LinkedIn Video Specs: Ultimate 2025 Guide to Formats, Sizes, and Lengths

LinkedIn Video Specs Overview (Key Facts at a Glance)

💾 File formats: MP4 (recommended), MOV (acceptable)

📦 Max file size: 75KB (min) to 500MB (max) for ads; up to 5GB for regular posts

⏱️ Video length: 3 seconds (min) to 30 minutes (max) for ads; 15 minutes max for regular posts (10 minutes via mobile)

📏 Dimensions: Min 360×360 pixels; Max 1920×1920 pixels

📹 Aspect ratios:

• 🖥️ Landscape (16:9): 1920×1080 pixels
• ◻️ Square (1:1): 1080×1080 pixels
• 📱 Vertical (4:5): 1080×1350 pixels (recommended for ads)
• 📱 Vertical (9:16): 1080×1920 pixels

🎞️ Frame rate: Less than 30 FPS (recommended)

🔊 Audio: AAC or MPEG4 audio at less than 64KHz; videos autoplay MUTED by default

Following these specs helps your video upload smoothly and look great. If the format isn’t supported or the file is too big, it may not upload or play well.

Supported Video Formats and Codecs

LinkedIn supports several formats, but MP4 with H.264 codec is the gold standard. Here's the truth about formats:

✅ Best choice: MP4 (H.264 or VP8) – universal compatibility and required for LinkedIn ads✅ Also supported: MOV, WebM for regular posts❌ NOT supported: AVI, Apple ProRes

A codec is simply a method of compressing video; H.264 is LinkedIn's preferred standard. If your video isn't an MP4, use a free online converter to switch it to MP4/H.264 format to avoid upload errors.

Maximum File Size and Length Limitations

📦 File size limits:

• Regular posts: 75KB minimum up to 5GB maximum
• LinkedIn ads: 75KB minimum to 500MB maximum

⏱️ Duration limits:

• Regular posts: 3 seconds minimum, 15 minutes maximum (desktop) or 10 minutes (mobile app)
• LinkedIn Video Ads: 3 seconds minimum to 30 minutes maximum

📌 Pro Tip: LinkedIn suggests keeping ad videos between 15-30 seconds for the best results. Shorter videos (under 30 seconds) will loop until they reach 30 seconds of total playtime. For example, a 10-second video will loop three times.

Useful Resource:
What's the ideal length for Linkedin video

Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratios on LinkedIn

LinkedIn accepts aspect ratios from 9:16 (0.563) to 16:9 (1.778).

For best results, use these recommended dimensions:

🖥️ Landscape (16:9): 640×360 pixels (min) to 1920×1080 pixels (max)

◻️ Square (1:1): 360×360 pixels (min) to 1920×1920 pixels (max)

📱Vertical (4:5): 360×450 pixels (min) to 1080×1350 pixels (max) - Recommended for ads

📱 Vertical (9:16): 360×640 pixels (min) to 1080×1920 pixels (max)

⚠️ Important: Most LinkedIn users are on mobile. Vertical (4:5) or square videos take up more screen space and get more views than horizontal ones.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep key visuals and text in the center, especially for vertical videos, so nothing gets cut off on different screens or previews.

Resolution and Frame Rate (Quality Considerations)

LinkedIn supports different resolutions, but the best choice is a well-compressed 1080p video. It keeps the quality sharp on all devices while keeping the file size small.

🎞️ Frame rates should be less than 30 FPS for optimal performance. Most smartphone and webcam videos are 30fps by default, which is perfect for LinkedIn.

📌 Pro Tip: After exporting, play back your video on both computer and phone to ensure it looks clear without blocky pixels or blurriness. If it doesn't look right, re-export with higher quality settings.

Audio and Subtitles (Often Overlooked)

Here's a secret most people miss: LinkedIn videos autoplay WITHOUT SOUND. This means:

🔊 Your audio should be AAC or MPEG4 format at less than 64KHz💬 ALWAYS add captions or on-screen text so viewers can understand without audio🗣️ You can upload .srt caption files during the video upload process (must contain text only, no custom formatting like font colors)

The pure concept of "if my content is good enough, people will turn on the sound" is a myth. Most won't bother—they'll just keep scrolling.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Video for LinkedIn

Now that you know the requirements, here's a simple step-by-step process to get your video LinkedIn-ready.

Follow these steps to avoid any hiccups when uploading.

Step 1: Choose the Right Aspect Ratio & Orientation for Your Goals

Choose the best video format for your content and audience.

For example, a talking-head interview works well in 16:9 (landscape). And a quick mobile promo looks better in 4:5 (vertical), the recommended ad ratio.

📱 If reaching mobile users is a priority, consider vertical (4:5) or square to take up more feed space. If unsure, 16:9 horizontal at 1080p is a safe default.

Step 2: Export/Convert Your Video in a LinkedIn-Friendly Format (MP4)

After editing your video, save or convert it to MP4 format with H.264 or VP8 codec.

