When we talk about LinkedIn post specs, we're really talking about the technical rules of the road for your content. This includes things like the 3,000-character limit for text posts, the ideal 1200x627 pixel size for images in a link preview, and the 10-minute maximum for native videos.
Following these guidelines is non-negotiable if you want your content to look sharp and professional on every device. It’s what prevents that perfect image from getting awkwardly cropped or your video from failing to upload. Getting these details right is simply foundational to building a strong presence on LinkedIn.
Your Quick-Reference Guide to LinkedIn Post Specs
It can feel like a lot to keep track of all the different content formats on LinkedIn, but it all boils down to understanding the core specs for each. Every format, whether it's a straightforward text update, a multi-page PDF carousel, or a polished video, comes with its own set of rules. Nailing these specs from the start means your message gets delivered exactly as you intended, without any weird stretching, blurry visuals, or crucial information getting cut off.
Think of this guide as your go-to checklist to run through before you publish anything. To get us started, here’s a quick visual that lays out the core requirements for the most common post types.

As you can see, while a simple text post gives you a ton of room to elaborate, visual formats like images and videos demand that you stick to much stricter technical guardrails. I’d recommend bookmarking this page so you can find these numbers easily. Getting this stuff right is the bedrock of any successful LinkedIn content strategy, and in the sections ahead, we’ll dive much deeper into each format.
For a quick overview, this table summarizes the most important specs you'll need to remember.
LinkedIn Post Specifications at a Glance
| Post Type | Key Specification | Recommended Value | File Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text Post | Character Limit | Up to 3,000 characters | N/A |
| Single Image | Dimensions (Square) | 1200 x 1200 pixels | 5 MB |
| Link Preview Image | Dimensions | 1200 x 627 pixels | 5 MB |
| Video Post | Duration | 3 seconds to 10 minutes | 5 GB |
| Document/Carousel | Page Limit | Up to 300 pages | 100 MB |
Keep this table handy as you create content, as it covers the most common formats. We'll explore more nuanced details for multi-image posts, video codecs, and other advanced specs further down.
Text Posts and Character Limits
While LinkedIn gives you a generous amount of space for your posts—up to 3,000 characters for a personal profile and 700 characters for a Company Page—the real magic happens in the first few lines. The most important number to remember isn't the maximum limit; it's what people see before they have to click "...see more."
This initial preview is your hook. It’s your one shot to grab a scroller's attention and convince them your post is worth their time. Get it right, and you've earned a reader. Get it wrong, and they'll just keep on scrolling, leaving your brilliant insights unseen.
Nailing the "See More" Cutoff
The exact point where your text gets truncated can differ slightly between the desktop and mobile app, but a safe bet is to focus on the first 210 characters. Think of this as roughly three to four lines of text. Your entire goal with this opening is to make clicking that "...see more" link irresistible.
So, how do you write a hook that works? It’s all about creating an itch that only the rest of your post can scratch. You need to spark curiosity, make a bold claim, or ask a question that your audience wants to see answered.
Here are a few proven formulas for those crucial first 210 characters:
- Lead with a startling statistic: "A wild 80% of B2B social media leads come directly from LinkedIn. But here's the one thing most people get wrong..."
- Present a common pain point: "Ever feel like you're shouting into the void on LinkedIn? If your content isn't connecting, the problem isn't your ideas—it's your opening line."
- Make a contrarian claim: "Forget everything you've heard about posting daily. It's a myth. I'm going to show you a smarter, less time-consuming way to grow."
Each of these examples creates an "information gap." The reader is left wondering what comes next, and the only way to find out is to click. For a deeper dive, check out our LinkedIn post character limit in our detailed guide for more advanced tactics.
Make Your Text Easy to Read
Once you've earned the click, don't squander it with a wall of text. Huge, dense paragraphs are intimidating and a sure-fire way to lose your reader's attention, especially on a phone. The key is to use formatting to make your post scannable and easy on the eyes.
Pro Tip: Embrace white space. Use short, single-sentence paragraphs and add line breaks between them. This simple trick makes your content feel much more approachable and digestible, which is critical for mobile readers.
Break up your points using bullet points, numbered lists, or even a few well-placed emojis. This not only improves the overall reading experience but also helps your key takeaways pop, making it more likely that people will engage with a like, comment, or share.
Getting Your LinkedIn Image Dimensions Just Right
Visuals are what stop the scroll on a crowded LinkedIn feed. If your images are pixelated or awkwardly cropped, it looks unprofessional and undermines your message. Nailing the correct dimensions is a non-negotiable part of mastering the specs for any LinkedIn post.

When you're only posting a single image, the aspect ratio you pick has a huge say in how it shows up on different devices. While LinkedIn is pretty flexible, a few go-to sizes consistently deliver the best results.
Mastering Single Image Posts
The best dimensions for a single image really come down to what you're trying to achieve. A square image, for instance, takes up a lot of screen real estate on a phone, which makes it a fantastic choice for grabbing attention.
