What is the Optimal LinkedIn Post Size?

We are often asked - how important is it to add images to our posts on LinkedIn?

Traditionally, LinkedIn has been a platform centred around textual content. We know that. But LinkedIn’s recent algorithm changes give preference to posts with visual content.

It’s not just the algorithm. Readers are more likely to read and engage with your post if it grabs their attention visually.

This means that incorporating visuals in your LinkedIn post can significantly enhance engagement and broaden your audience reach. While words convey information, images have the power to capture attention, evoke emotions, and make content more memorable.

LinkedIn provides spaces, such as posts and profiles, where users can include images.

Neglecting to personalize these spaces with your images means settling for LinkedIn's default placeholders. Not only does this lack visual appeal, but it also misses a valuable marketing opportunity. Adding your logo, a professional photo, or relevant visuals can establish your brand identity, highlight your expertise, and offer a more personalised connection with your audience. They get to see the real person behind the post.

Using images helps create a compelling narrative about who you are and what you represent. Whether it's a business logo, a team photo, or an infographic illustrating achievements, visuals provide a dynamic element that resonates with your audience.

You may attract a different audience or a wider audience if you add images to your LinkedIn posts. Also, please bear in mind, there are many areas of LinkedIn where it is almost REQUIRED to add an image. In several places on LinkedIn – in posts and in profiles – LinkedIn provides a ‘placeholder’ image for you to add your own.

It is not compulsory to add your image in these places but if you don’t, you’ll display LinkedIn’s default image. Not only does this not look very attractive, but you are missing out on a fantastic marketing opportunity by not adding your own image.

To save you some time we’ve put together a complete guide to image sizes you may need to use across LinkedIn.

Your LinkedIn profile picture is where you set the first impression. Our pro-tip is to ditch the selfies! Opt for professional headshots: clear, close-up, neutral background. Smile naturally, fill the frame, and dress sharp.

For your LinkedIn banner, choose a banner that reflects your brand and story. Use a high-quality image (1584x396 pixels) with a 4:1 ratio. Showcase your industry, highlight achievements, or hint at your personality. Brand colours and a clear message grab attention. The most important detail people forget is to update it regularly to stay relevant! Remember, professionalism is key!

• Linkedin profile picture size: 400 x 400 pixels
• Linkedin banner or background photo size: 1584 x 396 pixels

A company page’s profile picture should ideally be the company’s logo.

The LinkedIn banner should have high-resolution visuals that reflect your brand, mission, and target audience. Keep it visually clear, with limited text. Use strong colours and avoid stock photos. Highlight your product/service, team, or company culture. You can consider a call to action to engage viewers.

LinkedIn company pages, optimum image sizes

• LinkedIn company logo size: 300 x 300 pixels
• LinkedIn banner image size: 1128 x 191 pixels

• LinkedIn event logo size: 300 x 300 pixels - square
• LinkedIn event ‘banner’ size: 16:9 ratio so 1600 x 900 pixels

Remember, consistency is key. Stick to the recommended sizes for each element. This ensures seamless presentation across devices and keeps your brand identity unified.

Now that you know the perfect post size for LinkedIn images, what is the ideal post length?

While there's no universally perfect length, our exploration suggests targeting the 700-character mark. This range allows you to provide enough substance to pique your audience's interest and spark conversation, without overwhelming them with a text wall.

Remember, quality trumps quantity on LinkedIn. Focus on delivering valuable insights, industry news, or engaging questions that resonate with your network. If your post necessitates more detail, consider using the comment section to elaborate or include a link to a relevant blog post or article.

Here's a quick recap to maximize your LinkedIn post impact:

1] Hook them early: Craft a captivating headline or opening sentence to grab attention within the first few seconds.

2] Keep it concise: Aim for the 700-character sweet spot to deliver impactful content without overwhelming readers.

3] Visuals are key: Include an image, infographic, or video to enhance engagement and break up text.

4] Spark conversation: Pose questions, encourage discussion, and actively participate in the comments section.

5] Post strategically: Identify the optimal times to reach your target audience and leverage LinkedIn's publishing tools.

By following these guidelines and tailoring your approach to your specific audience and goals, you can craft LinkedIn posts that resonate with your network and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

Now that you understand the power of visuals, here are some tips for selecting the perfect image for your LinkedIn post:

The image should be directly related to the topic of your post. Don't use generic stock photos that have no connection to your content.

Opt for high-resolution and visually appealing images. Grainy, pixelated photos will only detract from your message.

Use royalty-free images or create your visuals. Avoid copyrighted material.

Keep it clean and uncluttered. Avoid overwhelming viewers with too much information or text within the image.

Ensure the image adheres to LinkedIn's recommended size and format specifications.

Using high-quality images in your LinkedIn posts isn't just a visual nicety; it's a strategic move with significant benefits.

