How to Create and Schedule LinkedIn Carousel Posts to Boost Engagement

LinkedIn Carousels are a fresh and exciting feature on the platform. They let you share interactive, visually appealing posts.

With over 1 billion users, LinkedIn is a professional space. But that doesn’t mean your content has to be dull. Carousels add a creative twist to your posts. They make your ideas more engaging and easier to digest.

There are two types: regular LinkedIn Carousels and LinkedIn PDF Carousels. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create and schedule these posts to enhance engagement on LinkedIn.

 

What Are LinkedIn Carousels?

LinkedIn Carousels are a fun and interactive way to share your ideas. They let you showcase multiple images or videos in one post. This makes your content visually appealing and easy to follow.

You can add tips, insights, or mini-tutorials on each slide. This turns your post into a valuable resource for your audience. It’s a great way to share detailed information in bite-sized pieces.

Carousels also help you repurpose existing content. For example, you can break a long blog post into smaller slides. This makes it easier for your network to learn and engage with your message.

But unfortunately, LinkedIn discontinued this feature shortly after it was released, and was replaced by the PDF carousels. Here is what LinkedIn carousel used to look like:

 

What Are LinkedIn PDF Carousels?

LinkedIn PDF Carousels are a type of carousel post that you upload as a PDF. They work like a slideshow. Each slide can include text, links, and call-to-action buttons. This gives you extra space to share valuable details.

You can use them to show your expertise or share industry insights. They let you offer tips, advice, and clear steps for your audience to follow.

With visuals and interactive elements, your content becomes more engaging and memorable.

Why Should You Consider LinkedIn Carousels?

Just like it is on most social media platforms, carousels on LinkedIn are also top performing type of posts.

They catch the eye in a text-heavy feed and invite your audience to interact. The LinkedIn algorithm counts each swipe as engagement. And more engagement means your posts get more reach.

Using carousels helps you stand out. They allow you to showcase your brand’s colors, fonts, and style, building recognition as you go. Plus, they turn complex information into bite-sized, easy-to-digest slides.

These posts are high-value yet low-effort for your audience. With a strong hook on the first slide, your viewers are compelled to swipe through the rest. This not only boosts engagement but also reinforces your authority and expertise.

And don’t forget – carousels are perfect for repurposing content. Whether it’s turning a blog post into a visual story or refreshing older LinkedIn posts, they offer endless possibilities to keep your content fresh and impactful.

Technical Specifications of LinkedIn Carousels

LinkedIn lets you create document carousels by uploading a PDF. Each page in your PDF turns into its own carousel card. Here are the key details:

Number of Cards:

You can have many cards, but 5-6 slides are ideal. This length keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them.

Image Dimensions:

You have three format options:

Square (1:1): 1080 x 1080 pixels

Portrait (4:5): 1080 x 1350 pixels

Landscape (16:9): 1280 x 720 pixels

File Size:

Your PDF can be up to 100 MB. This allows for high-quality images and detailed content.

Text in Images:

While you can include text on your images, it’s best to keep it minimal. Use the document or text fields for most of your copy. This approach improves readability and accessibility.

Visibility and Sharing:

You can share your carousels in your feed, pages, or within groups. They work well on both mobile and desktop, too.

Engagement Features:

Each carousel card can receive likes, comments, and shares. You also get analytics that show how many views and interactions each slide receives. This helps you understand what resonates with your audience.

 

How to Create a LinkedIn Carousel Post

Follow these simple steps to create a dynamic LinkedIn Carousel post:

Prepare Your Content:

Create a PDF document filled with educational content. Include any valuable insights you think might help your audience. This could include tips, statistics, or infographics. Make sure each slide is visually appealing and informative too.

Start a Post:

Log in to your LinkedIn account. Click on the “Start a post” button.

Upload Your Document:

Click on the “Document” icon at the bottom of the post box. LinkedIn supports file types like PDF, PPT, DOC, and XLS. Select your PDF document from your computer or cloud storage.

Arrange Your Slides:

Once uploaded, your PDF will appear as a carousel with multiple slides. You can rearrange the order by simply dragging and dropping each slide.

Add a Caption:

Write a caption that highlights the key takeaways from your document. Include relevant hashtags to extend your reach. You can also tag relevant people or companies to increase your post’s visibility and engagement.

Share Your Post:

Click “Post” to publish your LinkedIn Carousel with your network.

 

How to Schedule a LinkedIn Carousel

If you’re already using OnlySocial for your social media marketing, we have great news! You can now post and schedule LinkedIn PDF carousels alongside your other social posts. Here’s how to get started:

Log in or Sign Up:

Log in to your OnlySocial account. If you’re new, create an account right away.

Connect Your LinkedIn Account:

Click on ‘Social Accounts’ in the sidebar and then ‘Add Account’. Select LinkedIn and follow the prompts to connect your LinkedIn profile or page.

Create Your Carousel Post:

Tap on Create Post at the top left corner. Select your LinkedIn profile and begin creating your post.
Click on Add Document to upload your PDF, PPT, or DOC file for the carousel.

