Uploading media on LinkedIn can sometimes be problematic. Here are some common reasons why your media may not be uploading properly on LinkedIn and steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Your Media File May Be Too Large
LinkedIn has file size limits for media uploads. The maximum file size for images is 10MB. For videos uploaded directly to LinkedIn, the file size limit is 200MB. If your media file exceeds these size restrictions, LinkedIn will not allow you to upload it.
To fix this, use image and video editing software to reduce the file size of your media. For images, reduce resolution or use compression. For videos, lower the resolution/bitrate. Once your files are small enough, they should upload successfully.
You May Be Experiencing Connectivity Issues
Uploading media requires a stable internet connection. If you have a weak or unstable connection, your media uploads may fail or stall at LinkedIn. Issues like low bandwidth, wireless interference, network congestion, etc. can disrupt the upload process.
Try uploading again when you have a stronger, more reliable connection. Switch from WiFi to wired ethernet if possible. Move closer to your wireless router. Close other apps using bandwidth. Verify your network speeds to rule out any connectivity problems.
Your Account May Have LinkedIn Upload Restrictions
In some cases, LinkedIn may deliberately block media uploading privileges for an account. This can occur if you have violated LinkedIn’s policies and terms of service in the past.
Uploading restrictions are usually temporary. Refrain from posting any violating content. Be patient, comply with LinkedIn’s rules, and your account should regain full posting/uploading abilities over time.
Browser Security Settings May Be Blocking Uploads
Some browsers have security settings like popup blockers that can interfere with uploads. Chrome, Firefox, Safari and others try to protect you from malicious content by restricting file transfers.
Try adding LinkedIn to your browser’s allow list so uploads are not blocked. Adjust your security and privacy settings to allow LinkedIn media uploads to go through. Temporarily disabling security software can also help.
LinkedIn App May Need Refreshing
If uploading directly from the LinkedIn mobile app, try force quitting and reopening the app. Refresh your LinkedIn feed. On iOS, double tap the home button and swipe up on the LinkedIn app to close it. On Android, swipe the app away in the multitasking view. Relaunching the app resets things and may resolve any upload errors.
Update the LinkedIn App
An outdated version of the LinkedIn app can cause problems with uploading. Make sure you have installed the latest version of the iOS or Android app. On iOS, check the App Store updates section. On Android, check Google Play for any available updates. Keeping your LinkedIn app up-to-date will ensure better performance.
Check Your LinkedIn Media Settings
Under your LinkedIn account settings, make sure that media uploading is enabled. LinkedIn gives you the option to control media uploads under Privacy & Settings > Manage your data & privacy. Verify that the “Let others download your images and videos” option is checked.
Verify Your LinkedIn Account Status
In rare cases, LinkedIn may restrict your account privileges if they suspect suspicious activity. Check that your account status is in good standing. Under your profile, look for any alerts about limited, suspended or banned account access. Contact LinkedIn support if your account has been unexpectedly locked.
Clear Cookies and Cache
Corrupted cookies and cached data related to LinkedIn can sometimes disrupt media uploads. Try clearing your browser cookies and website data for LinkedIn.com. On Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. Tick cookies and site data, then Clear data. Retry uploading after wiping this temporary data.
Try a Different Web Browser
If you cannot upload media on one web browser, try using a different browser. For example, if Chrome is giving you problems, test uploading your media on Firefox or Safari instead. Narrow down if the issue is isolated to one particular web browser.
Check File Type and Format Compatibility
Make sure your media file types and formats are supported by LinkedIn for uploads. LinkedIn supports common image types like JPG, PNG and GIF. For video, MP4 and MOV files are recommended. Avoid uploading in niche formats that LinkedIn does not accept.
Upload Media from a Computer Instead
Uploading from the LinkedIn mobile app can sometimes be glitchy. Try uploading your media from a desktop computer instead. Use LinkedIn.com in your computer’s web browser to upload your images and videos. The experience may be more stable and reliable on a laptop or desktop PC.
Double Check Upload Permissions
When posting media directly to LinkedIn, make sure you have the right publishing permissions. You can only upload media when creating a new post or when editing an existing post. You cannot replace media on other people’s posts.
Check Image Dimensions
LinkedIn resizes images with dimensions larger than 2048×2048 pixels. This could potentially cause upload issues. Resize oversized images before uploading. Use image editing software to scale down the image dimensions for LinkedIn’s 2048 pixel width/height limit.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your media uploads requires methodically checking possible causes like file size limits, account restrictions, app issues, browser settings, unsupported file types, and other factors. If you are still unable to upload media after trying these troubleshooting tips, contact LinkedIn customer support for additional help resolving the problem.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| File size too large | Compress files to meet size limits |
| Connectivity issues | Check internet connection stability |
| Account restrictions | Wait for privileges to be restored |
| Browser blocking uploads | Adjust browser security settings |
| LinkedIn app problems | Force quit and relaunch app |
| Outdated app | Update to latest version |
| Media uploads disabled | Enable setting in account |
| Restricted account status | Contact LinkedIn support |
| Corrupted cookies/cache | Clear browsing data |
| Issues with browser | Try different web browser |
| Unsupported file types | Use recommended formats |
| Mobile app issues | Upload from desktop instead |
| Lacking upload permissions | Post media to own posts only |
| Oversized image dimensions | Resize image before uploading |
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- Retry uploading media during non-peak hours when LinkedIn servers are less crowded
- Check for LinkedIn service status notifications of any known outages
- Test uploading from a different network/internet connection
- Disable any VPN, firewall or proxy software temporarily
- Try logging out and back in to LinkedIn to reset session
- Clear phone/computer cache & reinstall LinkedIn app if issues persist
Uploading media to LinkedIn should be simple and straightforward in most cases. But if you encounter unusual technical difficulties, run through these troubleshooting suggestions to identify and resolve the root cause. Reach out to LinkedIn’s customer support for additional assistance if needed. With some diligent diagnostics, you should be able to get your media uploading smoothly again.
