This article gives you everything you need to know to understand how to post a carousel on Linkedin. This article also walks you through how to create a Linkedin carousel step-by-step.
The best part is - I'm giving you a free Linkedin carousel canva template for your next posts.
Why are Linkedin carousel posts important?
The fact is:
Linkedin carousel posts get the most reach & impressions on Linkedin.
Why?
Because the Linkedin algorithm likes "dwell time".
Dwell time is like YouTube's "watch time".
The longer a reader spends on your posts - the more the Linkedin algorithm will push your posts to others in the Linkedin feed.
Because all social media algorithms have 1 goal:
Keep users on the platform as long as possible.
Carousel posts keep people swiping and reading in the Linkedin feed for longer.
The proof is in the stats:
These are the rankings of which post types get the most reach on Linkedin:
(according to data from JustConnecting Linkedin Algorithm Insights in 2024)
- Carousels/document posts (1.6x the median reach)
- Text + image (1.26x the average reach)
- Video (1.21x times the median reach)
- Text (1.17x the median reach)
Carousel posts beat every other post type by far.
If you want:
- more leads
- more impressions
- more engagement
Then adding Linkedin carousel posts to your content strategy is a no-brainer.
By the end of this article you'll discover:
- What is a Linkedin carousel post
- 5 linkedin carousel examples (& tips)
- Linkedin carousel size recommendation
- How to create a carousel document in canva
- How to post a carousel on Linkedin (2 methods)
- How many slides should you include in a Linkedin carousel
- What to include in your carousel posts for more engagement
Here’s how to create Linkedin carousel posts that get you impressions, engagement, and leads:
Click here to get more leads & impressions with my FREE Linkedin carousel template.
What is a Linkedin carousel post?
A Linkedin carousel is a collection of images that readers swipe through. Instagram has carousels too, but they work differently on Linkedin.
On Instagram - you upload multiple images and your post automatically becomes a carousel.
On Linkedin - you need to upload your carousel as a PDF document to publish it as a swipeable carousel post.
And - the sizes for a Linkedin carousel post vs an Instagram carousel post are different...
Linkedin carousel size recommendation
The best Linkedin carousel post size is 1080 x 1350.
Why?
Because this size covers more of the screen on mobile.
And it gives you more space to write your slides.
This means it's easier to:
- grab attention
- increase dwell time
- stop people scrolling past
(57% of Linkedin traffic comes from mobile devices - you should always design for mobile first)
You also have a less effective, second option:
A Linkedin carousel post size of 1080 x 1080 works too.
Here's the only reason I'd suggest using this size over the other:
Using this square size makes sense if you're crossposting your carousel posts to Linkedin and Instagram because it works on both platforms.
How many slides should you include in a Linkedin carousel?
(according to data from JustConnecting Linkedin Algorithm Insights in 2024)
The data shows the best number of slides in a Linkedin Carousel Post is about 12.4.
Too many or too few slides can lower your carousel's reach:
- Using fewer than 5 slides can lead to a 35% decrease in reach
- Using between 5 to 10 slides can lead to a 15% decrease in reach
- Using 20 to 50 slides can cause a 25% drop in engagement
- Using 50 to 200 slides can lead to a 45% decrease in reach
12 slides is the sweet spot.
10 - 15 slides is the range you should aim for.
But, that's not all:
The carousel post's text length affects your reach too:
- Use less than 500 characters to achieve the best results
- Each added 500 characters can lead to a 10% loss in reach
What to include in your Linkedin carousel posts for more engagement
This Linkedin carousel framework helps you make carousel posts that get more views and engagement.
- Cover + hook:
- Communicate the benefit to the reader
- Make it relevant to your expertise
- Promise a result
- Context + proof:
- Why should the reader keep swiping? What will they get?
- Why are you qualified to speak on this topic? What results have you achieved?
- Breakdown/steps:
- Focus on 1 step per slide
- Keep your slides brief
- Bonus tips or recap:
- Recap the main steps
- Add a bonus tip
- Next steps/CTA:
- What should they do next?
- Ask for a follow, opt-in, comment or DM
Click here to get more leads & impressions with my FREE Linkedin carousel template.
How to create a Linkedin carousel in canva
Skip the hard parts of creating your Linkedin carousel posts by clicking here to download my free Linkedin carousel template.
1. Create a canva account
2. Create a new design using the size: 1080 x 1350
3. Add your branding and title to your cover image
I change my background colour and add a profile photo on the bottom left in my Linkedin carousels.
I also add my name and occupation next to my profile photo.
Then I add a swipe left button to the bottom right.
If you're not a designer - keep it simple.
The more you add - the worse your Linkedin carousels will look.
4. Duplicate your slides and add your content
5. Add your CTA slide
6. Download as PDF standard
Click here to get more leads & impressions with my FREE Linkedin carousel template.
How to post a carousel on Linkedin (2 methods)
How to post a carousel on Linkedin using desktop:
1. Click Start a post at the top of your Linkedin homepage.
2. Write your content where it says "Share your thoughts..."
3. Add a document by clicking the + icon then the file icon
- Click "choose file" and select your document
4. Select who you want to share the post with
5. Click your name to choose the profile you wanna post as (useful if you wanna post from your Linkedin company page)
6. Click Post.
Warning: If you don't see the "start a post" box, scroll to the top of your feed.
How to post a carousel on Linkedin using mobile app:
1. Tap Post at the bottom of the app to share a post.
2. Write your content where it says "Share your thoughts..."
3. Add a document by clicking the + icon then the file icon
- Select your document from your phone
4. Select who you want to share the post with.
5. Click your name to choose the profile you wanna post as (useful if you wanna post from your Linkedin company page)
6. Click Post.
How to post a carousel on Linkedin the easy way
I use AuthoredUp to write, collect, analyse and schedule all my Linkedin posts.
This is how I use AuthoredUp to post my Linkedin carousel posts the easy way.
2. Create a post in the editor of AuthoredUp
3. Click "continue on Linkedin"
4. Upload Linkedin carousel PDF file
5. Click post
Click here to get more leads & impressions with my FREE Linkedin carousel template.
5 linkedin carousel examples (& tips)
Share common mistakes & fixes
Sharing mistakes and showing how to fix those mistakes works well in Linkedin carousel posts.
- Mistakes vs fixes
- Before & after
- Good vs bad
These are simple to make and give your readers tons of value they can use fast.
Example: 5 writing mistakes that kill your engagement (and how to fix them)
Showcase the value of your service
Showing why your service is valuable is key to getting more leads.
These carousel posts show examples and results proving their service is valuable.
Example: How I use content to attract leads on auto-pilot
Borrow authority to prove your point
Borrowing authority is a great way to get more impressions and trust when starting out.
You show examples of how successful people or authority figures in your industry got a benefit your target audience wants.
Example: 6 ways the best Linkedin writers create content to get leads
Share lessons you've learned
Sharing lessons you've learned from your experience is an easy win.
Easy to create and you're giving actionable information to the reader.
Example: 5 lessons I learned from creating 3009+ videos over 13 years.
Share a step-by-step guide
A step-by-step guide helps you showcase your expertise while solving a specific problem.
In-depth content like this builds trust in your abilities.
Example: How I write Linkedin posts in less than 20 minutes (step-by-step guide)
Share a list of tips
Sharing tips related to one topic is similar to step-by-step instructions but each step is disconnected.
This is perfect for lists or general advice around a topic.
Example: 4 ways I find unlimited content ideas
Linkedin carousels are an effective way to grow on Linkedin and get more leads.
This article gave you everything you need to start creating and posting your Linkedin carousels but...
There's an easier way:
