Here is your go-to reference for all LinkedIn post specs, pulling together every important dimension, character limit, and file requirement into one place. Getting these details right is the first step toward making sure your content looks sharp, avoids strange cropping, and ultimately performs its best.
Your LinkedIn Specs Quick Reference Guide
Trying to keep all the different content requirements for LinkedIn straight can feel like a full-time job. A single incorrect dimension can result in a blurry header, a key part of an image being cut off, or a video that just won't upload. It's frustrating.
That’s why I've put together this comprehensive guide. It’s built for quick checks. Whether you're quickly typing up a text-only update, designing a multi-page carousel, or prepping a video file, you can find the exact specs you need right here, right away. Honestly, using the correct specs is more than just a technical hoop to jump through; it’s fundamental to maintaining a professional presence.
Breaking Down the Key Numbers
The specs for LinkedIn content can vary quite a bit depending on what you're posting. Getting them right ensures your message lands just the way you planned, without the platform messing up your formatting.
It's a small detail that makes a huge difference. For instance, just including an image can have a massive impact on your post's performance.
The data here is pretty clear: posts with images see nearly double the engagement. This alone shows why paying attention to visual specs is so critical for success.
LinkedIn Content Specifications Quick Reference Chart
To make things even easier, here’s a consolidated table with all the key specifications you'll need for LinkedIn. Think of it as your cheat sheet for creating perfectly formatted content every time.
| Content Type | Specification | Recommended Value/Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Text Post | Character Limit | 3,000 characters (approx. 450-500 words) |
| Link Post Image | Image Dimensions | 1200 x 627 pixels (1.91:1 ratio) |
| Single Image Post | Square Dimensions | 1200 x 1200 pixels (1:1 ratio) |
| Single Image Post | Portrait Dimensions | 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio) |
| Carousel Post | Card Dimensions | 1080 x 1080 pixels per card (10 card max) |
| Video Post | File Size / Duration | Up to 5GB / 3 seconds to 10 minutes |
| Video Post | Recommended Ratio | 1:1 (Square) or 9:16 (Vertical) |
| Document Post | File Size / Length | Up to 100MB / 300 pages max |
| Profile Picture | Image Dimensions | 400 x 400 pixels |
| Profile Banner | Image Dimensions | 1584 x 396 pixels |
| Company Logo | Image Dimensions | 300 x 300 pixels |
| Company Cover | Image Dimensions | 1128 x 191 pixels |
Bookmark this table for easy access—it will save you a ton of time and prevent common upload errors.
Of course, knowing the technical details is just one piece of the puzzle. The next step is to learn how to improve social media engagement to truly make an impact. And if you're managing multiple social accounts, check out our complete guide to social media post dimensions to see how these specs compare to other platforms.
Mastering Text and Link Posts
Text and link posts are the bread and butter of LinkedIn. They might seem straightforward, but if you really want your content to perform, you need to know the specs inside and out. Getting these details right can be the difference between a post that gets ignored and one that sparks a real conversation.
Let’s start with the big one: the overall text limit. LinkedIn gives you a generous 3,000 characters to work with. This is plenty of room to share detailed stories, break down complex ideas, or build a strong argument. But just because you can use all 3,000 characters doesn't always mean you should. The real magic happens in the first few lines.
Nail the Hook Before the "Read More"
The most important number to commit to memory is 210. That's roughly how many characters your audience sees in their feed before LinkedIn hides the rest of your post behind a "...read more" link. Think of those first 210 characters as your headline and hook combined. They have to be powerful enough to make someone stop scrolling and click to see what else you have to say.
To make your text posts easier to read and more engaging, keep these tips in mind:
- Write for Scanners: Most people skim. Break up your text with short paragraphs, bullet points, or even numbered lists to make it digestible.
- Use Emojis Wisely: A few well-placed emojis can add personality and draw the eye to key points. Just don't overdo it.
- Hashtag Strategically: Finish your post with 3-5 highly relevant hashtags. This is crucial for helping new people discover your content.
