LinkedIn Video Ad Specs and Requirements (2026)

TL;DR: LinkedIn Video Ads support 1920x1080px (16:9 horizontal), 1080x1920px (9:16 vertical), or 1080x1080px (1:1 square). Max file size: 200MB. Length: 3 seconds to 30 minutes (3-15 seconds optimal for feed). MP4 format recommended. 30 FPS. Under 30 seconds gets auto-play; over 30 seconds requires click to play.

Quick Reference Table

Spec	Requirement	Recommended
Aspect ratio	16:9, 1:1, 9:16, 2.4:1, or custom	1:1 (square) for mobile
Resolution	Min 360p	1080p (1920x1080 for 16:9)
File size	Max 200MB	Under 50MB for fast loading
Video length	3 seconds - 30 minutes	6-15 seconds for feed ads
File format	MP4, MOV, AVI, ASF, FLV, MPEG-1, MKV, WebM, WMV	MP4 (H.264 codec)
Frame rate	30 FPS recommended	30 FPS
Audio	Optional but recommended	Yes, with captions
Bitrate	Max 5 Mbps	3-5 Mbps
Thumbnail	Auto-generated or custom upload	Custom (1920x1080px JPG/PNG)
Captions	Auto-generated or SRT upload	Upload SRT for accuracy
Introductory text	Max 150 characters	100-130 characters

LinkedIn Video Ad Aspect Ratios

LinkedIn supports 5 aspect ratios:

1:1 Square (Recommended)

Dimensions: 1080 x 1080 pixels Aspect ratio: 1:1

Why recommended:

• Takes up most vertical space on mobile (80% of LinkedIn users)
• No letterboxing on any device
• Higher engagement rate (15-30% better than horizontal)
• Works well in feed

Best for:

• Feed video ads
• Sponsored content
• Mobile-first campaigns

16:9 Horizontal (Landscape)

Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 pixels Aspect ratio: 16:9

Why use:

• Traditional video format
• Desktop-optimized
• Existing video content often in this format

Trade-offs:

• Letterboxing on mobile (black bars top/bottom)
• Takes less vertical space in feed
• Lower mobile engagement

Best for:

• Repurposing YouTube content
• Professional/corporate videos
• Desktop-heavy audiences

9:16 Vertical (Portrait)

Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels Aspect ratio: 9:16

Why use:

• Instagram Stories/TikTok format
• Full-screen mobile experience
• Maximum vertical space

Trade-offs:

• Letterboxing on desktop (black bars left/right)
• Less common on LinkedIn than 1:1

Best for:

• Mobile-only campaigns
• Story-style content
• User-generated content

2.4:1 Ultra-Wide

Dimensions: 2400 x 1000 pixels (or similar) Aspect ratio: 2.4:1

Why use:

• Cinematic look
• Product showcases
• Landscape panoramas

Trade-offs:

• Significant letterboxing on all devices
• Uncommon, may look odd in feed

Best for:

• Specific creative needs only

Custom Aspect Ratios

LinkedIn accepts custom ratios between 1:2.4 and 2.4:1.

Example accepted:

• 4:5 (1080x1350)
• 2:3 (1080x1620)

Not recommended: Stick to standard ratios (1:1, 16:9, 9:16) for best results.

Video File Specifications

Supported File Formats

✅ MP4 (most common, recommended) ✅ MOV (Apple QuickTime) ✅ AVI (Audio Video Interleave) ✅ ASF (Advanced Systems Format) ✅ FLV (Flash Video) ✅ MPEG-1 (Moving Picture Experts Group) ✅ MKV (Matroska Video) ✅ WebM (Web Media) ✅ WMV (Windows Media Video)

Best practice: Export as MP4 with H.264 codec for maximum compatibility.

Video Codec

Recommended: H.264 (AVC) Alternative: H.265 (HEVC) for smaller file sizes

Audio codec: AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)

Export settings:

• Container: MP4
• Video codec: H.264
• Audio codec: AAC
• Frame rate: 30 FPS
• Bitrate: 3-5 Mbps

File Size Limits

Maximum: 200MB per video Recommended: Under 50MB

Why smaller is better:

• Faster upload to LinkedIn
• Faster loading for viewers (lower bounce)
• Better mobile experience (less data usage)

How to reduce file size:

• Lower resolution (1080p → 720p acceptable)
• Compress with HandBrake or similar tool
• Reduce bitrate (5 Mbps → 3 Mbps)
• Shorten video length

