You’re losing leads to poorly cropped LinkedIn images — and most teams don’t even realize how often. As a B2B social manager or content marketer, you’ve probably watched a perfectly designed creative get chopped on mobile, seen thumbnails render inconsistently, or spent hours resizing assets because a scheduling tool ignored safe areas. Those frustrating little mismatches quietly reduce engagement, lower click-through rates, and waste time your team can’t get back.

This complete 2026 guide to LinkedIn post size is built specifically for B2B teams who use automation and rely on predictable visual performance. Inside you’ll find exact pixel specs for every post type (single image, carousel, video, thumbnails, article headers, profile and cover), downloadable safe‑area templates and export presets, plus an automation preflight checklist, scheduling fixes and A/B test ideas designed to prevent cropping errors and lift CTR — so your visuals land the way you intended and drive more qualified leads.

Why LinkedIn post sizes matter (quick, action-first overview)

This quick, action-first overview explains why correct LinkedIn post sizes matter and what to check immediately. If you need exact pixel dimensions, aspect ratios, and a full 2026 reference, read the next section — "LinkedIn image, carousel and video dimensions — the complete 2026 list" (Section 1). If you prefer to jump straight to practical fixes or an automation-ready workflow, skip ahead to the relevant sections below.

Correct image dimensions and safe areas directly affect visibility, readability, and engagement on LinkedIn. If key text or a logo sits too close to the edge it will be cropped on some views, lowering CTR and reducing likes/comments because users can’t quickly read your message. Action example: move critical copy inside the canvas so CTAs remain legible across views.

LinkedIn displays the same image differently on desktop feed, mobile feed and in inbox previews. Desktop usually shows more horizontal real estate; mobile will crop to taller or square slices and make small type illegible; inbox thumbnails shrink images to a small preview where only central elements remain visible. Practical tip: always test your image in a narrow vertical preview and a small thumbnail to confirm the focal point survives cropping.

Formats, compression and load speed alter both user experience and algorithmic distribution. LinkedIn recompresses uploads; overly large or noisy files gain artifacts that reduce perceived quality and engagement. Slower-loading posts can interrupt scrolling and hurt initial engagement—those early seconds drive distribution. Action tips: export photos as high-quality JPEGs and graphics with transparent areas as PNG, convert to sRGB, and shrink files until quality loss is imperceptible (aim under 500 KB).

Quick preflight checklist:

• Keep main text/logo inside a safe area.

• Preview on desktop, mobile sizes, and inbox thumbnail.

• Use readable font sizes and contrast.

• Optimize file format and compress without visible artifacts.

• Provide alt text for accessibility and better indexing.

These adjustments are small but compound: a clear image encourages a double-tap, a comment, and a click-through.

When optimized posts increase engagement, Blabla steps in to automate replies, moderate conversations, and convert those interactions into leads—so getting sizes right maximizes both visibility and the automation payoff.

LinkedIn image, carousel and video dimensions — the complete 2026 list

Now that we understand why post sizes matter, here is a concise, actionable 2026 reference of exact pixel sizes, aspect ratios and practical tips for images, carousels, videos and other LinkedIn display areas.

Single-image post sizes and aspect ratios

• Recommended landscape: 1200 x 627 px (1.91:1) — ideal for wide visuals and link-style layouts.

• Recommended square: 1080 x 1080 px (1:1) — maximizes feed real estate on mobile and desktop.

• Recommended vertical (tall): 1080 x 1350 px (4:5) — use sparingly; tall images can be cropped in some previews.

• Minimum accepted: 200 x 200 px — practical minimum, but avoid anything smaller than 600 px on the shortest side to prevent compression artifacts.

Practical tip: Export at 72–150 dpi in sRGB and keep file size under ~1.5 MB for faster load and reduced LinkedIn compression. Example: save a 1200 x 627 ad visual as a high-quality JPG at 85% to balance clarity and file size.

Carousel post specs

• Ideal per slide: 1080 x 1080 px for consistent pagination and predictable cropping. If you prefer landscape slides, use 1200 x 627 px but ensure every slide uses the same ratio.

• Maximum slides: Two approaches — native multi-image posts support up to 9 images; document carousels (PDF upload) can include up to 300 pages, though 8–20 slides is the recommended sweet spot for engagement.

• File requirements: Images — JPG or PNG; document carousels — single PDF (common maximums around 100 MB). Keep individual images generally under 5 MB.

