If you’ve ever scrolled through LinkedIn and noticed yourself stopping on a certain post with an image, there’s a reason for that. Evidence shows that LinkedIn posts with images consistently get higher engagement than text-only posts.
How much more engagement, you ask? Well, studies and LinkedIn’s own data suggest that posts with visuals can get anywhere from 2 to 3 times more, with some marketers reporting an even bigger jump depending on the audience and industry.
If you’re not adding images to your LinkedIn strategy, you’re missing out on valuable visibility and new connections.
Why does this work so well and more importantly, how can you use it to your advantage?
WHY IMAGES BOOST LINKEDIN ENGAGEMENT
Humans are visual beings. Our brains process visuals about 60,000 times faster than text, meaning that when someone is quickly scrolling, an image has a much higher chance of grabbing their attention before the text even registers.
On LinkedIn specifically, adding images does a few things:
- Stops them scrolling: an eye-catching, high-quality image pulls the initial focus before your words even start working.
- Boosts algorithmic reach: LinkedIn’s algorithm favours content that gets early engagement, and we know from this blog that images increase the odds of getting likes, comments or shares in those crucial first few hours.
- Improves memory retention: people remember posts better when they have a strong visual component, so your brand will stick in their mind.
WHAT KIND OF IMAGES WORK BEST ON LINKEDIN?
Just slapping on a random stock photo won’t cut it. The type of image matters- a lot!
- Branded Graphics: use your brand colours, fonts and logo subtly in images.
- Infographics and Data Visuals: if you’re sharing insights, share them visually with a short, digestible chart or statistic graphic.
- Behind-the-Scenes Photos: show your team, workspace or product in action.
- Before-and-After Shots: perfect for case studies, product demos or project updates.
- Event and Speaking Engagement Photos: sharing pictures from conferences or panels signals credibility and authority in your industry.
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LINKEDIN POST IMAGES STAND OUT
- Use high-resolution images: blurry or pixelated visuals send the wrong message about your business’s commitment to quality.
- Keep it on-brand: maintain consistency in style, colours and tone so your posts are instantly recognisable.
- Add text overlays: highlight your main point directly on the image but make sure to keep it short.
- Test image formats: try single-image posts, carousels and even collages to see what resonates best.
- Don’t forget accessibility: add alt text so screen readers can describe your image to visually impaired users.
PAIRING IMAGES WITH GREAT COPY
An eye-catching image gets people to stop, but your caption is what makes them click, comment or share. The winning combo is a strong hook, followed by a value-driven body before a clear call-to-action at the end.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU POST IMAGES ON LINKEDIN?
You don’t need every post to have an image, but a good rule of thumb is at least 70–80%. You can still mix in text-only thought leadership posts and video posts, but when in doubt? Add a visual.
LinkedIn isn’t just a platform for posting your CV and looking for job opportunities anymore. Nowadays, it’s a dynamic content platform, and in this visually driven social media world, adding images to your posts is one of the easiest ways to stand out and get that extra engagement.
Small changes like this can make a big difference in visibility and engagement, and over time, that extra reach can open the door to new conversations, collaborations and opportunities.