LinkedIn Cover Image vs Slideshow: Which One Should You Use?
LinkedIn’s Slideshow has been available for about a year now. When this new profile feature came out, I had just created a new Cover Image for my LinkedIn profile, so I wanted to get some use out of it! I have now ‘bitten the bullet’ and created my Slideshow, and put it live yesterday. More of that later.
If you’re on a free account, unfortunately, you don’t have this feature, as it’s a ‘perk’ of having a Premium (paid) account. Please keep reading, though, as this feature may be your tipping point to upgrading to a paid account.
Let’s look at the differences between the two features, their pros and cons, and when to choose each. Firstly, let’s look at what they are.
What Are They?
Both the Cover Image and the Slideshow sit at the top of your profile – it’s the image behind your profile photo. Both present an opportunity for you to provide visitors to your profile with a visual of the message you want them to see.
The Cover Image
The LinkedIn cover image is a static single image. Every LinkedIn user, free or premium, can upload one. Many don’t make the best use of it, but the functionality is there nonetheless
The Slideshow
A slideshow consists of up to 5 images that rotate every 3 seconds. However, if you click the dots for each slide (see bottom RHS), you can pause the slideshow and navigate at your own pace. As mentioned above, this feature is for paid accounts only
P.S. To update, click on the pencil icon in the top right-hand corner of your Cover Image or Slideshow.
Cover Image: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
Simplicity: With one image, profile visitors will see and digest the message within seconds.
Low distraction: Nothing moves, so your message stays front and centre.
Less Time: With one image, it takes less time to create and maintain. The more images, the more tweaking.
The Cons
Static: It can’t tell a story or show variety in what you do.
Limited impact: It’s limited, so there is only so much you can ‘promote’ to a profile visitor.
Risk: Get this image wrong, and you have no other images to fall back on.
Slideshow: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
Visual storytelling: Showcase your portfolio or take visitors on a storytelling journey of why you.
Show variety: Include different messages, transformations, products/services, and social proof. You have more choices.
The Cons
Risk of distraction: Too much motion can dilute your key message (and distract some of your audience).
Cohesion danger: If slides don’t visually align, don’t flow, or look messy, visitors may not watch all the slides.
Time-consuming: Requires more design, planning, testing, and maintenance for tweaking.
3 Quick Practical Tips for Each Option
The Cover Image
Keep it sharp, branded, and minimal.
Use your logo, tagline, and a call to action.
Avoid using stock photos if you can. They’re not the best for building trust.
The Slideshow
Plan your sequence. The first slide needs to hook the profile visitor.
Keep colours and fonts consistent across all slides to avoid a messy look.
Ensure your last slide ends on a strong note (consider adding results, social proof, and/or a call to action).
My Verdict
Personally, I’ll be sticking with my new shiny Slideshow. In my Cover Image (see below), I felt it was a little overcrowded. I was trying to do too much on one slide. One slide didn’t allow me to effectively say who I helped, how I helped them and provide social proof that I can help them (although I gave it a good go!). It was also too focused on my offer rather than on the outcomes for prospective clients.
There are thousands of people who say they help others win clients on LinkedIn. You have those who do personal branding, content creation, profile optimisation, dm outreach, AI sales systems, etc. In such a crowded space, I wanted to highlight my differentiator – my Sales Navigator systems and strategies. I wanted to be able to display the transformation not only for the business but also personally for those I work with. I also wanted to add the actual results achieved, not just some client names. For me, the single image was a little too constraining.
For others, though, a Cover Image will be the best choice. In large, well-known businesses, their well-established brand and products mean that a simple message will provide conciseness and clarity to potential visitors. In established industries where subtlety matters, a simple Cover Image will also be the best choice.
In Summary
If you have a paid account, review what you’ve currently got on your profile. Is it showcasing you in the most effective way?
Just because you have the option to add a Slideshow doesn’t mean you should. There’s no one-size-fits-all choice here. You need to make your own decision, but ask others for feedback.
The two features offer different options. The slideshow can take the profile visitor on a storytelling journey, but only if it is executed well. The Cover Image’s single image provides simplicity and clarity of message, but can fall short of giving the profile visitor enough to hang around on your profile to research you.