Why Does LinkedIn Limit Media File Size and Type?
LinkedIn imposes file size and type restrictions on media uploads for a few key reasons:
- To conserve network bandwidth and server resources
- To ensure fast page load speeds
- To maintain consistent media quality standards
- To secure the platform and protect users
Large, high-resolution image and video files consume substantial bandwidth to transmit and store. LinkedIn’s service capacity could become strained if uploads were unlimited. Restricting file size allows LinkedIn to operate more efficiently.
Smaller media files also enable much faster page loading for users. With hundreds of millions of members, quick page speeds must be preserved. Media limitations help LinkedIn deliver a smooth user experience.
Standardizing file formats creates a consistent presentation across the platform. Allowing niche formats could result in compatibility issues. LinkedIn specifies formats known to be widely usable.
Screening uploads by file type also enhances security. Malicious files like executables or scripts could put users at risk if permitted. Content moderation is easier with a finite set of accepted formats.
In summary, the file size limits and format requirements enable LinkedIn to:
- Manage network and computational resource usage
- Maintain fast page loading speeds
- Preserve media display quality
- Improve content moderation
- Protect users from harmful uploads
These technical and security considerations necessitate balanced media upload policies on a massive platform like LinkedIn.
Tips for Editing Media to Meet LinkedIn Requirements
To successfully upload media on LinkedIn, you may need to edit your files to meet the size and format requirements. Here are some tips:
Resize Images
Use image editing tools like Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator, or online resizers to shrink image dimensions. Reduce pixel width and height to under 2048px. Lower resolution to 72 PPI if needed.
Compress Images
Enable Save for Web in Photoshop or use Optimizilla online to compress JPGs. Set quality slider to 80 or below. PNGs can also be compressed through TinyPNG.
Crop Images
Cropping images tightly helps reduce file size. Eliminate unnecessary negative space around main subject. But don’t crop too tightly.
Convert Formats
Convert non-standard formats like BMP, TIFF, RAW, etc. to JPG or PNG for web. Maintain quality when converting.
Lower Video Resolution
Shrink video resolution, frame rate and bitrates using Handbrake, Adobe Media Encoder or other video processing apps.
Shorten Videos
Trim longer videos into shorter segments under 200MB each. Use video editing software to cut files.
Convert Video Codecs
Convert incompatible video codecs to MP4 or MOV using Handbrake, VLC, or other video converters.
With the right editing tools and optimization techniques, you can prepare any media to meet LinkedIn’s guidelines. Aim for the smallest file sizes possible without sacrificing too much visual quality.
Why You Shouldn’t Work Around LinkedIn’s Limits
You may be tempted to find workarounds for LinkedIn’s restrictive upload policies, but this is not recommended. Here are some reasons to avoid circumventing LinkedIn’s media limits:
- Could get your account banned – LinkedIn penalizes violations of their policies.
- Media may still fail to upload – Tricks don’t always work.
- Huge files degrade user experience – Slow page loads frustrate users.
- Overloads LinkedIn’s infrastructure – Causes service disruptions.
- Creates inconsistent image/video quality – Mixed sizing looks unprofessional.
- Opens security risks – Malicious files can spread more easily.
While restrictive, LinkedIn’s upload limits exist to protect the platform’s performance, security and user experience. Attempts to bypass the rules could backfire and damage your account or LinkedIn itself.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Media Uploads
Follow these best practices when uploading media files to LinkedIn:
- Double check file size before uploading.
- Review file types – JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV are best.
- Resize oversized images before uploading.
- Compress images to reduce file size.
- Trim/compress videos to under 200MB.
- Upload media from a desktop for stability.
- Use strong and reliable internet connection.
- Close other bandwidth-intensive apps.
- Add LinkedIn to browser allow list if needed.
- Post media natively instead of links when possible.
- Be patient and retry failed uploads later.
Following these simple practices will ensure a smooth and successful media upload experience on LinkedIn.
Uploading Media via Desktop vs Mobile
Uploading media on LinkedIn can be done via desktop or the mobile app. Each platform has its pros and cons.
Desktop Uploading Benefits
- More stable browser uploading performance
- Faster upload speeds over ethernet vs WiFi
- Larger screens make it easier to manage files
- Full keyboard and mouse controls improve editing
Mobile Uploading Benefits
- Convenient uploading directly from your camera
- Easy sharing straight from your device
- More accessible for posting on-the-go
- Smaller file sizes more manageable on mobile
In general, uploading from desktop web browsers is more robust and tolerant of larger files. But the mobile app offers quick uploading convenience for smaller media.
Tips for Desktop Uploading
- Use a modern browser like Chrome or Firefox
- Connect via ethernet cable for fast & stable transfers
- Compress files beforehand to reduce upload time
- Close other bandwidth-intensive apps
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up editing/posting
Tips for Mobile Uploading
- Limit files to 10MB images and 200MB videos
- Resize/compress media to smallest size possible
- Upload over strong WiFi or cellular data connections
- Update to latest version of LinkedIn app
- Clear app cache if encountering crashes or bugs
Leverage desktop and mobile uploading appropriately – larger media for desktop, smaller quick uploads from mobile. Follow the tips above to optimize media uploading on either platform.