Imagine scrolling through your LinkedIn feed. You see line after line of text, each vying for your precious seconds of attention. Suddenly, a vibrant infographic or a captivating photograph catches your eye. Your brain, wired to process visuals faster than text, takes notice. This is the power of images. They act as visual magnets, drawing users in and interrupting the text monotony.

Studies show that content with relevant visuals gets up to 20% more views compared to text-only posts. This initial spark of visual interest is crucial for getting your message across and encouraging users to delve deeper into your content.

Lengthy text blocks can be intimidating. People are more likely to engage with content that's easy to scan and comprehend. Images act as a natural break within your text, making it visually appealing and easier to read.

The strategic use of visuals allows you to break down complex information into smaller, digestible chunks. Charts, graphs, and infographics can effectively represent data and statistics, making them easier to understand and remember. This user-friendly approach not only improves readability but also increases the likelihood of users retaining the key takeaways of your post.

The human brain is wired to respond to emotions. Powerful images can evoke feelings of joy, inspiration, or even humour. This creates a stronger connection between you and your audience. A well-chosen image can instantly humanize your brand, making it more relatable and memorable.

For instance, picture a post celebrating a company milestone alongside a photo of the team cheering. This image not only conveys the achievement but also showcases the company culture and fosters a sense of community. By evoking positive emotions, images can build trust and brand loyalty, leading to a more engaged audience.

Visuals are a powerful tool for building brand recognition. Consistently using high-quality, on-brand images across your LinkedIn posts helps create a visual identity that becomes synonymous with your brand. This is particularly important for personal branding, where you're establishing yourself as an expert in your field.

Consider incorporating your brand logo or colour scheme into your visuals. This subtle yet consistent use of brand elements reinforces your identity in the minds of your audience. Over time, as users scroll through their feeds, they'll start recognizing your brand visuals—even before reading the content.

People are more likely to share visually appealing content. Compelling images act as a conversation starter, encouraging users to share your posts with their network. This expands your reach and exposes your content to a wider audience.

Additionally, LinkedIn prioritizes posts with images in its algorithm. This means posts with visuals are more likely to appear higher in newsfeeds, increasing their visibility and organic reach.

Don't forget the power of experimentation! While these sizes are optimal, try playing with different formats like squares and carousels to keep your content engaging. Just remember to maintain high image quality and avoid stretching or compromising clarity.

Finally, let your creativity shine! Use high-resolution images that reflect your brand personality and resonate with your target audience. Authenticity goes a long way on LinkedIn, so don't be afraid to showcase your unique visual style.

Throughout this blog, we've explored the various image dimensions mandated by LinkedIn for different post types. We've delved into the technicalities, but more importantly, we've established the strategic value of using high-quality visuals on this professional platform.

Let's face it, text-heavy content can struggle to grab attention in today's fast-paced digital world. Images, on the other hand, have an undeniable power to capture eyeballs and communicate ideas instantly. On LinkedIn, where professionals compete for attention, compelling visuals can be the difference between a post that gets buried and one that sparks engagement.

Using well-designed visuals isn't just about temporary engagement. It's about building a strong personal or brand identity on LinkedIn. Consistent use of high-quality images that reflect your brand aesthetic can leave a lasting impression on viewers. Professional-looking visuals can portray you as someone who cares about details and takes pride in their work – a valuable asset in today's competitive job market.

While using the correct dimensions is important, it shouldn't come at the expense of image quality. Always prioritize high-resolution visuals over grainy, pixelated ones.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different image styles and layouts. A/B test your content to see what resonates best with your audience. Use LinkedIn analytics to track which posts with images generate the most engagement, and use those insights to refine your strategy over time.

By incorporating these tips and understanding the importance of image sizes, you can leverage the power of visuals to elevate your LinkedIn presence. Remember, high-quality and strategically sized images can stop the scroll, grab attention, and ultimately help you achieve your professional goals on this powerful platform.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer! It depends on the type of post (text, image, or link) and format (square, portrait, or landscape). But generally, for images in standard posts, aim for 1200 x 627 pixels (landscape) or 1080 x 1080 pixels (square).

Technically, there isn't a strict character limit. However, LinkedIn throttles visibility for very long posts. For optimal reach, keep your text under 1,300 to 2,000 characters. Shorter posts (around 150-300 characters) can also perform well.

There aren't specific dimensions for videos, but ensure they're under 500 MB and have a 16:9 aspect ratio (landscape) for best viewing.

Yes! The recommended size for sponsored posts is the same as standard posts (1200 x 627 pixels for landscape images).

Many social media scheduling tools offer cheat sheets. Look for one that includes LinkedIn's latest recommendations for all post types (images, videos, links, etc.).

While following the recommended sizes ensures proper display, it's okay to experiment a bit! High-quality visuals are crucial, but if your content is truly engaging, some deviation from the exact dimensions might be alright.