LinkedIn

How to Upload Video to LinkedIn: Complete Guide (2026)

SocialRails Team
SocialRails Team
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

10 min read

Tips you can use today. What works and what doesn't.

How to Upload Video to LinkedIn

Video stops the scroll. Text gets skipped. Here's exactly how to upload videos to LinkedIn and get them seen.

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Quick Answer: Desktop

  1. Click Start a post
  2. Click the video icon
  3. Select your file
  4. Add caption + hashtags
  5. Click Post

Quick Answer: Mobile

  1. Tap + or Post
  2. Tap video icon
  3. Record or select from gallery
  4. Add caption + hashtags
  5. Tap Post

Video Specs

Official specs from LinkedIn Help Center:

SpecRequirement
FormatMP4 (recommended), MOV, AVI
Max size5GB
Length3 seconds to 10 minutes
Resolution1080p recommended
Aspect ratio16:9 (landscape) or 1:1 (square)

Best settings: MP4, 1080p, 30fps, 16:9 aspect ratio.

Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

What's the maximum video length for LinkedIn native video?

💡
Hint: LinkedIn supports longer videos than most other platforms' short-form content.

Desktop Upload Steps

Step 1: Start a Post

Go to your LinkedIn homepage. Click Start a post in the share box.

Step 2: Add Video

Click the video icon in the toolbar. Select Upload video. Choose your file.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

LinkedIn processes your video. Keep the browser open until it finishes.

Step 4: Write Your Caption

Add text above the video. Include relevant hashtags. Tag people if relevant.

Step 5: Publish

Click Post to publish now, or the clock icon to schedule.

Mobile Upload Steps

iPhone

  1. Open LinkedIn app
  2. Tap + at bottom
  3. Tap video camera icon
  4. Choose Record or Gallery
  5. Trim if needed
  6. Add caption and post

Android

  1. Open LinkedIn app
  2. Tap post/pencil icon
  3. Tap video icon
  4. Select or record video
  5. Add caption and post
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

What should you do while LinkedIn processes your uploaded video?

💡
Hint: Think about what happens when you interrupt a file transfer.

Video Types on LinkedIn

TypeWhat It IsBest For
Native videoUploaded directlyMaximum reach
LinkedIn LiveReal-time streamingEvents, Q&As
Document videoVideo in carouselTutorials
EmbeddedYouTube/Vimeo link in articleLong-form content

Native video gets the most reach. Always upload directly when possible.

Best Practices

Hook in 3 Seconds

Your first 3 seconds decide everything.

Do:

  • State what viewers will learn
  • Show something visually interesting
  • Create curiosity

Don't:

  • Start with a logo
  • Use slow intros
  • Waste time with greetings

Add Captions

Most people scroll with sound off. Captions are essential.

Options:

  • Let LinkedIn auto-generate (check accuracy)
  • Upload SRT file for precise captions
  • Burn captions with Kapwing or VEED (free tiers available)
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

Why are captions essential for LinkedIn video?

💡
Hint: Think about where and when people typically browse LinkedIn.

Optimal Length

Content TypeBest Length
Quick tip30-60 seconds
Product demo1-2 minutes
Thought leadership1-3 minutes
Tutorial2-5 minutes

Shorter videos have higher completion rates. Get to the point.

Caption Structure

Line 1: Hook (problem or promise)

Line 2-3: Context (why this matters)

Line 4: What they'll learn

End: Call to action + 3-5 hashtags

Example:

Most LinkedIn videos fail in the first 3 seconds.

Here's what to do instead:

[Video]

Try this in your next video.

What's your biggest video challenge? Drop it below.

#LinkedInVideo #VideoMarketing #ContentTips

When to Post

DayBest Times
Tuesday8-10am, 12pm
Wednesday8-10am, 12pm
Thursday9am, 1-2pm

Avoid: Weekends and late evenings.

Troubleshooting

Upload Failed

  • Check file format (use MP4)
  • Reduce file size with HandBrake (free)
  • Check internet connection
  • Try a different browser

Poor Quality

  • Upload higher resolution source
  • Avoid over-compression
  • Use 1080p minimum

Video Won't Play

  • Check if it meets specs
  • Re-encode in a different format
  • Try uploading again
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

Your video upload failed. What should you try first?

💡
Hint: MP4 is the universal video format that works almost everywhere.

Video Ideas

Quick wins:

  • One tip in 30-60 seconds
  • Behind-the-scenes clip
  • Tool demonstration

Thought leadership:

  • Industry trend reaction
  • Lesson learned from failure
  • Client success story (with permission)

Educational:

  • How-to screen recording
  • Step-by-step process
  • Common mistake breakdown

Upload Checklist

Before:

  • Video is MP4, under 5GB
  • First 3 seconds hook attention
  • Captions ready or will use auto-caption

During:

  • Caption written with hook
  • 3-5 hashtags added
  • Relevant people tagged

After:

  • Respond to early comments
  • Check analytics after 24 hours

LinkedIn Video:

LinkedIn Marketing:

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