There are a few common reasons why your video may not play correctly when shared on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has specific video requirements in order for videos to be displayed properly on their platform. If your video doesn’t meet those requirements, you’ll likely run into playback issues. In this article, we’ll go over the most common causes of LinkedIn video errors and how to fix them. Getting your videos to play smoothly on LinkedIn is important for engaging your professional network and enhancing your personal brand. A bit of troubleshooting can help resolve any technical glitches that are preventing your viewers from seeing your content.
Video File Types
One of the first things to check is whether you are using a supported video file type. LinkedIn currently only allows videos in MP4 or MOV formats. Other types like AVI, WMV, FLV, etc. will not work. This is because MP4 and MOV use video compression algorithms that allow streaming with smaller file sizes. Trying to embed video files that are not MP4 or MOV is a common reason why they won’t load in the LinkedIn video player.
To fix this, you’ll need to convert your video file to MP4 or MOV before uploading it to LinkedIn. There are many free online video converters available that make this process easy. We recommend using a reputable tool like HandBrake or CloudConvert to encode your video properly.
The process involves:
- Uploading your original video file to the converter tool
- Choosing MP4 or MOV as the output format
- Letting the tool encode and download the new video file
Once you have the correctly formatted MP4 or MOV video, you can upload that to LinkedIn instead. Just make sure the file extension reads .mp4 or .mov when saved on your computer.
Video Resolution Size
In addition to the right file type, your video also needs to meet LinkedIn’s resolution requirements. LinkedIn specifies that videos should be encoded at a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and dimensions of 720p or higher.
That means 720p, 1080p, and 4K resolutions will all work. Standard definition 480p videos may fail to load. Similarly, vertical videos that are taller than they are wide (like those shot on phones) may not display correctly.
Checking your video resolution and adjusting it is easy in most video editing programs. Options like iMovie, Blender, or Adobe Premiere make it simple to export your video at 720p or 1080p resolution to meet LinkedIn’s size needs.
If you don’t have video editing software, you can also use online converters to adjust video resolution. Just be sure to maintain the 16:9 landscape orientation. That wide rectangular shape is optimal for LinkedIn.
Video File Size
LinkedIn also has limits on the maximum file size for uploaded videos. Your video file should not exceed 5GB in size. Larger videos can fail to process properly.
If your video exceeds 5GB, here are some tips to reduce the file size:
- Export your video at a lower resolution like 720p instead of 4K
- Reduce the video bitrate which controls quality – aim for videos around 1,500 Kbps
- Shorten the video by trimming unused footage
- Use video compression tools to shrink the file further
With the right adjustment of resolution, bitrate, and length, you can decrease your video’s file size significantly. Aim to get it under the 5GB threshold so LinkedIn will accept the upload.
Video Length
Although LinkedIn allows videos up to 10 minutes long, shorter videos tend to see higher viewer retention. Social media experts recommend keeping promotional or branding videos to 2-3 minutes max.
For educational or tutorial-style videos, you can go longer with 5-7 minutes. But generally shorter videos perform better.
If you find your lengthy video isn’t holding viewer attention on LinkedIn, try slicing it into multiple shorter segments. You can always create a video series or playlist to showcase all your content.
Trimming your original video to be more concise can also help with file size issues. So keeping the length reasonable has multiple benefits beyond just viewer engagement.
Video Descriptions
Adding proper video descriptions also helps with visibility and performance on LinkedIn. Well-written descriptions allow LinkedIn’s algorithm to index and recommend your video content better.
Your video description should:
- Summarize what the video is about
- Include relevant keywords and terms
- Have links to your website or offers
- Contain a call to action for viewers
This descriptive text gives viewers context about what your video is about before clicking to watch. Filling this information out properly ensures your video is discoverable by others on LinkedIn searching for related content.
LinkedIn Video Upload Errors
Sometimes even when your video meets all the requirements, you may get an error while uploading to LinkedIn or find your video stuck in processing. Here are some common upload issues and fixes:
Browser Compatibility Problems
LinkedIn’s video uploader relies on modern browser capabilities and may not work in old or unsupported browsers. Make sure you are using a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge when uploading your video. Also try clearing your browser cache and cookies to eliminate any bad data.
Video Processing Time
It takes LinkedIn some time to process and convert each video upload for optimized streaming. Allow a few hours for your video to finish processing before it goes live. Large video files may take longer than smaller short videos. You’ll see a pending message while your video is processing after the upload.
Retry Upload
Sporadic errors can also happen if you have an unreliable internet connection. Try uploading again if your video fails to process. Reload LinkedIn, verify your internet connection is stable, and re-upload the video file for better results. Temporary network issues may resolve on a retry.
Update Software
Old or buggy software versions can also interfere with LinkedIn’s video uploader. Make sure you are running the latest updates of your browser, operating system, video editing applications, and any plugins/codecs. Updated software minimizes compatibility issues.
How to Embed LinkedIn Videos
Once you get your video successfully processed and published on LinkedIn, you can embed it elsewhere like in a blog or website. Embedded videos allow your content to reach wider audiences outside LinkedIn.
Here are the steps to get the embed code:
- Click the three dots “more” icon next to your video post
- Select “Embed this post”
- Choose the embed size – Standard or Post width
- Copy the iframe embed code
- Paste the code into your site HTML to embed the video
Customizing the width and height parameters in the iframe code lets you size your embedded video perfectly for each platform.
Now your video content can live beyond just LinkedIn and help you establish your brand presence on your own sites and properties as well.
