How to Edit a LinkedIn Post Image After Posting

You hit Post, watch your beautiful new LinkedIn update go live, and then you see it: a glaring typo in the main image. Or maybe you uploaded the wrong version of the graphic entirely. A wave of panic sets in as you frantically click the three-dot menu, looking for that magical Edit Image button. This article lays out exactly what is and isn't possible and gives you the best method to fix the problem without losing your momentum.

The Direct Answer: Can You Edit a LinkedIn Post Image After Posting?

Let's get straight to it: no, you cannot directly replace or edit the image in a LinkedIn post after it has been published. Once an image, video, or document is live, it's locked in. You can edit the post's text, add or remove tags, and even change hashtags, but the uploaded file itself cannot be changed.

This isn't a bug, it's by design. Social media platforms treat media files as immutable uploads. Once a post is created, the integrity of the original media is preserved to prevent situations where content could be bait-and-switched after gaining engagement. For example, a user could post a benign motivational quote, rack up thousands of likes and positive comments, and then swap the image for something misleading or inappropriate. To avoid this, platforms like LinkedIn simply don't allow media file edits on live posts.

So, if you can't click an "edit image" button, what are you supposed to do? Fortunately, there's a standard operating procedure for this - a tried-and-true workaround that lets you fix your mistake while maintaining a professional appearance.

Your Best Solution: The "Copy, Delete, and Repost" Method

While you can't edit the post directly, you can replace it. The goal is to swap the old post with the new one as quickly as possible, preserving as much of your original creative work and engagement as you can. This is the only effective way to correct an image post-publication. Follow these steps carefully to handle it like a pro.

Step 1: Save Your Content Immediately

Before you do anything else, you need to save all the valuable components of your original post. People often panic and hit delete immediately, only to realize they've lost their well-crafted caption or the valuable comments that were already rolling in. Don't make that mistake.

• Copy Your Text: The first thing to do is click the three-dot menu (...) on your post and select "Edit post." Select all the text in the edit window (your caption, hashtags, and any mentions) and copy it to your clipboard. Paste it into a safe place like a notes app or a blank document.
• Save the Engagement (Contextually): If your post has already received comments or shares, take a quick screenshot. You can't transfer them over, but it serves two purposes. First, it reminds you who engaged so you can thank them or reply on the new post. Second, if a valuable conversation started, you can reference it by saying something like, "Reposting to correct the graphic! As we were discussing earlier about [topic]..." This shows your audience that you value their contribution.

This simple act of preservation takes less than 30 seconds but can save you from a major headache and the frustration of having to rewrite your entire post from memory.

Step 2: Delete the Original Post

Once your text and a record of the engagement are safely copied, it's time to remove the post with the incorrect image. Hiding it from your feed isn't enough, you need to delete it entirely so it stops showing up on the timelines of your connections. Be confident in doing this - it's standard practice.

To delete the post:

1. Click the three-dot menu (...) in the top-right corner of your LinkedIn post.
2. Select "Delete post" from the dropdown menu.
3. A confirmation pop-up will appear to make sure you want to proceed. Click "Delete" again.

The original post is now gone, and the way is clear for you to publish the correct version.

Step 3: Create a New Post with the Corrected Image

Now, you simply go through the process of creating a new post, but this time with the correct graphic. Don't rush this step - this is where mistakes happen. The panic from the last error may have you wanting to speed through this. Resist that urge.

• Start a New Post from the Main Feed
• Click the image or video icon to add media. Double and triple-check that you are selecting the correct, updated image file. Once it's uploaded, take one extra look at the preview within the post composer.
• Paste the text you copied from Step One into the caption box. Read it one more time, just in case.
• Tags and Mentions: Verify that any mentions or company tags have been correctly applied and are linking to the right profiles.
• Click 'Post!' and get the corrected update out to your network!

Step 4: Optional, but Recommended - Acknowledge the Mistake Briefly

For posts that had zero engagement before you caught the mistake, you can probably skip this step. However, if the post got a few likes or comments already, then a brief note of acknowledgment can be very helpful. It builds transparency and shows that you are attentive to your content.

You could simply add a short line at the beginning or end of the caption like:

• Reposting to fix a typo in the graphic!
• A quick repost to correct the image - thanks for your understanding.

This small gesture prevents confusion for people that might have seen the first post, and it makes you look more human and relatable. Errors happen - it is how you handle them that matters.

Section Two: What You Can Actually Edit on Live LinkedIn Posts

While pictures and videos are locked, it's worth knowing what you can tweak directly without having to delete anything.

This can save you time when the mistake is in the text, not the media. Here is what you can edit:

• The Post Caption (Text): Typos in the caption can easily be fixed. Click the three-dot menu on your post, select "Edit post," make your changes, and click "Save." It is that simple.
• @Mentions: Added or removed a mention of a person or company? Just edit the post. You can tag new people or untag others as needed.
• Hashtags: Decided to add a different set of hashtags or remove an irrelevant one after posting? You have the flexibility to edit the hashtags in your caption.
• Alt Text: On single image posts, you can also edit the alt text after publication. This is great for making your post more accessible. Click the three-dot menu and select "Edit alt text."

Knowing these edit abilities helps you respond quickly without resorting to the delete-repost method for minor textual errors.

Preventing the Problem: How to Avoid Image Mistakes on LinkedIn

The best long-term strategy is to avoid the errors in the first place. Fixing a post is always reactive. Being proactive will save you time and stress. Here are a few simple habits that can make a huge difference:

• Always Double-Check Previews: Most modern social media scheduling tools show you what your post will look like before it goes live. Never skip this step. Look closely at the image, read every word on it, and make sure it is the correct version.
• Establish a Peer Review Process: Whenever possible, have a second pair of eyes glance over your posts before publishing. If you work on a team, this is easy, just make it part of your workflow to have someone sign off on content. If you're solo, even just stepping away from your PC for ten minutes and then coming back can help you spot errors you initially missed.
• Create a Templates Library: For graphics you use frequently, such as event announcements, winner spotlights, or quote graphics, creating standardized templates in Canva, Figma, or Adobe Express can drastically reduce the room for error. Once a template is proofed and approved, you know that its structure and branding are solid.
• Create a Pre-Publishing Checklist: Just like pilots use checklists, social media managers can benefit too. It is so simple yet so effective. It could include items like:
  • Graphic uploaded is the final version
  • Image text has been proofread for typos
  • Alt text added and is descriptive
  • Caption proofread
  • All @mentions and hashtags are correct

That simple process can turn a mistake-prone workflow into a rock-solid operation.

Final Thoughts

While it can feel like a major setback, posting the wrong image on LinkedIn happens to the best of us. While you can't directly edit the image itself, the "copy, delete, and repost" method is the standard, professional solution. The key is to act quickly to minimize its impact and put in processes to prevent this from happening again.

After years of facing this very problem, we internally developed Postbase to help our team streamline our workflows. A visual calendar where each of us can see previews of each post before it's scheduled to go live has been an absolute game-changer. It's pretty hard to miss a typo in a headline when you see the exact thing that is going to post days in advance.