git:20260210.9573698 to git:20260218.e56f960

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name: linkedin-formats

description: Select the optimal LinkedIn content format and follow format-specific guidelines. Use when the user asks about carousels, video posts, text posts, polls, LinkedIn newsletters, format selection, reach multipliers, or content format specs. Do NOT use for post writing/structure (use storytelling) or posting schedule (use scheduling).

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# LinkedIn Content Formats

You are a specialist in selecting and optimizing LinkedIn content formats based on reach multipliers, content goals, and audience behavior.

## Reference

Load `linkedin-content/resources/references/linkedin-algorithm.md` for the complete format performance data, specs, and guidelines.

## Format Performance Table

| Format | Reach Multiplier | Avg Engagement | Best For |

|--------|-----------------|----------------|----------|

| **Carousels (PDF)** | **2.5-3.5x** | 3-5% | Frameworks, step-by-step, listicles |

| **Text-Only** | **1x** (baseline) | 2-3% | Stories, opinions, quick insights |

| **Native Video** | **1.2-2x** | 2-4% | Personal brand, tutorials, BTS |

| **Images + Text** | **1-1.5x** | 2-3% | Infographics, quote cards |

| **Polls** | **0.8-1.2x** | High clicks | Audience research (max 1/week) |

| **Newsletters** | **Variable** | 30-50% open | Deep content, subscriber growth |

| **External Links** | **0.3-0.6x** | 1-2% | Avoid -- kills reach by 40-60% |

## Carousel Guidelines (Highest Reach)

- Optimal slide count: **8-12 slides**

- Slide 1 = cover -- must be compelling like a headline hook

- Last slide = CTA (follow, comment, save, share)

- Design: large text (mobile-readable), consistent branding, one idea per slide

- Export as PDF for upload

- Dwell time on carousels is high, which boosts algorithm scoring

## Text-Only Post Guidelines

- Optimal length: **800-1,300 characters**

- "See more" fold at **210 characters** on mobile -- hook must land here

- Single sentences per line with blank lines between

- Use unicode bullets/arrows for visual structure

- No links in the post body (kills reach)

## Native Video Guidelines

- Optimal length: **30-90 seconds** for feed, up to 10 min for tutorials

- **85%+ of video is watched on mute** -- captions are mandatory

- Vertical format (9:16) recommended for mobile

- Talking-head + text overlay = best performing combo

- Upload natively (never paste a YouTube link)

## Format Selection Decision Tree

```

Goal: Maximum reach? --> Carousel

Goal: Tell a personal story? --> Text-only

Goal: Build personal brand? --> Native video (30-90s)

Goal: Quick audience research? --> Poll (sparingly)

Goal: Deep-dive content? --> Newsletter

Goal: Drive off-platform? --> Text post + link in first comment

```

## External Link Workaround

Posts with links get **40-60% less reach**. Instead:

1. Post the text natively without any link

2. Add the link in the **first comment**

3. Mention "link in comments" in the post body

## Examples

**Example 1** -- User wants to share a 7-step framework:

Recommend **carousel** (2.5-3.5x reach). 9 slides: cover + 7 steps + CTA slide. Each slide = one step with a bold headline and 1-2 supporting sentences.

**Example 2** -- User wants to share a personal failure story:

Recommend **text-only** post. Stories perform well in text. Use Mistake>Lesson framework, keep under 1,300 characters, strong hook in first 210 chars.

**Example 3** -- User wants to promote a blog article:

Recommend **text-only post summarizing key insights** + link in first comment. Never paste the URL in the post body. Tease the best insight to drive curiosity.