Why cross-post from Instagram to LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is rapidly embracing visual and video content, making it a natural destination for your best Instagram posts. Not all Instagram content belongs on LinkedIn—but behind-the-scenes business posts, educational Reels, and industry insights translate beautifully. The key is adapting your tone from casual to professional.
Instagram Specs
- Caption limit
- 2,200 chars
- Max hashtags
- 8
- Aspect ratios
- 1:1, 4:5, 9:16
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 3 min
- Max file size
- 100 MB
- Best times
- 11 AM - 1 PM, 5-7 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
Instagram Specs
- Caption limit
- 2,200 chars
- Max hashtags
- 8
- Aspect ratios
- 1:1, 4:5, 9:16
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 3 min
- Max file size
- 100 MB
- Best times
- 11 AM - 1 PM, 5-7 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
LinkedIn Specs
- Caption limit
- 3,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 5
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 1:1
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4
- Max video length
- 10 min
- Max file size
- 200 MB
- Best times
- 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, 5-6 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
How to cross-post from Instagram to LinkedIn
- 1
Choose business-relevant Instagram content
Select Reels or posts about industry insights, business updates, career advice, or professional tips. Skip personal lifestyle content.
- 2
Download and remove any Instagram branding
Save your content without Instagram watermarks or overlays for a professional look.
- 3
Rewrite your caption professionally
Replace Instagram's casual, emoji-heavy tone with insightful, professional commentary. LinkedIn allows 3,000 characters—use them for value.
- 4
Add professional hashtags
Replace Instagram hashtags (#aesthetic, #inspo) with LinkedIn ones (#Marketing, #Leadership, #ContentStrategy). Use 3-5 targeted tags.
- 5
Post during business hours
Instagram peaks at lunch and evenings. LinkedIn peaks at 8-10 AM and 12-2 PM on weekdays.
Formatting tips for Instagram to LinkedIn
Professional tone is required
Instagram captions use emojis and casual language. LinkedIn expects insights, data, and professional commentary.
LinkedIn allows 3,000 characters
More than Instagram's 2,200. Use the extra space for professional context, data points, and your expert take.
Video performs well on LinkedIn
LinkedIn native video gets 5x more engagement than text posts. Upload Reels directly for maximum reach.
Common mistakes to avoid
Posting casual Instagram content on LinkedIn
Only cross-post content that adds professional value. Behind-the-scenes, industry tips, and business insights work. Lifestyle content does not.
Using Instagram tone on LinkedIn
Rewrite captions. "Living my best life" becomes "Here is what I learned about work-life balance this quarter."
Posting at Instagram times
LinkedIn engagement happens during business hours. Post at 8-10 AM or 12-2 PM on weekdays, not evenings and weekends.
Pro Tip
Start your LinkedIn caption with a bold statement or surprising statistic. LinkedIn users scroll quickly and the first line determines whether they click "see more." This is different from Instagram where the visual stops the scroll.
Frequently asked questions
Should I post my Instagram Reels on LinkedIn?
Yes, if they are professional, educational, or business-related. LinkedIn is embracing video content. Skip lifestyle and entertainment Reels.
What is the video length limit on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn supports videos from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Most Instagram Reels (up to 90 seconds) fit easily.
Do hashtags work on LinkedIn?
Yes, but differently than Instagram. Use 3-5 professional, industry-specific hashtags. LinkedIn hashtags help categorize content for the right audience.
