Introduction
LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professionals looking to network, share insights, and grow their businesses. But with the ever-changing landscape of social media, you might be wondering: how long should a LinkedIn post be? 🤔
As a LinkedIn marketing strategist, I’ve seen firsthand how post length can make or break engagement. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science behind LinkedIn post lengths, explore the ideal lengths for different types of posts, and share some tips to help you maximize your impact on the platform.
The Science Behind LinkedIn Post Lengths
We’re living in the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels, where short-form content reigns supreme. You might think this trend applies to all social platforms, but LinkedIn is a different beast altogether.
Unlike Facebook, where posts perform best at 40-80 characters, or Twitter, where the sweet spot is 240-259 characters, LinkedIn’s audience craves substance and value. Why? Because LinkedIn is the playground for professionals, decision-makers, and business owners.
Here’s a little secret I’ve learned over the years: 80% of B2B social media leads come from LinkedIn. And more than half of LinkedIn users are high-income earners. These folks aren’t just scrolling mindlessly – they’re actively seeking valuable content that can help them in their careers or businesses.
What’s the Ideal Length for a LinkedIn Post?
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter. How long should your LinkedIn posts be?
Based on my research and experience, successful LinkedIn posts typically fall into two categories:
- Long-form posts: 1,300 to 2,000 characters
- Short-form posts: 150 to 300 characters
But here’s the kicker – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal length depends on various factors, including your topic, audience, and content type.
For instance, I once worked with a tech startup that saw great engagement with longer, in-depth posts about industry trends. On the flip side, a motivational speaker I collaborated with found that short, punchy posts resonated better with their audience.
Types of LinkedIn Posts and Their Ideal Length
Feed Posts
Feed posts are your bread and butter on LinkedIn. They can be short and snappy or long and detailed stories.
• Short posts: 1-3 sentences
• Longer posts: 200-400 words
I once helped a client generate nearly $200,000 for their copywriting business using a mix of these post types. The key was providing value in every post, regardless of length.
Carousel Posts
Carousel posts are a great way to share multiple images or slides. For these, keep your introductory text short and sweet.
• Aim for 100 characters or less
The goal here is to entice readers to swipe through your carousel. Let the slides do the talking!
LinkedIn Articles
LinkedIn articles are your opportunity to dive deep into a topic. They’re like blog posts, but published directly on LinkedIn.
• Ideal length: 1,900 to 2,200 words
Remember, quality trumps quantity. I’ve seen articles with half this word count perform exceptionally well because they provided unique insights or data.
Pay Attention to the “See more…” Cutoff
Here’s a pro tip: focus on the first 200 characters of your post. Why? Because that’s what users see before they have to click "See more…"
This is your hook – your chance to grab attention and encourage engagement. The LinkedIn algorithm loves it when users click to expand posts, so make those first 200 characters count!
Quality over Quantity. Always!
Let me be clear: length isn’t everything. I’ve seen 3,000-character posts flop and 100-character posts go viral. The key is providing value.
Ask yourself:
• Is this information useful to my audience?
• Am I offering unique insights?
• Does this post encourage engagement?
If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you’re on the right track, regardless of post length.
Test and Measure Post Lengths
Here’s my final piece of advice: experiment and analyze. What works for one person might not work for another.
Try different post lengths and types. Track your engagement metrics – impressions, likes, comments, shares. Use this data to refine your strategy.
Remember, LinkedIn is a platform for professionals. Your goal should be to create content that resonates with your followers and encourages them to share it with their networks.
FAQs
1. Is it better to write long or short posts on LinkedIn?
Both can be effective. Long posts (1,300-2,000 characters) allow for in-depth discussions, while short posts (150-300 characters) can deliver quick, impactful messages. Test both to see what resonates with your audience.
2. How many characters can a LinkedIn post be?
LinkedIn allows up to 3,000 characters for regular posts. However, the ideal length is typically between 1,300-2,000 characters for longer posts.
3. How do I make my LinkedIn posts more engaging?
Focus on providing value, use an attention-grabbing first line, include relevant hashtags, and encourage discussion through questions or calls-to-action.
4. Should I use images or videos in my LinkedIn posts?
Yes! Visual content can significantly boost engagement. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors native video content, so consider incorporating this into your strategy.
5. How often should I post on LinkedIn?
Consistency is key. Aim for 2-5 posts per week, but prioritize quality over quantity. It’s better to post less frequently with high-quality content than to post daily with subpar content.
6. Can I repurpose my blog content for LinkedIn posts?
Absolutely! Repurposing blog content for LinkedIn can be an effective strategy. However, make sure to adapt the content to suit LinkedIn’s format and audience.