Video Length

Minimum: 3 seconds Maximum: 30 minutes Optimal: 6-15 seconds for feed ads

Auto-play threshold:

• Under 30 seconds: Auto-plays in feed (muted)
• Over 30 seconds: Requires click to play

Length by objective:

• Brand awareness: 6-15 seconds (attention span)
• Product demo: 30-60 seconds (explain features)
• Thought leadership: 60-120 seconds (share insights)
• Webinar promo: 15-30 seconds (tease content)

Performance data:

• 0-10 seconds: 85% view-through rate
• 11-30 seconds: 60% view-through rate
• 31-60 seconds: 40% view-through rate
• 60+ seconds: 25% view-through rate

Recommendation: Keep under 15 seconds for maximum reach.

Frame Rate

Recommended: 30 FPS (frames per second) Acceptable: 24 FPS, 60 FPS Avoid: Under 24 FPS (appears choppy)

Cinematic look: 24 FPS Smooth motion: 30 FPS Sports/action: 60 FPS (but large file size)

Most common: 30 FPS balances quality and file size.

Resolution and Quality

Minimum resolution:

• 360p (640x360 for 16:9)

Recommended resolution:

• 1080p (Full HD)
  • 1920x1080 for 16:9
  • 1080x1080 for 1:1
  • 1080x1920 for 9:16

Higher resolutions:

• 2K (2560x1440): Supported but unnecessary (larger files)
• 4K (3840x2160): Supported but overkill (very large files, slow loading)

Best practice: 1080p provides excellent quality at reasonable file size.

Bitrate

Maximum: 5 Mbps (megabits per second) Recommended: 3-5 Mbps

Lower bitrate:

• Smaller file size
• Faster loading
• Acceptable quality for most content

Higher bitrate:

• Better quality
• Necessary for fast motion or detailed graphics
• Larger files

How to check bitrate:

• Use MediaInfo or VLC Player
• Right-click video > Properties > Details

Audio Specifications

Audio Requirements

Audio track: Optional but highly recommended

Why include audio:

• 80% of LinkedIn video views have sound on (desktop)
• 30% of mobile users enable sound
• Increases engagement and message retention

Audio codec: AAC Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz Bitrate: 128 kbps minimum, 192-320 kbps recommended Channels: Stereo (2 channels)

Captions/Subtitles

LinkedIn auto-generates captions for all videos.

Why you should upload custom captions:

• LinkedIn's auto-captions are 70-80% accurate
• Custom SRT files are 95%+ accurate
• Better viewer experience
• Higher engagement (viewers watch longer)

How to add custom captions:

1. Create SRT file (SubRip Text format)
2. Campaign Manager > Upload video
3. Click "Add captions"
4. Upload .srt file

SRT file structure:

1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,000
Welcome to our product demo.

2
00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:06,000
Here's how it works.

Free tools to create SRT:

• Rev.com (paid, professional)
• Otter.ai (auto-generated, then edit)
• Subtitle Edit (free software)

Sound-Off Viewing

Design for sound-off:

• 70% of mobile users watch with sound off initially
• Video must make sense without audio

Best practices:

• Add text overlays (key messages)
• Use captions
• Visual storytelling (show don't tell)
• Brand logo visible
• Clear CTA on-screen

Video Thumbnail Specifications

Auto-Generated vs Custom Thumbnail

Auto-generated:

• LinkedIn picks frame from video (usually first frame)
• No control over which frame selected

Custom thumbnail:

• Upload custom image (1920x1080px JPG or PNG)
• Full control over what viewers see before clicking play
• Recommended for professional appearance

Custom Thumbnail Specs

Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9) File format: JPG or PNG File size: Under 2MB Aspect ratio: 16:9 (LinkedIn crops if different)

Design best practices:

• Eye-catching visual (bright colors, faces, contrast)
• Text overlay with key message (48pt+ font size)
• Brand logo in corner
• Play button overlay (optional - LinkedIn adds auto play icon)
• Avoid clickbait (thumbnail should match video content)

Tools to create thumbnails:

• Canva (templates available)
• Photoshop
• Figma

Video Ad Text Specifications

Introductory Text

Character limit: 150 characters Appears: Above video in feed Best practices:

• Use 100-130 characters (full 150 may be cut off on mobile)
• Hook viewers in first sentence
• Include benefit or question
• No emojis unless brand-appropriate

