Yes, you can post YouTube videos on LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows users to share YouTube videos in posts and on their profile. Posting YouTube videos can be a great way to create engaging content for your LinkedIn connections.
Benefits of Posting YouTube Videos on LinkedIn
There are several benefits to posting YouTube videos on LinkedIn:
Increase engagement
Video is an extremely engaging format. Posts with video can garner more reactions and comments than regular text or image posts. YouTube videos catch the viewer’s attention and make them more likely to interact with your post.
Demonstrate expertise
Posting videos allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise on a topic. For example, as a consultant you could share videos with tips, as a recruiter you could share career advice videos. It positions you as an authority.
Promote your brand
YouTube videos are a great way to promote your business, products, services or organization. For example, an app developer can post demo videos, a speaker can share a talk, a company can post brand videos.
Increase reach
The video format tends to spread farther and wider on social networks. People share engaging videos more than other types of content. Posting your YouTube videos on LinkedIn leverages your existing video content.
Drive traffic
YouTube videos can drive traffic back to your website or YouTube channel. The post caption can include links directing viewers. This increases awareness and generates leads.
Best Practices for Posting YouTube Videos on LinkedIn
Here are some tips for effectively posting YouTube videos on LinkedIn:
Optimize video title and description
Use clear, descriptive titles and video descriptions that will show up in the LinkedIn post. This gives context to viewers and makes them more likely to click and watch.
Customize the thumbnail
YouTube allows you to customize the thumbnail image for videos. Choose an eye-catching, relevant image that aligns with your brand. This affects the visual appeal of your post.
Keep videos short
Shorter videos tend to get more engagement on social media. Aim for videos less than 2-3 minutes long if possible. Long videos can be shared as a series of shorter segments.
Post native videos when possible
Instead of linking to a YouTube video, uploading videos directly to LinkedIn can lead to higher view count. But native videos have a 10 minute limit.
Write compelling captions
The caption should provide context and entice viewers to click on the video. Ask questions, highlight key takeaways, include relevant hashtags.
Post consistently
Posting videos regularly keeps your brand top of mind. But avoid spamming your network. Aim for 1-2 video posts per week.
Promote your posts
Leverage LinkedIn’s Company Page or Showcase Pages to extend the reach of video posts through paid promotion. This gets your videos in front of more of your target audience.
Track performance
Use LinkedIn’s analytics to see views, reactions, comments, and shares. Review metrics to see which types of videos resonate most with your audience.
How to Post a YouTube Video on LinkedIn
Posting a YouTube video on LinkedIn is easy:
Step 1
Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to share. Make sure the video is publicly accessible.
Step 2
Go to LinkedIn and create a new post. This can be on your profile, company page, group or showcase page.
Step 3
Paste the YouTube link in the post update field. The video thumbnail and title will automatically populate.
Step 4
Add a compelling caption for the video in the update field. You can also include hashtags and customize post visibility.
Step 5
Preview how the post will look. Make any edits to the caption.
Step 6
Post the YouTube video on LinkedIn. Consider pinning it to the top of your profile or page for extra visibility.
Video File Size and Length Limits
If uploading videos directly to LinkedIn rather than linking to YouTube, these are the video requirements:
LinkedIn Video Type | File Size Limit | Length Limit |
Native Video Post | 5GB | 10 minutes |
Message Attachment | 100MB | 10 minutes |
So you can share longer videos by linking to YouTube rather than uploading to LinkedIn.
Types of YouTube Videos to Post on LinkedIn
Many different types of videos can perform well when shared on LinkedIn. Consider posting these kinds of YouTube videos:
Expert interviews
Interview industry experts and leaders to share their insights and advice.
Tutorials
“How to” videos that teach a skill or provide tips appeal to LinkedIn’s professional audience.
Case studies
Share success stories showcasing how your product or service solved a problem.
Video blogs/Vlogs
Record videos where you discuss your industry, niche or area of expertise.
Product demos
Demos allow you to showcase your product/service and how it works.
Company culture
Give an inside look at your business and team through an office tour, event recap or day in the life video.
Behind the scenes
Short videos that provide a behind the scenes peek at your company generate buzz.
Slideshare presentations
Turn your slide decks into videos by recording yourself presenting.
Live streams
Stream live events or broadcasts focused on thought leadership content.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Video Content
To create quality video content for LinkedIn, keep these best practices in mind:
Ensure high production value
Invest in proper lighting, audio equipment, stabilized camera, and editing software. Poor production quality reflects poorly.
Focus on the audience
Videos should educate, inform, or entertain your target audience. Align content with their interests and needs.
Include a clear call-to-action
End each video with a strong CTA that matches your goal – subscribe, visit your site, register, buy, etc.
Optimize for sound off
Many viewers will watch without sound. Use captions, graphics, text overlays to convey information.
Use interactive elements
Include on-screen text popups, graphics, B-roll footage, zooms, animation to capture attention.
Spotlight your expertise
Position yourself or other company experts as trusted thought leaders in your videos.
Keep pace energetic
Your energy level sets the tone. A brisk, upbeat pace keeps viewers engaged.
Leverage trends
Use popular formats like live Q&As or collaborations with influencers where appropriate.
Tips for Video Marketing on LinkedIn
Here are some additional tips for effectively using video in your LinkedIn marketing:
Encourage video views
Ask team members to watch and share new video posts to kickstart viewership. Offer an incentive for sharing.
Repurpose existing videos
Refresh old blog posts and articles by creating accompanying explainer videos.
Cross-promote videos
Share your LinkedIn videos on other social channels, company website, email newsletters.
Make a video series
A series allows you to go in-depth on a topic vs one standalone video. Share over weeks.
Collaborate with influencers
Work with industry influencers to co-produce videos and tap into their audience.
Curate playlists
Organize videos into themed playlists around topics to draw specific audiences.
Learn from competitors
See what kind of videos competitors are sharing and assess their performance.
Promote with ads
Run LinkedIn ads targeting your audience to increase video views.
Analyze metrics
Study video view count, completion rate, likes, follows to glean insights. Refine approach accordingly.
Common Concerns When Posting YouTube Videos on LinkedIn
Some common concerns around posting YouTube videos on LinkedIn include:
Looking too promotional
LinkedIn users are sensitive to self-promotion. Focus on value vs product plugs.
Hurting your brand image
Avoid content that could be perceived as controversial or paint you negatively.
Violating copyright
Only share videos you have rights to use. Avoid copyright strikes from YouTube.
Posting too frequently
Overposting videos could annoy connections. Aim for 1-2 times per week maximum.
Views being limited by algorithm
LinkedIn may limit organic reach. Promoted posts can help reach broader audiences.
Low engagement
Boost engagement with compelling captions, relevant hashtags, calls to action.
Conclusion
Posting YouTube videos on LinkedIn can be an extremely effective tactic to engage your professional network. Videos set you apart from text-based posts in the crowded LinkedIn feed.
Focus on creating useful, relevant videos. Optimize technical elements for quality and viewability. Craft compelling supporting content like headlines, captions, and calls to action.
Use videos consistently over time as part of your overall content strategy. Promote your videos both on and off of LinkedIn. Analyze performance and continue refining your approach.
With the right strategy, YouTube videos give you a powerful way to educate, inspire, entertain and ultimately connect with your target audience on LinkedIn.