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LinkedIn guide

LinkedIn headline length and About section limit

The About section holds up to 2,600 characters. LinkedIn's help pages do not state a character limit for the headline, which they say appears in search results and can differ from your current job title.[1], [3]

By Justin M., founder of BespokeJobs. Updated .

Sources last reviewed .

Numbered citations point to the sources listed below. Lines marked "Our advice" are BespokeJobs recommendations.

The headline limit

LinkedIn's help page on editing your headline says it is displayed in search results and can be separate from the title of your current position. It gives no number. A second help page says the headline is created from your positions and can be rewritten to promote an area of expertise.[1], [2]

Many third-party sites report 220 characters. We did not find that figure on a LinkedIn page, so treat it as unconfirmed and use the counter in LinkedIn's editor.

The About section limit

LinkedIn's talent blog calls the summary an open-ended space with a 2,600 character maximum, and says the first words matter most. It advises skipping greetings and getting to the substance.[3]

LinkedIn's profile tips page suggests limiting the section to one or two paragraphs, and allows bullet points if you prefer.[2]

Our advice

Our advice: put the title you want and your two or three strongest skills in the first words of the headline, since search results may show only part of it.

Our advice: write a headline that works at half its length, then add detail after it. Use the editor's counter, not a third-party figure, to find the limit.

Our advice: open the About section with a specific claim about your work, not a greeting. You do not need to use all 2,600 characters.

Our advice: reread your headline after every job change. LinkedIn creates it from your positions, so an old default can linger until you rewrite it.

Our advice: make the headline match the job title on your resume, so a recruiter who sees both is not left wondering which one is current.

Common questions

How many characters can a LinkedIn headline have?

LinkedIn's help pages do not state a limit. Use the character counter in the profile editor, since third-party figures are not confirmed by LinkedIn.[1], [2]

How long can the LinkedIn About section be?

Up to 2,600 characters, according to LinkedIn's talent blog. LinkedIn's profile tips suggest one or two paragraphs.[2], [3]

Check your LinkedIn profile

Read the full LinkedIn guide for every profile section, the limits LinkedIn documents, and a before and after example.

Check your LinkedIn profile

This page answers one question from the LinkedIn guide. Read the full guide for the rest.

Sources

  1. 1
    LinkedIn Help: add or edit your profile headline

    The headline appears in search results and can differ from your current job title. No character limit is stated.

  2. 2
    LinkedIn Help: tips for a strong profile

    The headline is created from your positions and can be rewritten, and the About section is best kept to one or two paragraphs.

  3. 3
    LinkedIn Talent Blog: profile summaries that we love

    A 2,600 character maximum for the About section, and why the first words matter most. Published April 30, 2024.

Sources last reviewed .