- Square (1:1 Aspect Ratio): The sweet spot here is 1200 x 1200 pixels. This format looks great on mobile and displays perfectly on desktop without any weird cropping.
- Landscape (1.91:1 Aspect Ratio): Go with 1200 x 627 pixels. This is the classic size for link preview images, making sure that when you share an article, the thumbnail looks sharp and clean.
- Vertical (4:5 Aspect Ratio): For a more mobile-first approach, 1080 x 1350 pixels is ideal. Just be mindful that the top and bottom might get trimmed a little when viewed on a desktop.
Key Insight: A simple but effective rule of thumb is to always keep the most important parts of your image—like text or a key focal point—centered. This way, you don't have to worry about it getting cut off, no matter how someone is viewing your post.
Arranging Multi-Image Posts
When you upload more than one image, LinkedIn automatically creates a collage for you. How it looks depends entirely on how many images you add and whether they're horizontal or vertical. For example, two landscape images get placed side-by-side, but two portrait images will stack on top of each other.
To keep your post looking polished, it's a good idea to use images that all share the same aspect ratio. A really common and effective tactic for a four-image post is to use four square (1:1 ratio) images. This creates a tidy, balanced grid that's easy on the eyes. For a more detailed look at creating compelling layouts, check out our complete guide on LinkedIn graphics dimensions.
And don't underestimate the power of visuals. We know from recent data that images on LinkedIn can double the number of comments compared to text-only posts. In fact, global engagement rates have hit 3.85% in 2024. You can dig into more stats like these in the latest social media benchmarks on Social Insider.
Finally, always keep the technical limits in mind.
- Supported File Types: You can use JPG, PNG, or non-animated GIF files.
- Maximum File Size: For a single image, keep it under 5 MB.
Following these specific specs for your LinkedIn posts ensures your visuals don't just get a passing glance—they command attention with the professionalism your brand is all about.
Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn Carousels
If you're looking for a content format that consistently drives interaction on LinkedIn, look no further than the document post, better known as the carousel. This format is a powerhouse for engagement because it packages information into a clean, multi-page document that people can click through at their own pace. That slide-by-slide interactivity is a fantastic way to tell a story or teach something valuable.

Think about it: unlike a simple image or a block of text, a good carousel keeps a user's attention locked on your post for longer. That extended dwell time is a strong signal to the LinkedIn algorithm that you're sharing high-quality content. It's the perfect format for breaking down a complex idea, walking someone through a how-to guide, or presenting data in a way that’s easy to follow.
The Technical Nitty-Gritty
Before you get creative, you need to make sure your file is set up correctly. LinkedIn treats carousels like a presentation, so getting the technical specs right from the start is key to making your post look polished and professional.
Here are the hard and fast rules:
- File Types: LinkedIn accepts PDF, PPT, PPTX, DOC, and DOCX. Honestly, PDF is your best bet—it's the most reliable and universally compatible.
- File Size: Keep your document under 100 MB.
- Page Count: You can go all the way up to 300 pages, but please don't!
Just because you can have 300 pages doesn't mean you should. The most successful carousels are concise and focused. A short, punchy document that delivers value quickly will always beat a long, rambling one.
Carousel Design and Dimensions: Best Practices
Now for the fun part—the design. The dimensions of your carousel slides are critical for making sure your content looks great and is easy to read, whether someone is scrolling on their phone or browsing on their desktop.
The sweet spot for LinkedIn carousel dimensions is 1080 x 1080 pixels. This 1:1 square aspect ratio is the gold standard; it looks fantastic on mobile and stays neat and tidy in the desktop feed.
You can also experiment with a vertical format like 1080 x 1350 pixels (a 4:5 aspect ratio), which takes up a bit more screen space on mobile devices. Still, the square format is the most reliable and versatile option out there. If you want a complete walkthrough, check out our guide on how to post a carousel on LinkedIn.
The numbers really back this up. Carousel posts pull in an average engagement rate of 24.42%, which blows standard text posts out of the water. With that kind of performance, it's definitely worth your time to get these linkedin posts specs right.
Getting LinkedIn Video Specs Right
Video is king on LinkedIn right now, and if you want to grab attention, you have to get the technical details perfect. Following the right specs means your video will look professional and play smoothly, preventing any upload errors or weird playback issues that can completely kill your message.

Uploading video natively—meaning directly to LinkedIn instead of linking to YouTube—is a huge advantage. The algorithm loves it. But first, you have to make sure your video file actually meets the platform’s strict rules.
Core Video File Requirements
Before you even think about aspect ratios or what to say in your video, your file itself has to pass the technical check. These specs are the non-negotiables for getting your video uploaded successfully.
Here are the hard limits you need to follow:
- Duration: Between 3 seconds and 10 minutes.
- File Size: No larger than 5 GB.
- File Format: Stick with common formats like MP4. It’s the safest bet for compatibility.
- Resolution: You can go up to a maximum of 4096x2304 pixels.
- Frame Rate: Keep it between 10 fps and 60 fps.