Practical tip: When exporting a PDF carousel from PowerPoint or InDesign, set page size to the exact pixel dimensions you want (for example 1080 x 1080 px at 72 dpi) to avoid automated resampling. Example workflow: design slides at 1080 px square, export a high-quality PDF, upload as a document to get swipeable pages that preserve layout.

Video and thumbnail sizes

• Recommended resolution: 1920 x 1080 px (16:9) at 24–30 fps for landscape. LinkedIn also supports 1:1 and vertical 9:16; use 1080 x 1080 or 1080 x 1920 accordingly.

• Thumbnail dimensions: 1280 x 720 px that matches the video aspect ratio to avoid letterboxing; include a clear title area inside the central safe zone.

• File limits and codec: Native uploads commonly accept up to 5 GB using H.264 in an MP4 container; typical organic length limit is 15 minutes.

Practical tip: Create thumbnails with a 10% margin so heads and on-screen text are never cropped on narrow mobile previews. Example: for a 1920 x 1080 video, keep essential elements inside a centered 1728 x 972 px zone.

Other LinkedIn image areas (where sizes differ)

• Article header image: 744 x 400 px.

• Personal profile photo: 400 x 400 px minimum; 800 x 800 px recommended for higher fidelity.

• Personal background/banner: 1584 x 396 px.

• Company cover image: 1128 x 191 px.

• Event banner: 1200 x 627 px recommended.

Practical tip: Across headers and banners keep logos and essential copy inside the central 80% safe area so LinkedIn cropping, circular masks and different device previews don’t cut them off.

How Blabla helps

Blabla doesn’t publish or schedule posts, but once your assets are live it automates post-publication engagement: smart replies and moderation for comments on images, carousels and videos, AI-powered DM follow-ups for inbound interest, and conversation automation that converts social responses into leads so your creative team can focus on pixel-perfect assets.

File types, size limits and performance optimization

Now that you have the correct dimensions, let's get the files and exports right so your visuals load fast and look crisp.

LinkedIn-supported file types and common size limits
LinkedIn accepts JPEG/JPG and PNG for images (use JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with text or transparency). Animated GIFs are often converted to short videos or flattened — avoid GIFs if you need exact animation behavior. For documents/carousels, upload PDFs. For video, upload MP4 (H.264 codec with AAC audio) or MOV; a common practical maximum file size is 5 GB and a practical max length is around 10 minutes, though keeping videos under 3 minutes typically yields better engagement.

Practical export settings to balance quality and file size
Follow these presets to reduce compression artifacts while minimizing load time:

• Images: export at target pixel dimensions (exact size from section 2), use the sRGB color profile, 72–96 PPI, JPEG quality 70–85% (use progressive JPEG for smoother perceived loading). Use PNG-8 for simple graphics with limited colors and PNG-24 when you need full transparency.

• Video: H.264 MP4, 1080p preferred, bitrate 4–8 Mbps for 1080p (lower for 720p), AAC audio 128 kbps, 24–30 fps. Use a compressed JPEG thumbnail sized close to your target aspect ratio (for example ~1200×627 px) to avoid client-side scaling.

• Use “Save for Web” or export presets in Photoshop/Lightroom, and preview on mobile to catch color/profile shifts before scheduling.

How size and format influence engagement — plus A/B tests
Large or badly compressed files can appear blurry or banded, lowering perceived quality and reducing CTR and comments. Quick A/B tests you can run:

1. A/B test image format: JPG (quality 80) vs PNG-8 on identical posts; compare CTR, impressions and comment volume over two weeks.

2. A/B test thumbnail clarity for video: high-bitrate thumbnail vs lower bitrate to see effect on view-through rate.

3. Segment by device: compare mobile vs desktop engagement to detect format-specific issues.

Also include concise filenames and alt text, and always preview on iOS and Android — small color-rendering differences occur; consider a lightweight mobile version to speed load times and reduce bounce rates.

How Blabla helps: Blabla monitors comment and DM volume and flags spikes in engagement after media changes, so you can automate follow-up replies, tag top-performing formats, and moderate negative feedback caused by display issues without manually scanning every post.

Safe area and aspect-ratio rules: how to prevent cropping across desktop and mobile

Now that we covered file types and performance optimization, let’s define the visual margins that keep your message intact across LinkedIn’s different crop behaviors.

