How to Compress Video for LinkedIn: Upload Specs & Free Tools (2026)

Nothing kills your LinkedIn post momentum faster than a "file too large" error or watching your carefully edited video fail to upload. With over 1 billion users on LinkedIn, video content gets 5x more engagement than static posts, but only if you can actually upload it.

The problem? Most videos from your phone or camera are way too large for LinkedIn's limits. A two-minute 4K video from your iPhone can easily hit 800MB or more, and if you're recording screen tutorials or webinars, file sizes balloon even faster.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about compressing videos for LinkedIn without turning them into pixelated messes.

LinkedIn Video Requirements at a Glance

Before you start compressing, here's what LinkedIn actually accepts:

Specification	Requirement
Maximum file size	5GB
Maximum duration (feed)	10 minutes
Maximum duration (ads)	15 minutes
Maximum resolution	4096 x 2304 pixels
Minimum resolution	256 x 144 pixels
Recommended formats	MP4 (H.264 codec)
Audio codec	AAC
Aspect ratios	1:2.4 to 2.4:1 (vertical to horizontal)
Frame rates	30 fps or less recommended

The 5GB limit sounds generous until you realize that most 4K videos hit that ceiling in under 10 minutes of footage. Even 1080p recordings from modern cameras can push 400-600MB per minute with default settings.

Personal Profile vs Company Page Differences

LinkedIn treats video uploads slightly differently depending on where you're posting:

Personal profiles get the standard 10-minute limit for native video posts. These videos autoplay in the feed (muted by default), making the first few seconds critical for grabbing attention.

Company pages follow the same 10-minute rule, but you get access to LinkedIn Live streaming if your page has at least 150 followers. Live streams can run longer, but the archived video still needs to meet the 5GB limit.

LinkedIn Ads allow up to 15 minutes and support both sponsored content and direct sponsored videos. The same 5GB cap applies, but you get stricter format requirements for ad campaigns.

Why Your Videos Are Too Large

Most compression issues come down to three factors:

Resolution bloat is the biggest culprit. Recording in 4K (3840 x 2160) creates gorgeous footage, but LinkedIn displays most videos at 1080p or lower depending on the viewer's device and connection. You're uploading four times the data for minimal visual improvement.

Frame rate excess compounds the problem. Many phones record at 60fps by default, which is great for slow-motion effects but overkill for talking-head videos or presentations. LinkedIn recommends 30fps, and most viewers won't notice the difference.

Codec inefficiency wastes space. Older codecs like MPEG-2 or uncompressed formats can create files 5-10x larger than modern H.264 encoding with identical visual quality.

Best Compression Settings for LinkedIn

After testing dozens of videos across different content types, here are the sweet spot settings that balance quality and file size:

For standard talking-head videos and presentations:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
• Frame rate: 30 fps
• Bitrate: 5-8 Mbps (variable bitrate)
• Codec: H.264 (High profile)
• Audio: AAC, 128 kbps, 44.1 kHz

This configuration gives you roughly 2-4GB for a full 10-minute video with excellent quality. Most viewers won't distinguish this from the original 4K source when watching on LinkedIn's player.

For product demos with detailed graphics:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Frame rate: 30 fps
• Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
• Codec: H.264 (High profile)
• Audio: AAC, 192 kbps

The higher bitrate preserves text clarity and fine details during screen recordings or product close-ups.

For vertical mobile-first content:

• Resolution: 1080 x 1920 (9:16 aspect ratio)
• Frame rate: 30 fps
• Bitrate: 5-8 Mbps
• Codec: H.264
• Audio: AAC, 128 kbps

Vertical videos take up more screen space on mobile devices and can boost engagement, but they compress to smaller file sizes than horizontal footage at the same quality settings.

How to Compress Videos for LinkedIn

Method 1: HandBrake (Free, Windows/Mac/Linux)

HandBrake is the go-to free compression tool that handles virtually any video format. Here's the step-by-step:

1. Download HandBrake from handbrake.fr and install it
2. Drag your video file into the HandBrake window
3. Choose the "Fast 1080p30" preset from the preset list
4. Under the "Video" tab, set quality to RF 23 (lower numbers = higher quality, larger files)
5. Check that Format is set to MP4 and Video Codec is H.264
6. Click "Start Encode" at the top

The RF 23 setting typically cuts file sizes by 50-70% while maintaining great visual quality. If you're still over 5GB, try RF 25 or RF 27.

Pro tip: For longer videos, use the two-pass encoding option under Video settings. It takes twice as long but produces better quality at the same file size.

Method 2: FFmpeg (Command Line, All Platforms)

If you're comfortable with terminal commands, FFmpeg offers the most control:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -preset slow -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 128k -vf scale=1920:1080 -r 30 output.mp4

Breaking down this command:

• -c:v libx264: Use H.264 video codec
• -preset slow: Better compression (worth the extra time)
• -crf 23: Quality setting (18-28 range, lower = better)
• -c:a aac -b:a 128k: AAC audio at 128 kbps
• -vf scale=1920:1080: Resize to 1080p
• -r 30: Set frame rate to 30 fps

FFmpeg is installed by default on most Linux systems. Mac users can install it via Homebrew (brew install ffmpeg), and Windows users can download binaries from ffmpeg.org.