Troubleshooting Audio Issues
Another common playback problem is when your LinkedIn video has no audio or the sound doesn’t work. The root causes of these audio issues include:
- Corrupt video files – try re-exporting and upload a fresh file
- Improperly formatted audio codecs – use MP3 or AAC audio
- Incompatible browsers – test playback in different browsers
- Audio device problems – check your speakers and sound cards
- Muted audio – unmute tabs and videos inside your browser
Reviewing your original video for glitches and trying a fully modern browser are good first steps. Audio can fail to play if codecs or containers are incompatible. Eliminate any bad encodes by re-exporting a clean file.
If audio works on download but not on LinkedIn, browser restrictions could be blocking playback. Safari in particular limits audio on third-party sites. Trying Chrome or Firefox may resolve muted videos.
And of course check your own volume settings across devices. Video audio problems can happen from simple mute or level issues on playback systems.
Fixing Video Buffering and Playback
Slow loading videos that buffer excessively is another common complaint on LinkedIn. Video buffering interrupts viewer experience and damages engagement.
These playback problems stem from:
- Poor quality uploads
- Heavy compression creating pixelation
- High video resolution overwhelming browser
- Weak internet connection unstable for streaming
- Outdated browsers unable to smoothly play video
Low quality video uploads at low bitrates are prone to pixelation and stuttering during playback. aim for HD quality uploads with enough bitrate to sustain smooth streamin. Avoid extreme compression like 100-200 Kbps.
Shorten long 4K or 8K source files to HD 720p or 1080p before uploading. Higher resolutions overtax viewers’ machines and internet connections. Standard HD is perfectly crisp for LinkedIn.
Try watching your video upload to LinkedIn on a different PC or network to rule out local browser or bandwidth bottlenecks. Test on mobile as well since LinkedIn videos need to stream smoothly across devices.
Fixing Incorrect Thumbnail Images
LinkedIn automatically selects a preview image to display before video playback starts. But sometimes this algorithmically generated thumbnail does not represent your video well. The preview image may be blurry, off-center, or a random less appealing frame.
Luckily you can manually override the video thumbnail on LinkedIn. Here is how to set a custom thumbnail:
- Click the three dots “more” icon next to your video post
- Choose Edit this post > Change thumbnail
- Drag and preview thumbnails until you find the perfect one
- Save your updated thumbnail image
For best results, take the time to select a high-quality, eye-catching thumbnail. This makes your video stand out in LinkedIn feeds and search results. An accurate preview encourages more clicks and viewership.
Troubleshooting Video Playback on Mobile
More people today watch LinkedIn videos on mobile devices than desktops. So it’s crucial your videos play smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Mobile brings potential issues like:
- Smaller screens prone to pixelation
- Slower mobile data connections interrupting streaming
- App restrictions on video content
- Audio and playback errors on iOS or Android
If your video works on desktop but not mobile, try re-encoding it at lower 720p resolution more suited for small screens. Also be sure to export videos at adequate 1500-2500 Kbps bitrates to survive throttled mobile connections.
Test videos in the main LinkedIn app plus mobile browsers like Chrome and Safari. Differences in video handling exist across iOS and Android as well. Isolate playback issues to a specific mobile OS or app environment.
Lastly check your phone’s media volume and streaming settings. Turn off battery saver options which reduce streaming performance. And allow videos to play in the background so audio persists even if you switch apps.
Best Practices for Quality LinkedIn Videos
Here are some top tips to prepare great-looking videos that play correctly on LinkedIn:
- Export videos from editing software at 720p or 1080p HD resolution in landscape 16:9 aspect ratio
- Target video bitrates between 1500-2500 Kbps for smooth streaming
- Choose MP4 video and AAC audio codecs for best compatibility
- Keep video files under the 5GB size limit
- Trim videos to ideal 2-3 minute length for social media
- Upload a custom thumbnail that represents your video well
- Write complete video descriptions with links and keywords
- Test videos on both desktop browsers and mobile apps
Following these best practices minimizes technical issues when sharing videos on LinkedIn. Properly formatted and encoded video gives you the most options for monetizing and distributing your content at scale.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting playback and streaming errors for your LinkedIn videos can be frustrating. But in most cases, the issues stem from fixable problems like incompatible file types, resolutions, codecs, or outdated software. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can debug why your video won’t play on LinkedIn.
The core techniques involve properly encoding your video to meet LinkedIn’s guidelines, testing playback across devices, and isolating the error to find solutions. Converting to supported MP4 or MOV formats, optimizing resolution and bitrates, and uploading fresh files can get your videos working again.
Analyzing where the playback fails, whether on desktop, mobile, iOS, or Android will identify the source of incompatibility issues. With software and browsers updated, along with video re-encoded to quality standards, your viewers can again enjoy flawless playback.
Fixing video problems on LinkedIn preserves your brand integrity across the professional social network. Follow these troubleshooting tips to readily resolve technical glitches that threaten your viewer experience. Soon your promotional, thought leadership, or personal videos will play successfully on LinkedIn again.
Video Issue | Potential Causes | Solutions |
---|---|---|
Unsupported file type | AVI, WMV, FLV, etc. instead of MP4/MOV | Convert to supported format using Handbrake or other tool |
Incorrect resolution | Vertical, non-16:9, or SD instead of 720p HD minimum | Export at 1080p or 720p with 16:9 aspect ratio |
Large file size | Video exceeds 5GB maximum | Compress file, reduce bitrate, lower resolution |
Upload errors | Browser issues, network problems | Update software, switch browsers, verify connectivity |
Processing issues | LinkedIn encoding failure | Allow time for processing, re-upload video |
Buffering and pixelation | Low quality encode, high resolution, bandwidth limits | Increase bitrate, use 720p/1080p, improve internet speeds |
No audio | Unsupported audio codec, streaming restrictions, muted device | Re-encode video with AAC audio, change browsers, check volume |