containing images across desktop, mobile and tablet to ensure quality renders consistently. Mobile limitations can impact embedded images.
Ask Viewers for Feedback
After publishing your post, kindly ask your network if the images appear clear on their end. Your followers can let you know if they notice blurring from their device and platform.
Conclusion
Maintaining image quality when sharing visual assets on LinkedIn is key to bringing your posts to life. Paying attention to resolution, file formats, compression, sizing and embedding options helps keep your images looking crisp when published. With some diligence on image optimization and testing across platforms, you can make the most of LinkedIn’s photo capabilities and prevent blurred or pixelated outcomes.
Image Resolution | Minimum 1080 pixels on shortest edge recommended |
---|---|
Supported File Types | JPG, PNG, GIF (avoid exotic formats) |
Maximum Image Size | 2048 pixels on longest edge |
Ideal Post Display | Standard or Full Size (avoid over-sizing manually) |
Here are the key takeaways:
- Upload high resolution images (1080px minimum) for best quality
- Use JPG for photos, PNG for logos and graphics
- Don’t over-compress JPGs when saving
- Downsize images larger than 2048px before uploading
- Let LinkedIn resize and set display size to ‘Standard’
- Preview images at 100% scale before posting
Following these best practices for saving, sizing, embedding and testing your LinkedIn images will help ensure they appear crisp and vibrant when your connections view and engage with your posts. With optimized assets, you can make the most of LinkedIn’s visual content while maintaining a high quality professional brand.