Method 3: Compresto (Mac Only, Drag-and-Drop Simple)

If you're on a Mac and want zero hassle, Compresto handles video compression in literally three clicks:

1. Drag your video into Compresto
2. Select "LinkedIn" from the preset options
3. Click compress

Compresto automatically applies optimal settings for LinkedIn (1080p, 30fps, H.264, proper bitrate) and typically finishes in under a minute thanks to hardware acceleration. It shows you the exact file size reduction before processing, so you know if you'll hit LinkedIn's limits.

The app handles batch compression too, which is perfect if you're preparing multiple videos for a content series.

Method 4: Online Compressors (Quick but Limited)

Tools like CloudConvert, FreeConvert, or Clideo work in your browser without installing software. Upload your video, choose MP4 output with reduced quality, and download the compressed version.

The catch: Most free tiers cap uploads at 1GB, processing is slower than local tools, and you're uploading potentially sensitive business content to third-party servers. Use these for quick fixes, not regular workflows.

Compression Troubleshooting

Video looks pixelated or blocky: You compressed too aggressively. Raise the quality setting (lower CRF value in FFmpeg, higher quality slider in HandBrake) and re-encode.

Audio is out of sync: This usually happens when changing frame rates. Make sure your compression settings preserve the original frame rate, or use proper frame rate conversion filters.

File is still too large: Try these in order:

1. Drop resolution to 720p (1280 x 720)
2. Reduce bitrate to 3-5 Mbps
3. Trim unnecessary footage from the beginning or end
4. Split long videos into a series of shorter posts

Colors look washed out: LinkedIn converts everything to standard RGB (sRGB). If you're uploading HDR or log-format video, convert to sRGB color space during compression using your video editor or FFmpeg's color filters.

Maximizing Engagement with Compressed Videos

Getting your video to upload is only half the battle. LinkedIn's algorithm favors videos that keep people watching:

Hook viewers in 3 seconds. LinkedIn autoplays videos muted, so the first frame needs to grab attention visually. Use text overlays, interesting visuals, or action shots rather than starting with a static title card.

Add captions. 85% of LinkedIn videos are watched without sound. Burned-in captions (embedded in the video itself) or LinkedIn's auto-generated captions keep viewers engaged even when they can't play audio.

Optimize for square or vertical. While LinkedIn supports widescreen, square (1:1) and vertical (9:16) formats take up more screen real estate on mobile feeds and stop the scroll more effectively.

Keep it under 2 minutes for feed posts. Yes, LinkedIn allows 10 minutes, but videos under 90 seconds see 200% more engagement. Save long-form content for LinkedIn Live or YouTube embeds.

Post during business hours. LinkedIn traffic peaks Tuesday through Thursday, 8am-2pm local time. Schedule video posts for these windows to maximize initial engagement.

LinkedIn Live and Video Requirements

If you're streaming live content, the requirements shift slightly:

• Minimum bitrate: 3 Mbps upload speed
• Recommended bitrate: 5-8 Mbps
• Resolution: 720p minimum, 1080p recommended
• Frame rate: 30 fps (60 fps supported but not recommended)
• Audio: 128 kbps AAC

LinkedIn Live doesn't count against the 5GB limit during streaming, but the archived replay needs to fit within standard video limits. Most streaming software (OBS, Streamyard, Restream) has LinkedIn-specific presets that handle these settings automatically.

Should You Upload 4K to LinkedIn?

Short answer: No, unless you're showcasing extremely detailed visual work.

LinkedIn's video player doesn't support true 4K playback for most users. Even if you upload 4K content, the platform typically serves 1080p or lower based on the viewer's device and connection speed. You're using up your 5GB allowance without giving viewers better quality.

The only exception: If you're a filmmaker, photographer, or designer sharing portfolio work where extreme detail matters, 4K justifies the larger file size. For business content, presentations, interviews, or thought leadership videos, 1080p is the ceiling worth targeting.

Related Resources

Looking to compress videos for other platforms? Check out our complete guide on how to compress videos for social media, which covers Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook requirements.

If you're worried about losing quality during compression, our guide on how to compress video without losing quality dives deep into codec settings and quality preservation techniques.

Final Thoughts

Compressing videos for LinkedIn doesn't require expensive software or technical expertise. The key is understanding LinkedIn's actual requirements (5GB, 10 minutes, MP4/H.264) and using appropriate settings for your content type.

For most business videos, 1080p at 30fps with 5-8 Mbps bitrate gives you the best balance of quality and file size. Tools like HandBrake and FFmpeg handle compression for free, while apps like Compresto streamline the process if you're on a Mac.

The real test isn't whether your video uploads, it's whether people watch it. Spend less time obsessing over compression settings and more time on that critical first 3 seconds, clear captions, and delivering value fast. LinkedIn's algorithm rewards engagement, not pixel perfection.

Now stop reading and start compressing. Your next LinkedIn video post is waiting.