Examples:

✅ Good: "Our customers save 10 hours/week with this feature. See how in 60 seconds." (77 characters, clear benefit, creates curiosity)

❌ Bad: "Check out our latest video showcasing our product features and capabilities." (78 characters, vague, no hook)

On-Screen Text

Best practices for text in video:

• Minimum 48pt font (legible on mobile)
• High contrast (white text on dark background)
• Keep text on screen 3+ seconds (time to read)
• Avoid bottom 20% of frame (can be cut off by UI elements)
• Limit to 5-7 words per screen

Text hierarchy:

• Main message: 72-96pt
• Supporting text: 48-60pt
• Fine print: 36pt minimum

Video Ad Performance Optimization

First 3 Seconds Rule

80% of users decide to watch or scroll within 3 seconds.

Hook viewers immediately:

• Lead with biggest benefit
• Show unexpected visual
• Ask provocative question
• Use pattern interrupt (surprise element)

Bad starts:

• Long logo animation (5+ seconds)
• Slow fade-in
• Generic establishing shot
• Talking head with no context

Good starts:

• Product in action
• Customer results (stat/visual)
• Problem/pain point shown
• Eye-catching visual

Video Length by Placement

Feed ads (in-stream):

• 6-15 seconds optimal
• Auto-play under 30 seconds
• Users scrolling quickly

Video views campaigns:

• 30-90 seconds acceptable
• Users intentionally chose to watch
• Can tell longer story

LinkedIn Live:

• 10-60 minutes
• Event/webinar format
• Engaged audience

Mobile Optimization

Design for mobile first (80% of views):

• Use 1:1 square or 9:16 vertical
• Large text (readable at 400px width)
• Simple visuals (not cluttered)
• Bright, high-contrast imagery
• Test on actual mobile device before launching

Audio Strategy

Best practice: Include audio AND design for sound-off

How:

• Add key messages as text overlays
• Upload accurate captions
• Ensure visual story works without sound
• But include audio for desktop users who enable it

Call-to-Action

On-screen CTA (last 3-5 seconds):

• "Learn More"
• "Book a Demo"
• "Download Guide"
• "Visit Website"

End screen:

• CTA text: 72pt+
• Brand logo
• URL (if appropriate)
• Leave on screen 3+ seconds

Common Video Ad Formats on LinkedIn

Format 1: Product Demo

Length: 30-60 seconds Structure:

• 0-3s: Problem/pain point
• 4-15s: Solution (product in action)
• 16-25s: Key features (3 max)
• 26-30s: CTA

Aspect ratio: 1:1 or 16:9

Format 2: Customer Testimonial

Length: 15-30 seconds Structure:

• 0-3s: Customer name, company, role
• 4-20s: Their challenge and results
• 21-30s: CTA

Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 9:16 (interview style)

Format 3: Social Proof/Stats

Length: 10-15 seconds Structure:

• 0-3s: Attention-grabbing visual
• 4-8s: Key stat (text overlay animation)
• 9-12s: Supporting proof point
• 13-15s: CTA

Aspect ratio: 1:1 (text-heavy, works on mobile)

Format 4: Thought Leadership

Length: 60-90 seconds Structure:

• 0-5s: Hook (bold statement/question)
• 6-45s: Insight/story/framework
• 46-75s: Actionable takeaway
• 76-90s: CTA

Aspect ratio: 16:9 (talking head or presentation)

Format 5: Event Promotion

Length: 15-30 seconds Structure:

• 0-5s: "Join us at [Event]"
• 6-20s: What attendees will learn
• 21-25s: Speakers/highlights
• 26-30s: Register CTA

Aspect ratio: 1:1

Video vs Other LinkedIn Ad Formats

Factor	Video	Carousel	Single Image	Document
Engagement rate	High (1-3%)	Medium (0.8-1.5%)	Medium (0.4-0.8%)	High (2-5%)
Production cost	High	Low-Medium	Low	Medium
Storytelling	Excellent	Good	Limited	Excellent
Mobile experience	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent
Best for	Brand awareness, demos, testimonials	Multi-feature products	Simple messages	Long-form content
Time to create	Hours-days	30-60 min	15-30 min	1-2 hours

Use video when:

• Demonstrating product in action
• Sharing customer success stories
• Building brand awareness
• Explaining complex concepts
• Showcasing company culture