Most editing tools have an export preset for social media or MP4/H.264 which will automatically use ideal settings.

📌 Pro Tip: You don't need special technical skills here—most cameras and phones already record in a LinkedIn-compatible format. Often it's as simple as selecting "MP4" when saving.

Step 3: Verify Video Length and File Size

Before uploading, double-check that your video's duration and file size meet LinkedIn's limits:

• For ads: 3 seconds to 30 minutes, 75KB to 500MB
• For regular posts: 3 seconds to 15 minutes (desktop), 75KB to 5GB

💡 For best engagement, LinkedIn recommends ads be 15-30 seconds long.

This step is basically a sanity check: ensuring you won't hit an error mid-upload. It's much easier to fix length or size issues before you start uploading.

Step 4: Optimize the Video's Visuals for LinkedIn

Choose a clear thumbnail (cover image) that visually catches the eye. LinkedIn lets you select a thumbnail or upload a custom image (JPG/PNG under 2MB) to represent the video. The aspect ratio and resolution of your thumbnail should match your video.

📝 If your video has text (like title cards or captions), use a font size and color that's easily readable on a small smartphone screen. Avoid tiny text or important details in the extreme corners of the frame.

Step 5: Prepare Your Ad Text (For Video Ads)

For LinkedIn video ads, prepare these text elements:

• 📋 Ad name (optional): Up to 255 characters to name your video ad
• 📝 Introductory text: Up to 600 characters (but aim for 150 for best visibility)
• 🔤 Video headline: Up to 70 characters to avoid truncation (200 max)
• 🔗 Destination URL: Up to 2,000 characters with http:// or https:// prefix
• 👆 Call-to-Action: Choose from available options like "Learn More," "Sign Up," or "Request Demo"

⚠️ Avoid using non-standard text, which includes more than four emojis, symbols, or repeated characters, as your ad might be rejected.

Step 6: Upload to LinkedIn and Adjust Settings 📤

On LinkedIn, click 'Start a post' and then the video icon to upload your file. While the video uploads, enter a descriptive post caption and relevant hashtags.

💬 Don't forget to hit the edit/pencil icon on the video to upload your caption file (SRT) if you have one, and to select your thumbnail image.

📌 Pro Tip: You can only upload videos from a desktop device, not from your mobile device, and you're limited to 25 video uploads within 24 hours in Campaign Manager.

Step 7: Analyze and Iterate (Post-Publish)

After posting, watch how your audience responds. Check view counts, engagement, and read comments. If the video isn’t doing well, the format might be the issue—was it too long or the wrong dimensions?

💡 Insight:  "We've seen that videos under 60 seconds in a 4:5 vertical format often get more comments on LinkedIn. They’re quick to watch and take up more space in the mobile feed," says Yans Media's Head of Video Strategy.

Why Following LinkedIn Video Specs Matters

In a few minutes, you'll see why video specs are key to success on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn says videos get 5x more engagement than other types of posts. But to tap into that, your video must be uploaded correctly and look professional. Well-formatted videos load faster, display better, and keep viewers watching.

Useful Resource:
Social Media Video Statistics That You Can’t-Miss

Now, imagine a video with the wrong aspect ratio—it could show black bars on mobile, making it less appealing. Or if the file is too large, it might buffer slowly, causing people to scroll away. Using the right specs ensures a smooth, clear video from the start.

💼 One of our clients had blurry, cut-off LinkedIn videos. The issue? They were using an unsupported aspect ratio. After switching to 4:5 vertical (1080×1350 pixels), their videos looked sharp and professional—and engagement went up.

💡 **"**Optimizing your video isn’t just about tech specs. It’s about respecting your audience’s time and devices, which builds trust and boosts views," says our Lead Video Producer.

Common Mistakes and Myths about LinkedIn Video Specs

Even with the guidelines in hand, mistakes can happen. Here are some common blunders people make with LinkedIn videos – and the truths behind a few LinkedIn video myths – so you can avoid them.

🚫 Mistake 1: Uploading an Unsupported Format

You hit upload and... error message!  Many people try to post videos in formats like AVI or Apple ProRes that LinkedIn doesn't support. The fix: always convert your video to MP4/H.264 before uploading. It saves time and headaches.

🚫 Mistake 2: Ignoring Aspect Ratio (Poor Framing)

Have you ever seen a video on LinkedIn with black bars on the sides? That happens when the aspect ratio falls outside LinkedIn's acceptable range (9:16 to 16:9). Don't upload a very tall or very wide video thinking LinkedIn will magically fix it – it won't. Instead, crop or edit your video to one of the recommended aspect ratios so it fills the screen nicely.

🚫 Mistake 3: Overlong Videos

Yes, LinkedIn allows up to 30 minutes for ads and 15 minutes for regular posts, but that doesn't mean viewers will watch that long. A common mistake is posting a 10-minute talk when a 15-30 second highlight reel would have far more impact. Remember, attention spans are short – get to the point quickly.