- Bitrate: Your range is 192 kbps to 30 Mbps.
Nailing these parameters from the start ensures your video processes without a hitch and looks sharp in the feed. This is the foundation for a good viewer experience.
Aspect Ratios and Dimensions That Work Best
The shape of your video—its aspect ratio—makes a massive difference in how it shows up on someone's screen. If you choose wisely, you can take up more space and stop people from scrolling right past your content.
Think about mobile viewing. A square video is incredibly effective because it fills more of the screen than a traditional widescreen video, making your post feel more prominent and harder to ignore.
Pro Tip: LinkedIn accepts a wide range of ratios from 1:2.4 to 2.4:1, but your best bets for engagement are 1:1 (square) and 9:16 (vertical). These are designed for a mobile-first world. Of course, the standard 16:9 (landscape) ratio still works perfectly fine, especially for people watching on a desktop.
Don't just take my word for it—the data shows just how powerful video has become. Videos on LinkedIn now see an average engagement rate of 5.60%, a major jump from last year. This tells us that authentic, native videos really resonate. If you're interested in diving deeper, you can explore more LinkedIn performance benchmarks on Socialinsider.io. In the end, matching your video's dimensions to these high-performing formats is a strategic move you can't afford to skip.
Beyond the Feed: Mastering LinkedIn Articles and Polls
While standard posts are the bread and butter of your LinkedIn feed, don't overlook two of the platform's most powerful native features: Articles and Polls. Each serves a unique purpose, allowing you to diversify your content, showcase deep expertise, and genuinely interact with your audience.
Think of LinkedIn Articles as your own built-in blog. They are the perfect format for thought leadership, offering a dedicated space to explore complex topics far beyond the 3,000-character limit of a regular post.
LinkedIn Article Specifications
The first thing anyone sees is your article's cover image, so it needs to look sharp. This is your visual handshake, appearing both in the newsfeed and as a banner at the top of your article.
- Cover Image Dimensions: Stick to 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, which guarantees your image will look great and won't get awkwardly cropped.
- Headline Length: While you have some flexibility, keep your headline under 100 characters. This helps prevent it from getting cut off in feed previews, ensuring your main idea gets across instantly.
Sparking Conversation with LinkedIn Polls
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to boost engagement, Polls are your best friend. They invite immediate interaction, encouraging your network to weigh in and share their opinions.
The setup is simple, but the character limits are tight:
- Question Length: You have up to 140 characters to pose your question.
- Option Length: Each answer option is limited to just 30 characters.
- Number of Options: You must provide at least two options but no more than four.
A smart poll does more than just drive up engagement numbers. It’s a fantastic tool for informal market research, giving you instant feedback straight from your professional community.
Mastering these formats is a key part of building effective social media strategies, ensuring all the effort you put into creating perfectly formatted content actually gets seen and appreciated.
Your Top Questions About LinkedIn Post Specs, Answered
Even with all the specs laid out, you're bound to run into some specific questions. Maybe an image cropped weirdly on mobile, or you're wondering how the algorithm really feels about that link you're about to post. Let's tackle some of the most common questions that pop up.
Think of this as your quick-reference guide for those nagging little doubts that can make or break a post.
What Is the Best Image Size to Avoid Cropping?
The absolute safest bet to avoid any awkward cropping is to use a square 1:1 aspect ratio at 1080x1080 pixels. This format looks great and displays predictably on both desktop and mobile feeds. No surprises.
If you're designing with a mobile-first mindset, a vertical 4:5 ratio (1080x1350 pixels) is a fantastic choice. It takes up more screen real estate on phones and can really grab attention. Just know that it will get cropped slightly on the desktop view. For images that go along with a shared link, stick with the classic 1200x627 pixels (1.91:1 ratio).
How Many Pages Should My LinkedIn Carousel Have?
Technically, LinkedIn lets you upload a document with up to 300 pages. But let's be realistic—nobody is swiping through all that.
For peak engagement, you want to aim for the sweet spot: between 5 and 10 slides. That’s just enough space to tell a compelling story or break down a complex idea without your audience losing interest and scrolling past.
A quick pro-tip: Focus on making every single slide punchy and valuable. It’s far better to have a powerful 5-slide carousel than a rambling 20-pager. Quality always trumps quantity here.
Does LinkedIn Penalize Posts with External Links?
It’s true, the LinkedIn algorithm prefers to keep users on the platform. Because of this, posts that don't have any external links tend to get a bit more love from the algorithm, at least initially. This isn't just a rumor; it's a behavior content creators have consistently observed.
A popular workaround is to drop your link in the first comment right after you post. That said, don't be terrified of putting a link in the main post body. If your content is genuinely high-value and sparks immediate engagement (likes, shares, and especially comments), it can still perform incredibly well.
Ready to create perfectly formatted LinkedIn posts without the guesswork? Postiv AI combines a brand-trained AI writer with a carousel designer and scheduler to turn your ideas into authority-building content in minutes. Transform your LinkedIn strategy today at https://postiv.ai.