Your banner shouldn’t just be decoration. It’s your digital advertising board for your profile visitors; consider your options wisely. Both options can work well.
LinkedIn Cover Image vs Slideshow: Which One Should You Use?
LinkedIn Cover Image vs Slideshow: Which One Should You Use?
LinkedIn’s Slideshow has been available for about a year now. When this new profile feature came out, I had just created a new Cover Image for my LinkedIn profile, so I wanted to get some use out of it! I have now ‘bitten the bullet’ and created my Slideshow, and put it live yesterday. More of that later.
If you’re on a free account, unfortunately, you don’t have this feature, as it’s a ‘perk’ of having a Premium (paid) account. Please keep reading, though, as this feature may be your tipping point to upgrading to a paid account.
Let’s look at the differences between the two features, their pros and cons, and when to choose each. Firstly, let’s look at what they are.
What Are They?
Both the Cover Image and the Slideshow sit at the top of your profile – it’s the image behind your profile photo. Both present an opportunity for you to provide visitors to your profile with a visual of the message you want them to see.
The Cover Image
The LinkedIn cover image is a static single image. Every LinkedIn user, free or premium, can upload one. Many don’t make the best use of it, but the functionality is there nonetheless
The Slideshow
A slideshow consists of up to 5 images that rotate every 3 seconds. However, if you click the dots for each slide (see bottom RHS), you can pause the slideshow and navigate at your own pace. As mentioned above, this feature is for paid accounts only
P.S. To update, click on the pencil icon in the top right-hand corner of your Cover Image or Slideshow.
Cover Image: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
Simplicity: With one image, profile visitors will see and digest the message within seconds.
Low distraction: Nothing moves, so your message stays front and centre.
Less Time: With one image, it takes less time to create and maintain. The more images, the more tweaking.
The Cons
Static: It can’t tell a story or show variety in what you do.
Limited impact: It’s limited, so there is only so much you can ‘promote’ to a profile visitor.
Risk: Get this image wrong, and you have no other images to fall back on.
Slideshow: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
Visual storytelling: Showcase your portfolio or take visitors on a storytelling journey of why you.
Dynamic engagement: Moving slides catch attention in ways static images can’t.
Show variety: Include different messages, transformations, products/services, and social proof. You have more choices.
The Cons
Risk of distraction: Too much motion can dilute your key message (and distract some of your audience).
Cohesion danger: If slides don’t visually align, don’t flow, or look messy, visitors may not watch all the slides.
Time-consuming: Requires more design, planning, testing, and maintenance for tweaking.
3 Quick Practical Tips for Each Option
The Cover Image
The Slideshow
My Verdict
Personally, I’ll be sticking with my new shiny Slideshow. In my Cover Image (see below), I felt it was a little overcrowded. I was trying to do too much on one slide. One slide didn’t allow me to effectively say who I helped, how I helped them and provide social proof that I can help them (although I gave it a good go!). It was also too focused on my offer rather than on the outcomes for prospective clients.
There are thousands of people who say they help others win clients on LinkedIn. You have those who do personal branding, content creation, profile optimisation, dm outreach, AI sales systems, etc. In such a crowded space, I wanted to highlight my differentiator – my Sales Navigator systems and strategies. I wanted to be able to display the transformation not only for the business but also personally for those I work with. I also wanted to add the actual results achieved, not just some client names. For me, the single image was a little too constraining.
For others, though, a Cover Image will be the best choice. In large, well-known businesses, their well-established brand and products mean that a simple message will provide conciseness and clarity to potential visitors. In established industries where subtlety matters, a simple Cover Image will also be the best choice.
In Summary
If you have a paid account, review what you’ve currently got on your profile. Is it showcasing you in the most effective way?
Just because you have the option to add a Slideshow doesn’t mean you should. There’s no one-size-fits-all choice here. You need to make your own decision, but ask others for feedback.
The two features offer different options. The slideshow can take the profile visitor on a storytelling journey, but only if it is executed well. The Cover Image’s single image provides simplicity and clarity of message, but can fall short of giving the profile visitor enough to hang around on your profile to research you.
Your banner shouldn’t just be decoration. It’s your digital advertising board for your profile visitors; consider your options wisely. Both options can work well.
P.S. My new Slideshow below:
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