Troubleshooting Video Upload Issues

Issue 1: "File Too Large" Error

Fix:

1. Use HandBrake or similar compression tool
2. Reduce resolution: 1080p → 720p
3. Lower bitrate: 5 Mbps → 3 Mbps
4. Shorten video: 60s → 30s

Issue 2: Video Won't Upload

Causes:

• Unsupported format (use MP4)
• Corrupted file
• Slow internet connection
• Browser issue

Fixes:

1. Re-export as MP4 with H.264
2. Try different browser
3. Clear browser cache
4. Upload from faster internet connection

Issue 3: Poor Quality After Upload

Causes:

• Low source resolution (<720p)
• Over-compression before upload
• LinkedIn's compression on top

Fixes:

1. Upload 1080p source
2. Use higher bitrate (4-5 Mbps)
3. Export with minimal compression (LinkedIn compresses automatically)

Issue 4: Thumbnail Not Appearing

Cause: Custom thumbnail wrong dimensions

Fix: Re-export thumbnail as 1920x1080px JPG

Issue 5: Captions Not Syncing

Cause: SRT file timing errors

Fix:

1. Check SRT format (timestamp structure)
2. Use subtitle editor to verify sync
3. Re-export SRT with correct timestamps

Export Settings by Software

Adobe Premiere Pro

Recommended settings:

• Format: H.264
• Preset: YouTube 1080p HD
• Bitrate: 3-5 Mbps (VBR 2 pass)
• Audio: AAC, 192 kbps

Final Cut Pro

Recommended settings:

• Format: Computer
• Video codec: H.264
• Resolution: 1920x1080
• Frame rate: 30 fps
• Audio: AAC, 192 kbps

iMovie

Export:

• File > Share > File
• Resolution: 1080p
• Quality: High
• Compress: Faster

Canva

Export:

• Share > Download > MP4 Video
• Dimensions: 1080x1080 (square) or 1920x1080 (horizontal)

HandBrake (Compression)

Settings:

• Preset: Fast 1080p30
• Video codec: H.264
• Framerate: 30 FPS constant
• Quality: RF 22-24 (lower = better quality, larger file)

Glossary

Term	Definition
Aspect ratio	Ratio of video width to height (16:9, 1:1, 9:16)
Bitrate	Amount of data per second in video (measured in Mbps)
Codec	Compression algorithm (H.264, H.265)
FPS	Frames per second (24, 30, 60)
Resolution	Video dimensions in pixels (1920x1080 = 1080p)
SRT	SubRip Text file format for captions
Thumbnail	Image displayed before video plays
View-through rate	Percentage of viewers who watch to end
Auto-play	Video starts playing automatically when scrolled into view
MP4	Most common video file format (container)

Verification Checklist

Before uploading video ad:

• Aspect ratio is 1:1, 16:9, or 9:16 (not custom)
• Resolution is 1080p (1920x1080 or 1080x1080)
• File size under 200MB (ideally under 50MB)
• Video length is 6-15 seconds (for feed ads)
• File format is MP4 with H.264 codec
• Frame rate is 30 FPS
• Audio included (AAC codec, 192 kbps)
• Captions uploaded (.srt file) or auto-generated verified
• Custom thumbnail created (1920x1080px JPG)
• First 3 seconds hook attention
• Text overlays legible on mobile (48pt+ font)
• CTA clear in last 3-5 seconds
• Video works without sound (visual storytelling)
• Tested on mobile device before launch
• Brand logo visible

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Screenshot List:

1. Campaign Manager ad creation with video upload interface (Create ad > Video ad > Upload video button)
2. Video upload progress bar (After selecting video > Upload progress 0-100%)
3. Video player preview in Campaign Manager (After upload > Preview with play controls)
4. Aspect ratio options selector (Video settings > Aspect ratio dropdown)
5. Custom thumbnail upload interface (Video settings > "Upload thumbnail" button)
6. Caption upload option (.srt file) (Video settings > "Add captions" > Upload SRT)
7. Video ad preview in desktop feed (Preview tab > Desktop view with video)
8. Video ad preview in mobile feed (Preview tab > Mobile view with video)
9. Video analytics showing completion rate (Campaign performance > Video metrics)
10. Video export settings in Adobe Premiere (Premiere > Export settings > H.264 with specs)
11. HandBrake compression interface (HandBrake app > Preset and quality settings)
12. Example video ad with text overlays (Live example showing on-screen text and CTA)