[FAQ]

I’m working on the creative for a new LinkedIn sponsored content campaign, and I’m focused on choosing the right image. I know the image is the first thing people see, so I want to make sure it’s as compelling as possible.

What are the best practices in 2025 for what makes an image effective in a LinkedIn ad? Is it better to use photos of people, graphics with text, or something else?

Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

That is a smart question to ask.

Quick Answer: A compelling image for a LinkedIn ad is high-quality, professional, and directly relevant to your offer. It should be clean, uncluttered, and often features a human element or a clear representation of value to stop the scroll.

The image in a LinkedIn ad has to work hard; it needs to look professional enough to belong on the platform while still being eye-catching enough to stand out in a busy feed. Here is what to focus on.

First, the image must be high-quality and professional. Blurry, pixelated, or amateur-looking photos will immediately damage your brand’s credibility on a professional network.

Second, you should use images with people where possible. Photos of real people, especially those looking towards the camera or using your product, tend to perform better than generic stock photos or text-heavy graphics. It adds a human element that helps build trust.

Third, keep the design clean and uncluttered. The image should have a clear focal point. Avoid busy backgrounds or cramming too much text onto the image itself. Remember to keep any on-image text concise and easy to read on a mobile screen.

Fourth, ensure it is on-brand and relevant. The image must be consistent with your brand’s colours and style, and it must be directly related to the product, service, or resource you are promoting in your ad copy.

And fifth, make sure it is optimised for mobile. A square (1:1) or vertical (4:5) aspect ratio is best, as it takes up more screen space on mobile devices than a traditional horizontal image.

In summary, the best images are professional, feature a human element, have a clean design, and are highly relevant to the ad’s message. It is always a good idea to test different images to see what resonates most with your target audience.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

Posts