What is a safe area? The safe area is the inner portion of an image where critical elements (headline, logo, CTA, faces) remain visible after LinkedIn crops for feed thumbnails, mobile previews, or expanded viewers. Different aspect ratios and viewport widths can trim edges unpredictably; treating the safe area as non-negotiable prevents cut-off copy and awkward compositions.

How crops differ in practice: feed thumbnails often center-crop horizontally or vertically depending on device, while expanded views reveal the full image. That means edge-aligned text is most at risk in the feed; central placement inside the safe area is safest.

Practical safe-area templates (margins you can apply immediately) — define margins as percentages so they scale with any export size. Use these overlays when exporting or creating templates in your design tool.

• Single-image posts: keep key content within a central 84% width × 88% height box. (Margin: 8% left/right, 6% top/bottom). Example: for a 1200px-wide export, leave 96px margins left/right and ~72px top/bottom.)

• Carousel slides: carousels often show previews that crop slightly — use a 90%×90% safe box (5% margins each side). Example overlay: for a 1080px square slide, keep important elements inside a 972×972px box.

• Video thumbnails: thumbnails can be shown small in feeds—use 10% horizontal margins and 7% vertical margins (central 80%×86%). Ensure faces and titles sit inside that box so mobile thumbnails don’t truncate text.)

How to build and check overlay guides:

1. Create a semi-transparent rectangle in your design file sized to the percentages above and snap it to center; export a guide layer or save a template file for designers.

2. Preview at multiple widths—shrink canvas to simulate mobile feed and crop tool to simulate center crop; if any headline touches the overlay edge, move it inward.

3. Export a small JPG preview at 360–480px width to mimic mobile feed—this reveals tiny-type legibility issues.

Tips for text-heavy images:

• Font size: minimum 18–22px readable size at feed preview width; use semibold for headlines.

• Line length: keep lines under 40–50 characters to aid scanning on narrow mobile preview crops.

• Contrast: 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background; use subtle drop shadows or solid color bars inside the safe area if the background is busy.

Operational tip: If followers report cut-off copy, Blabla can automate replies to collect screenshots and send a corrected image or downloadable asset, and it can flag repeat complaints so designers adjust templates—helping you iterate faster without changing how you publish.

Automation-ready workflow: downloadable safe-area templates, preflight checklist and scheduling tips

Now that we understand safe areas and aspect ratios, let’s lock those settings into an automation-ready workflow you can replicate across teams and scheduling tools.

Start with the downloadable assets you need: include layered PSD and AI files with safe-area guides, Canva templates sized for single images, carousels and video thumbnails, plus flattened PNG/JPG export presets. Export presets should match recommended formats: sRGB, 72–96ppi for web, maximum quality JPG with subtle compression for photos, and PNG-24 for graphics with transparency. Example filenames: 2026_LinkedIn_Single_1200x628_v1.jpg and 2026_LinkedIn_Carousel_1080x1080_slide01.png — consistent names make batch imports predictable.

Use this preflight checklist before pushing assets to any scheduler:

• Naming convention: YYYY_Platform_Type_Size_Version (example above).

• Aspect-ratio verification: confirm final pixel dimensions against template.

• Color profile: convert to sRGB to avoid shifts on upload.

• Alt text: write concise accessibility descriptions for each image.

• Link preview test: upload thumbnails to a private post to confirm metadata and og:image behavior.

• CTA placement: keep primary CTA within the safe area margins we covered.

• Metadata: add image-level captions, campaign tags, and UTM parameters in the associated CSV or scheduling fields.

Batch exports and folder structure make automation reliable. Organize like:

• /CampaignName/YYYYMMDD/Images/

• /CampaignName/YYYYMMDD/CSVs/

Export batches using consistent slide numbering: slide01, slide02. For CSV uploads to scheduling tools, include columns such as post_text, image_filename, publish_date, timezone, and utm_source. Use placeholder tokens in text (e.g., {{image_filename}} or {{cta}}) only if your scheduler supports token substitution — document token syntax in a README inside the campaign folder.

Time-zone settings matter: set publish_date in UTC or confirm the scheduler’s default zone, and store timezone per-row when working with global audiences to prevent accidental midnight publishes.

Automate safely: before scaling, manually post 3–5 representative variations to confirm appearance, link previews, and CTA visibility on desktop and mobile. Test how automated replies behave by sending sample DMs and comment scenarios to a staging account — Blabla can simulate and automate replies here, saving hours while protecting brand voice and filtering spam or harmful comments in real conditions.

