The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn Article Cover Images
Articles are a powerful way to demonstrate thought leadership on LinkedIn. Don't let a pixelated or cropped cover image ruin your credibility.
While short-form posts are great for engagement, LinkedIn Articles are where you build deep authority. But unlike standard posts, the visual real estate for Articles is different.
The Magic Numbers for 2026
The recommended size for a LinkedIn Article cover image is 1280 x 720 pixels. This is a 16:9 aspect ratio.
However, it's not just about the size. It's about how it displays across devices. On mobile, the sides may get cropped, or the title might overlay part of the image depending on the view (feed vs. article view).
Design Tips for High CTR
- Center your focal point: Keep the most important visual elements in the middle 60% of the image to avoid cropping issues.
- Minimal Text: The article headline appears right below the image. Avoid repeating the headline in the image itself unless it's a very short, punchy version.
- Contrast: Use high-contrast imagery that stands out against LinkedIn's white and gray interface.
Why guess? Use our LinkedIn Article Simulator to test your image before you publish. It shows you exactly how the header will look.
Articles vs. Document Posts
Don't confuse Articles with PDF Carousels (Document posts). They serve different purposes.
- Articles: SEO-indexed, long-form, good for newsletters.
- PDF Carousels: Swipeable slides, high engagement in the feed. (See our guide on PDF Carousel Specs).
Final Checklist
- Is the file size under 10MB?
- Is the format JPG or PNG?
- Does the image look good when resized to a small thumbnail in the "Recently Published" section?
For general LinkedIn posting tips, verify your content with our Perfect LinkedIn Post guide.
Preview Your Article Header
Ensure your thought leadership looks professional on all devices.
Open Article Simulator