
LinkedIn carousels are one of the most engaging content formats on the platformโand they're easier to create than you think. Whether you're sharing educational tips, case studies, or industry insights, this guide will walk you through exactly how to post a carousel on LinkedIn in just a few minutes.
TL;DR: To post a carousel on LinkedIn, create a PDF with 3-10 pages, click "Start a post," select "Document," upload your PDF, add a caption, and publish. Desktop and mobile both work, though desktop offers more control.
A LinkedIn carousel is a multi-page, swipeable content format that lets viewers scroll through your content one page at a time. Unlike a single image or video post, carousels keep users engaged longer because they have to interact with your content to see all the pages.
Before you upload anything to LinkedIn, you need to create your carousel as a PDF file. Here's what you need to know:
Tools to create your carousel:
In the post creation window, you'll see several options:
The "Document" option is what LinkedIn uses for carousels.
Pro tip: LinkedIn will show you a preview of how your carousel looks. Check that all pages are visible and properly formatted before proceeding.
Once your PDF is uploaded, you'll see:
Title field โ This appears at the top of your carousel. Make it compelling and include your main keyword if possible.
Example: "10 LinkedIn Carousel Tips That Boost Engagement by 300%"
Caption field โ This is where you add context, a call-to-action, or hashtags.
Example: "Swipe through to discover the carousel formats that actually work on LinkedIn ๐ #LinkedIn #ContentMarketing"
Caption best practices:
LinkedIn will notify your followers, and your carousel will appear in their feeds.
The mobile process is nearly identical, but with a few differences:
Mobile limitation: The preview might look different on mobile than on desktop. Always check how your carousel appears on both devices before publishing.
Your first page is crucial. Make it visually striking and include a benefit or question that makes people want to swipe.
โ Bad: "LinkedIn Tips"
โ
Good: "3 Carousel Tricks That Increased My Engagement 400%"
Keep the same colors, fonts, and logo on every page. This builds recognition and looks more professional.
LinkedIn carousels are viewed on mobile, so text needs to be BIG. Aim for at least 24pt font size.
Don't cram too much information on a single page. Each page should focus on one concept or tip.
Your last page should direct viewers to take action:
Include icons, charts, images, or illustrations. Text-only carousels get less engagement.
LinkedIn engagement peaks on Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 AM in your audience's timezone. Schedule accordingly.
Reply to comments within the first hour. This signals to LinkedIn's algorithm that your post is generating conversation, boosting its reach.
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Too many pages (15+) | Users get bored and stop swiping | Keep it to 3-10 pages |
| Tiny text | Mobile users can't read it | Use 24pt+ font size |
| Poor first page | People don't swipe if the hook isn't strong | Make page 1 visually compelling |
| No CTA | Viewers don't know what to do next | End with a clear call-to-action |
| Inconsistent branding | Looks unprofessional | Use the same colors and fonts throughout |
| Uploading as image instead of PDF | LinkedIn treats it as a single image | Always use the "Document" option |
Creating a carousel from scratch takes timeโdesigning each page, ensuring consistent branding, optimizing dimensions, exporting as PDF. That's where Lumeo comes in.
Lumeo lets you:
Instead of spending 30 minutes designing in Canva or PowerPoint, you can create a polished carousel in under 5 minutes with Lumeo.
Q: Can I post a carousel on LinkedIn from my phone?
A: Yes, but it's easier on desktop. The mobile app works, but you'll have less control over formatting and preview.
Q: What's the maximum number of pages in a LinkedIn carousel?
A: LinkedIn allows up to 10 pages per carousel. Anything beyond that won't upload.
Q: Can I edit a carousel after posting it?
A: No, you can't edit the carousel itself. You'd need to delete and repost it. This is why it's important to proofread before publishing.
Q: What file formats does LinkedIn accept for carousels?
A: Only PDF files. PowerPoint, Word, or image files won't work for the carousel format.
Q: How long does it take for a carousel to appear after posting?
A: Usually instantly, but it may take a few seconds for LinkedIn to process and display it in feeds.
Q: Do carousels get more engagement than regular posts?
A: Yes. LinkedIn's data shows carousels typically get 3-5x more engagement than single-image posts because they're interactive.
Q: Can I add links inside a carousel?
A: No, you can't add clickable links within the carousel pages themselves. Add your CTA in the caption instead.
Q: What's the ideal carousel length?
A: 5-7 pages is the sweet spot. Long enough to provide value, short enough to keep people engaged.