For A/B testing, schedule variations across different times and captions, and keep image files identical except for the variable you’re testing. Export results into a simple spreadsheet and tie engagement metrics back to filenames and UTM parameters so automation feeds directly into reporting.

This workflow reduces manual errors, preserves design integrity across feeds, and pairs neatly with tools like Blabla that automate conversational follow-up while keeping moderation and brand safety in place.

Tip: include a version_history.txt inside every campaign folder documenting who approved each asset, the export preset used, and test results from staging posts — this simple accountability step saves rework during iterative A/B cycles and keeps legal and compliance reviewers informed.

Step-by-step fixes for common cropping, compression and formatting issues

Now that you have an automation-ready workflow and safe-area templates in place, here are practical, step-by-step fixes for the most common image problems that break LinkedIn posts.

Quick manual fixes — use these when a single post looks off in preview or in the feed:

• Re-crop with a safe-area overlay: Open the image, add the template overlay you already use, then adjust the crop so every critical element (logo, headline, CTA) sits inside the safe area. Example: move a portrait subject 30px inward to avoid edge cropping on mobile.

• Add padding or extend background: If cropping trims important edges, extend the canvas by 8–12% and fill with a matching background color or a blurred extension of the image. This preserves composition while meeting aspect-ratio constraints.

• Re-export to prevent heavy compression: Save a new file using a slightly larger pixel dimension and moderate JPEG quality (around 80–90) or PNG for text/graphics. Use sRGB and avoid overly aggressive compression presets that LinkedIn then recompresses again.

Batch and automated fixes — for large libraries or repeated errors, automate the fixes so you don’t repeat manual work:

• Photoshop actions: Create an action that applies your safe-area overlay, auto-crops, adds 10% padding, flattens color profile, and exports with your preferred quality. Run it as a batch on a folder.

• Command-line scripts: Use ImageMagick to resize and pad: convert input.jpg -resize 1200x -gravity center -background "#f5f5f5" -extent 1200x627 output.jpg. Wrap this in a shell script to process folders.

• Blabla bulk tools: Use Blabla’s auto-resize and safe-area template insertion to apply consistent padding and export rules across hundreds of assets. Blabla’s bulk export streamlines preparing images for scheduled posts while keeping filenames and metadata intact.

• Why automate: Automation saves hours, reduces human error, and ensures consistent thumbnails so your scheduled campaigns look the same across accounts.

Troubleshooting checklist when a scheduled post shows the wrong thumbnail or link preview:

1. Clear local and CDN caches (browser, preview tool caches) and retry the preview.

2. Re-upload the thumbnail explicitly rather than relying on auto-generated images.

3. Verify metadata: confirm the og:image and og:type are correct on the landing page; refresh any cached metadata in preview tools.

4. Ensure the image MIME type and dimensions match LinkedIn’s expected values; replace images with corrected exports if necessary.

5. If scheduling via a tool, re-link the post or re-import the media to force the tool to pick up the new thumbnail.

Finally, while you fix visuals, use Blabla to keep post-level engagement intact: its AI replies and DM automation handle incoming comments and messages automatically, protect brand reputation from spam or hate, and convert social conversations into leads — so visual problems don’t derail responses or sales conversations while you correct assets.

Best practices, metrics to watch and final pre-schedule checklist

Now that we’ve addressed cropping and formatting fixes, let’s wrap up with practical composition rules, the metrics that reveal whether your image choices work, and a tight pre-schedule checklist to run before you publish or queue posts.

Actionable image and thumbnail best practices

• Composition first: keep the subject centered inside the safe area but use the rule of thirds to create visual interest. For example, place a product slightly off-center with a 15% margin so logos or CTAs won’t be cropped on mobile.

• CTAs that convert: use short, benefit-led copy on the image (3–5 words) and repeat the CTA in the caption. If you want clicks, overlay a clear verb (e.g., “Download”, “See Case Study”) and ensure it sits inside the safe area.

• Minimal on-image text: reduce reading time—use large, high-contrast type and no more than two type sizes. For text-heavy assets, export PNGs and test legibility at feed scale.

• Thumbnail design: thumbnails should read at a glance—use a bold focal subject, consistent brand treatment, and a small logo only if it won’t compete with the CTA.

• File formats and size: choose JPG for photographic images, PNG for screenshots or text overlays; keep files under your scheduler’s recommended limit (commonly 5–8 MB) and use sRGB color profile.

Which metrics to watch and how to interpret results

• Impressions: baseline visibility—if impressions drop after a format change, revisit aspect ratio and metadata.

• Click-through rate (CTR): primary indicator that thumbnails and CTAs are compelling. Low CTR with high impressions suggests weak thumbnail or CTA.

• Engagement rate (likes/comments/shares): measures resonance; higher engagement often correlates with images that spark curiosity or emotion.

• Dwell time and video plays: tells you if the image encouraged deeper reading or playback—short preview thumbnails that overpromise can reduce dwell time.

• Conversation conversions: track how many clicks or CTAs convert to messages or leads—Blabla can help capture DM-driven conversions so you can link image tests to actual lead outcomes.

Final pre-schedule checklist — one-minute pass

1. Confirm dimensions and aspect ratio match your chosen format; ensure safe-area alignment visually.

2. Verify file type, color profile (sRGB), and file size limits for your scheduler.

3. Add concise alt text and caption CTA; include UTM/tracking parameters in links.

4. Check filename conventions and metadata (no spaces, date prefix if needed).

5. Quick device preview: open a private draft on desktop and mobile or use your device emulator to scan for cropping and legibility.

6. Confirm scheduling timezone, post copy, and any pinned comments or first-comment CTAs.

7. Capture a preview screenshot for approval and monitoring after publish.

Run this checklist every time you queue posts—small checks here save lost impressions and poor CTR other tools, and the resulting data will tell you which image sizes and formats to double down on next month.

Best practices, metrics to watch and final pre-schedule checklist

Now that you’ve completed the step-by-step fixes for cropping, compression, and formatting, use the guidance below to lock in best practices, track the right metrics, and run a final pre-schedule checklist before publishing.

Best practices

• Optimize image dimensions for each platform instead of relying on automatic resizing—use the recommended width/height to avoid unexpected crops.

• Choose the right format: SVG for simple graphics, WebP or AVIF for photos where supported, and compressed PNG for images that need transparency.

• Compress images just enough to preserve quality while minimizing file size; test visually rather than relying solely on percentage targets.

• Export multiple sizes when serving responsive designs and use srcset or responsive image handling where possible.

• Include descriptive filenames and alt text to improve accessibility and SEO; captions can also boost engagement in some channels.

• Apply consistent color profiles (sRGB) and check contrast for legibility on mobile devices.

• Use a CDN and enable caching and lazy loading to improve performance for large audiences.

• Document the formats and sizes that work best for each channel so teams can reproduce them consistently.

Metrics to watch

Track these metrics to evaluate creative and delivery performance:

• Impressions / Reach: How many people saw the asset.

• Click-through rate (CTR): Effectiveness of the creative and CTA at driving clicks.

• Conversion rate / CPA: Whether clicks translate into the desired actions at an acceptable cost.

• Engagement rate: Likes, comments, shares—signals of creative resonance.

• Bounce / time on page: Post-click quality metrics that indicate landing page relevance.

• Load times / Core Web Vitals: Technical performance that affects both UX and SEO.

• A/B test results: Compare different sizes, crops, and formats to determine the best performers.

Final pre-schedule checklist

• Preview each asset on desktop and at multiple mobile breakpoints to confirm crops, legibility, and CTA placement.

• Verify file sizes and formats match the channel recommendations and that compression hasn’t introduced visible artifacts.

• Confirm alt text, captions, and descriptive filenames are present and accurate for accessibility and searchability.

• Check links, tracking parameters (UTM tags), and any pixels or tracking snippets to ensure analytics will capture performance correctly.

• Run a quick accessibility check (contrast, readable fonts, keyboard focus where applicable).

• Ensure language, localization, and date/time details are correct for the target audience and time zone.

• Schedule during the channel’s recommended windows and double-check the calendar entry for conflicts or duplicates.

• Do a final sanity check on legal requirements (disclaimers, rights, and usage notices) where applicable.

• Small checks here can prevent lost impressions and poor CTR. Use analytics and other diagnostic tools; the resulting data will tell you which image sizes and formats to double down on next month.

• Save templates and document any changes so the next campaign starts from an optimized baseline.

Following these best practices and running the checklist minimizes last-minute surprises and ensures you collect the right data to improve future creative and distribution decisions.