Getting Your Link Previews Just Right
When you share an external link, LinkedIn pulls in a preview card. This card is a huge part of your post's visual appeal and click-through rate, so you can't afford to leave it to chance. The image in that preview has specific requirements for looking its best.
For a crisp, perfectly framed image, aim for 1200 x 627 pixels. This works out to a 1.91:1 aspect ratio, which prevents LinkedIn from awkwardly cropping or resizing your visual on either desktop or mobile.
But the image is only half the battle. You can also customize the headline and description text on that preview card. Don't just accept the generic text the website auto-populates. This is your chance to write a compelling headline that creates curiosity and tells people exactly why they should click. To really dig into the nitty-gritty, check out the full LinkedIn link preview card specifications. Taking the time to master these details transforms a simple link into a powerful and effective call to action.
Getting Your Image and Carousel Post Dimensions Just Right
Visuals are, without a doubt, the ultimate scroll-stoppers on LinkedIn. In a feed crowded with text, a strong image or a well-designed carousel can make a world of difference, grabbing attention and boosting your post’s performance significantly.
But to really make an impact, you need to get the technical details right. Following LinkedIn's recommended specs ensures your visuals look sharp, avoid awkward cropping, and deliver your message exactly as you intended.
Key Dimensions for Single-Image Posts
LinkedIn gives you a few options for single-image posts, and knowing which one to use can really change how your content is received. This is especially true on mobile, where every pixel of screen space counts.
Here's a quick rundown of the dimensions you'll be working with:
- Square (1:1 Ratio): The go-to size is 1200 x 1200 pixels. It's the safest bet because it looks great on both desktop and mobile feeds without any strange cropping.
- Portrait (4:5 Ratio): For this, you’ll want to use 1080 x 1350 pixels. Portrait images are fantastic for mobile because they take up more vertical real estate, making it much harder for someone to just scroll past.
- Landscape (1.91:1 Ratio): While less popular for standard posts, 1200 x 627 pixels is the dimension LinkedIn uses for the preview image when you share a link.
In my experience, square and portrait images consistently deliver the best engagement. They simply command more attention on mobile, where most people are browsing these days. For a more exhaustive look at how these sizes play into a bigger content plan, check out this guide on .
Driving Engagement with Carousels
If you're aiming for maximum interaction, carousels are your best friend. These multi-slide posts (which are sneakily uploaded as PDFs) are brilliant for telling a story, breaking down a complex idea into digestible chunks, or showing off a portfolio of your work.
Each "card" or slide in your carousel needs to be designed to the right specs to give users a smooth, swipeable experience.
Carousel Post Specifications:
- Card Dimensions: Stick to 1080 x 1080 pixels for each slide. This keeps everything in a clean 1:1 aspect ratio.
- Number of Cards: You can have anywhere from 2 to 10 cards in a single post.
- File Type: Your final creation must be saved and uploaded as a PDF.
- File Size: The entire PDF document can't be larger than 100MB.
The secret to a great carousel is treating each slide as a mini-infographic that connects to a larger narrative. Keep your branding consistent, use typography that's easy to read, and always, always include a strong call-to-action on that final slide to tell your audience what to do next.
A Guide to LinkedIn Video and Live Stream Specs
Let's be honest: video is king on LinkedIn. It consistently drives more conversation and gets more eyeballs than almost any other type of content. But there's a catch. If your video doesn't play nicely with LinkedIn's technical rules, it might fail to upload, look terrible in the feed, or just get completely ignored.
Getting these specs right from the start is crucial. Native videos—meaning those you upload directly to the platform—almost always perform better than just pasting a link from YouTube or Vimeo. So, before you hit that "post" button, let's make sure your file is set up for success.
Core Specs for Native LinkedIn Video
Think of these as the foundational rules for any standard video post you upload. Keep in mind these are for regular posts, not video ads, which have their own slightly different set of requirements.
- File Format: While LinkedIn accepts a few formats, you'll have the smoothest experience with MP4 or MOV. Stick with these to avoid headaches.