🚫 Mistake 4: Neglecting Thumbnails and Titles

Many users forget to set a custom thumbnail or at least ensure the auto-selected one isn't a weird mid-blink face. A poor thumbnail won't entice people to click. Take a moment to upload an eye-catching image or title card as your video thumbnail. Remember, your thumbnail must match the aspect ratio of your video.

🚫 Mistake 5: No Captions for a Talking Video

Posting a talking-head video without captions or text is a missed opportunity. A lot of people scroll LinkedIn in silent mode. One myth is that 'people will turn on the sound if interested' – in reality, most won't. Always assume your video must work with the sound off. Adding captions greatly increases completion rates and engagement.

Myth 1: "LinkedIn Compresses Everything to Potato Quality"

Some think that no matter what you upload, LinkedIn will make it low quality. Not true! If you upload a crisp 1080p video under the max size, it will look crisp on LinkedIn. The key is to follow the specs – most blurry videos are a result of uploading low-resolution or overly compressed files, not LinkedIn's processing.

Myth 2: "Only Horizontal Videos Work on LinkedIn"

This used to be a belief from years ago, but now vertical and square videos perform great on LinkedIn. In fact, LinkedIn specifically recommends the 4:5 vertical ratio for ads. Vertical videos can stand out because they take up more of the screen. So don't be afraid to go vertical, especially for mobile viewers – just keep your subject centered.

Myth 3: "You Can Link to YouTube Videos Instead of Uploading Directly"

False. Video ads must contain a video file uploaded directly to LinkedIn, not a link to a third-party site like YouTube or Vimeo. Always upload your video natively to get the best performance.

LinkedIn Video Specs FAQ

What's the best video format for LinkedIn?

MP4 is the best and safest video format for LinkedIn. It's widely supported and the required format for LinkedIn ads. H.264 or VP8 are the accepted codec formats. Other formats like MOV might work for regular posts, but sticking to MP4 ensures compatibility and good quality.

What is the maximum video length on LinkedIn?

For regular LinkedIn posts, the max video length is 15 minutes when uploading from desktop (10 minutes from mobile). For LinkedIn Video Ads, you can go up to 30 minutes. LinkedIn recommends keeping ads between 15-30 seconds for optimal performance. Note that videos under 30 seconds will loop until there are at least 30 seconds of playback.

What video dimensions should I use for LinkedIn?

For best results, use these dimensions:

• 🖥️ Landscape (16:9): 1920×1080 pixels
• ◻️ Square (1:1): 1080×1080 pixels
• 📱 Vertical (4:5): 1080×1350 pixels (recommended for ads)
• 📱 Vertical (9:16): 1080×1920 pixels

The minimum dimension allowed is 360×360 pixels, and the maximum is 1920×1920 pixels.

What's the file size limit for LinkedIn videos?

For LinkedIn ads, the file size must be between 75KB and 500MB. For regular posts, you can upload up to 5GB, though smaller files are recommended for faster uploading and smoother playback.

Do LinkedIn videos play with sound?

LinkedIn videos autoplay muted by default in the feed. Viewers have to click on the video to hear sound. That's why adding captions or on-screen text is important – it ensures your message gets across even if someone doesn't enable audio.

Can I upload captions to my LinkedIn video?

Yes, you can upload SRT format caption files. However, only include text in your SRT file – custom formatting (like font colors) isn't supported. This is a great way to ensure your message is understood even when videos are played with the sound off.

What call-to-action options are available for LinkedIn video ads?

LinkedIn offers several CTA options including: Apply, Download, View, Quote, Learn More, Sign Up, Subscribe, Register, Join, Attend, and Request Demo. Choose the one that best aligns with your campaign objectives.

How many videos can I upload to LinkedIn?

You can upload a maximum of 25 videos within 24 hours in Campaign Manager. Also note that you can only upload videos from a desktop device, not from your mobile device.

Conclusion: Optimizing LinkedIn Videos for Success

Get Your LinkedIn Video Specs Right

To make sure your videos upload smoothly and get engagement, follow these key specs:

✅ Format: MP4

✅ Size: Within LinkedIn’s limits

✅ Dimensions: Use recommended ratios like 4:5 for ads

✅ Length: Keep ads 15-30 seconds

A well-formatted video looks professional, plays seamlessly on any device, and respects your audience’s time.

By applying these tips, you’ll create LinkedIn videos that stand out and deliver your message effectively.

⚠️ STOP WASTING TIME on poorly optimized videos. Every post that ignores these specs costs you engagement and potential clients.

Need Help With Your LinkedIn Videos?

At Yans Media, we create scroll-stopping videos that meet LinkedIn’s requirements and captivate your audience.

📩 Contact us today for a free consultation—let’s make your LinkedIn videos shine! 🚀