Write the Description:

Add a descriptive and engaging caption. The title you give your file will appear on LinkedIn, so make it count!

Schedule Your Carousel:

Once you’re happy with your post, click on ‘Pick Time’ at the bottom of the page. Choose your preferred date and time from the calendar.

Finally, click ‘Schedule’ to set your post live.

 

12 LinkedIn Carousel Post Ideas

Here are some ideas to boost your engagement using carousel posts. Let’s dive into the first four:

Share News Related to Your Industry

Keep your network informed with the latest industry news. Use each slide to highlight different headlines or key points.

This not only shows you are on top of trends, but it also builds your reputation as a trusted source. Use clear visuals and concise text to make the news easy to digest.

See how Girl Power Marketing uses this idea to share important social media updates that could help their audience.

Educate Your Audience

Create educational content that adds value to your followers. Break down complex topics into simple steps or tips over multiple slides.

This can be a mini-guide, how-to tips, or industry best practices. When your audience learns something new, they are more likely to engage and share your content.

Create a Mini Portfolio

If you are a service provider, you can use the LinkedIn carousel to showcase your best work. Use each slide to feature a different project or case study.

This is an excellent way to build credibility and attract new clients. Include images, short descriptions, and key results to give your audience a quick snapshot of your expertise.

See how Sherwin-Williams use this:

Share Interesting Information and Facts

Curate a collection of fun facts, statistics, or insights related to your field. Each slide can highlight a different piece of information.

This type of content is both informative and engaging. It encourages your audience to swipe through and learn something new, sparking conversations and shares.

Below is how Mad Over Marketing shares an interesting fact about how Heinz is fighting ketchup fraud with a genius hack, ‘The Label of Truth.’

 

Turn Complex Data into Easily Digestible Frames

Break down dense information into clear, visual slides. Use charts, graphs, or simple infographics to make statistics and data easy to understand.

This helps your audience grasp complex ideas quickly and keeps them engaged.

Share a Tutorial

Create a step-by-step guide on a topic relevant to your industry. Each slide can represent a different step or tip. This format makes learning easy and interactive, and it positions you as a go-to expert in your field.

Canva knows their product has a ton of features, so sharing tutorials as carousels helps quickly teach users something new and keeps people using their product.

Promote an Event

Use a carousel to build excitement around an upcoming event. Highlight key details like date, time, speakers, or agenda items on separate slides. This not only informs your audience but also encourages them to register or attend.

Showcase Your Products or Services

Display your offerings with clear visuals and brief descriptions. Each slide can feature a different product or service, along with benefits and customer testimonials. This approach helps potential clients see the value you provide in an engaging way.

 

Share Collaborative Content

Team up with other experts or brands and create carousel posts that showcase your joint efforts. This not only broadens your reach but also builds credibility through shared expertise.

In this post, Ryan Musselman collaborates with Richard van der Blom to share insights on how to create a LinkedIn banner that positions you as an expert and attracts your ideal customers.

 

Spotlight Members of Your Audience or Community

Celebrate your community by featuring success stories or testimonials. Passionfroot showcases the work of various creators in their “Creator Gallery.”

This not only highlights the creators’ specialties but also provides them with potential sponsorship opportunities.

 

Share Research

Present findings from recent studies or surveys relevant to your field. Break down the research into key points.

Plus, you can use that to get people on your email list. Just link to a landing page for them to download the full report.

Quote an Interview

Repurpose a podcast episode or YouTube video into LinkedIn carousel slides. Or, take an existing interview from somewhere else and create a carousel with your key takeaways.

Just be sure to ask permission first from the copyright owner before sharing a post with their content in it.

 

 

Best Practices for Creating LinkedIn Carousel Posts

Creating a compelling carousel is all about clarity and consistency. Let’s show you some best practices to help you craft posts that stand out:

• Make Your Carousel Easy to Consume:
  Keep each slide clean and straightforward. Use short sentences and clear visuals. Avoid clutter so that your message comes through at a glance.
• Tell a Story:
  Think of your carousel as a mini-narrative. Start with a strong hook, build a story, and end with a clear conclusion. This keeps your audience engaged from the first slide to the last.
• Maintain Consistent Visual Branding:
  Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and design elements throughout the carousel. Consistency not only makes your post look professional but also strengthens your brand identity.
• Include a Clear CTA:
  Guide your audience on what to do next. Whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or commenting on the post, a direct call-to-action helps drive engagement.
• Optimize for Mobile Viewing:
  Many users view LinkedIn on their phones. Make sure your text is legible and visuals are clear on smaller screens. Test your carousel on mobile to ensure it looks great everywhere.

 

Final Note

LinkedIn carousels are a powerful tool to boost engagement and showcase your expertise. They capture attention, drive interaction, and help you stand out in a busy professional feed.

Now that you know how to create and schedule these posts, it’s time to put your skills to work. Start designing your carousel and watch your engagement grow!