- File Size: The absolute maximum is 5GB. That's pretty generous, but I’d recommend keeping your files smaller. They’ll upload and process much faster, and viewers on weaker connections will thank you.
- Video Duration: Your video has to be at least 3 seconds long but can't exceed 10 minutes.
- Frame Rate: Keep your frame rate below 60 FPS (frames per second). Most standard video is shot at 24 or 30 FPS, so this is rarely an issue unless you're working with high-speed footage.
Following these technical guidelines ensures your video actually works on LinkedIn. Now, let's talk about making it look good.
Optimizing Video Dimensions and Captions
How your video fills the screen, especially on a phone, can make or break its performance.
LinkedIn officially recommends a 1:1 square aspect ratio (e.g., 1920 x 1920 pixels) or a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio (e.g., 1080 x 1920 pixels). Why? Because these formats command more screen real estate on mobile devices, making them far more engaging and harder to just scroll past.
Here's another non-negotiable tip from years of experience: use burned-in captions. So many people watch videos on their commute or in quiet offices with the sound off. If you don't have captions embedded directly into your video file, your message is lost on a huge chunk of your audience.
Understanding LinkedIn Live Stream Requirements
Going live is a whole different ballgame. It can generate massive engagement—I'm talking up to 24 times more interaction than a pre-recorded video. But it also comes with its own technical hurdles, and you need to be approved by LinkedIn before you can even start. With over half of all LinkedIn traffic now on mobile, getting your stream settings right is critical. You can dig deeper into these kinds of platform trends and see how they impact engagement over at ColumnContent.
To stream on LinkedIn Live, you'll have to use a third-party tool and punch in these specific settings:
- Resolution: 720p (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Frame Rate: 30 FPS
- Bitrate: 3 Mbps (which is 3,000 kbps)
Getting a handle on these video and live stream specs is a must for anyone serious about building a presence on the platform. It’s the difference between looking like an amateur and a seasoned pro.
Going Beyond Images: Document Posts and Interactive Polls
When you want to really spark a conversation or deliver a ton of value, you need to look beyond the usual image and video posts. LinkedIn has two fantastic—and often underused—formats for this: document posts and interactive polls.
They might not be as flashy as a viral carousel, but if you get their specs right, you can create content that stops the scroll and drives some serious, high-quality engagement.
Document Posts (a.k.a. "PDF Carousels")
You've probably seen these in your feed. Document posts, sometimes called "sliders," let you turn a static PDF, presentation, or guide into a slick, interactive experience. It’s the perfect way to break down a complicated subject into easy-to-digest slides or to show off a detailed report without making people leave the platform. Think of it as putting a mini-eBook right into their feed.
Here’s what you need to know to get it right:
- Supported File Types: LinkedIn handles PDF, PPT (PowerPoint), and DOC (Word) files. Just upload one, and the platform will convert it into that swipeable format for you.
- Maximum File Size: Keep your file under 100MB. If you have a presentation packed with high-res images, you’ll probably need to compress it first.
- Page/Slide Limit: You get a generous 300 pages or slides per document, which is more than enough for even the most in-depth guides.
When it comes to design, think mobile-first. A square (1080 x 1080 pixels) or vertical (1080 x 1350 pixels) layout for your pages works best. This fills up the screen on a phone, making your content much more immersive.
How to Create Engaging LinkedIn Polls
Need to get a quick pulse on what your audience is thinking? Polls are your best friend. They are one of the easiest ways to get people to interact because all it takes is a single click to participate.
The technical side is super simple:
- Question Length: Your question must be 140 characters or less.
- Option Length: You can have up to four options, and each one is limited to just 30 characters.
- Poll Duration: Choose how long you want it to run: 24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, or 2 weeks.
The secret to a great poll? Ask a compelling question that has a bit of an opinion baked in. Keep it simple, clear, and direct. You want to make it absolutely effortless for someone to weigh in.
While carousels tend to steal the show, don't sleep on these other formats. A recent study found that polls have seen their engagement rate double to 4.4%. Document posts also perform exceptionally well because they make users pause and really dig into the details. If you're curious, you can dive into the complete analysis on LinkedIn engagement trends at Social Media Today.
By mixing these formats into your strategy, you’re not just diversifying your content—you’re tapping into different ways your audience loves to engage.
Branding, Articles, and Newsletter Specs
While everyday posts are the bread and butter of LinkedIn engagement, Articles and Newsletters are where you can truly build deep authority. These formats, along with solid branding on your profile and company page, are your best tools for creating a professional presence that people remember.
Getting the technical specs right for these assets is more than just a technicality; it's a signal of professionalism. When your images are sharp and your content is well-formatted, you build credibility before your audience even reads the first sentence.
Getting Articles and Newsletters Right
Think of LinkedIn Articles as your personal blog on the platform. They’re perfect for sharing detailed case studies, deep-diving into industry trends, or laying out a comprehensive guide. This is where you can move beyond the 3,000-character limit of a standard post and really explore a topic.
- Article Body Limit: You get a generous 125,000 characters. This gives you more than enough room for in-depth analysis and storytelling.
- Banner Image: Your article's banner is its main visual hook. The ideal size is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is a standard 16:9 aspect ratio.
A quick tip: For both Articles and Newsletters, how you format your text is just as important as what you write. Break up long blocks of text with H2 and H3 subheadings, use bullet points for lists, and keep your paragraphs short. Even the most brilliant insights can get lost in a "wall of text."
Your Profile and Company Page Branding
Your personal profile and company page are your digital headquarters on LinkedIn. First impressions are everything, and a blurry or awkwardly cropped image can instantly make you look less credible. To avoid this, you need to get the image sizes just right.
For a quick reference, here's a breakdown of the most important branding image dimensions for your profile and company page.
LinkedIn Profile and Page Image Dimensions
This table summarizes the key image specs you'll need to create a polished and professional look across LinkedIn's main branding assets.
| Element | Recommended Dimensions (Pixels) | Maximum File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Profile Picture | 400 x 400 | 8 MB |
| Personal Background Photo | 1584 x 396 | 8 MB |
| Company Page Logo | 400 x 400 | 4 MB |
| Company Page Cover Photo | 1128 x 191 | 4 MB |
Getting these core branding elements optimized is a foundational step for anyone serious about their presence on the platform.
If you're juggling a presence on multiple networks, maintaining brand consistency is key. You can learn more about adapting your visual style by exploring guides on effective social media cross-posting. Ultimately, following these LinkedIn specs ensures every piece of your profile and content looks sharp and professional.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
We've covered a lot of ground, but you probably still have some specific questions. Let's tackle a few of the most common issues that trip people up when they're posting on LinkedIn. Think of this as your go-to troubleshooting guide.
Why Do My Images Look Blurry on LinkedIn?
This is a classic problem, and it almost always boils down to file size and compression. When you upload a picture, LinkedIn runs it through its own compression algorithm to make sure it loads quickly for everyone. If your starting image is too small or already low-quality, this extra compression can make it look fuzzy or pixelated.
The fix is simple: start with a high-resolution source image. Export it at the recommended dimensions—for example, 1200 x 1200 pixels for a standard square post. I've found that using the PNG format often works best, especially for graphics with text or sharp lines, as it tends to handle LinkedIn's compression a bit more gracefully than a JPG.
How Should I Handle Company Cover Photos for Mobile vs. Desktop?
Ah, the infamous company cover photo. At 1128 x 191 pixels, it's a uniquely challenging banner to design because it gets cropped so differently on mobile and desktop screens. What looks perfect on your computer might have its edges chopped off on a phone.
Pro Tip: The secret is designing for a "safe zone." Place all your essential information—like your logo, tagline, or key imagery—right in the center of the canvas. Leave generous empty space around the edges, assuming it will be cropped. Always preview your design on both a desktop and a phone before you hit publish. It’s the only way to be sure nothing critical gets lost.
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