Adding an intro video is a great way to showcase your personality and build connections on LinkedIn. Intro videos allow you to share more about yourself beyond just a profile photo and summary. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about adding an intro video on LinkedIn.
What is an intro video on LinkedIn?
A LinkedIn intro video is a short, personalized video that appears at the top of your profile – right under your name and photo. It replaces the static profile cover photo and serves as your introduction to anyone who visits your profile.
Intro videos are limited to 20 seconds. They auto-play when someone lands on your profile but can be clicked to replay. You’ll want to use the intro video to greet viewers, explain what you do, and encourage them to connect.
Benefits of having an intro video
Here are some of the key benefits of adding an intro video to your LinkedIn profile:
- Makes your profile more dynamic and personable
- Shows off your communication skills
- Conveys your personality and work style
- Grabs people’s attention
- Encourages viewers to connect with you
- Boosts your visibility and memorability
- Professional way to introduce yourself
- Engaging alternative to just text
An intro video makes you stand out from the crowd. In a sea of LinkedIn profiles, yours will capture attention with an intro video and leave a lasting impression.
Who can add an intro video?
Intro videos are available to LinkedIn members with a Premium Business or Sales Navigator account. Here’s a breakdown of who can add them:
| LinkedIn Account Type | Can Add Intro Video |
|---|---|
| Free/Basic account | No |
| Premium Business account | Yes |
| Sales Navigator account | Yes |
| Recruiter account | No |
So if you have a Premium Business or Sales Navigator paid plan, you can add an intro video. It’s not available for free accounts or the Recruiter tier.
How to upload an intro video on desktop
Uploading an intro video is easy to do right from your LinkedIn desktop site. Here are the steps:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile page
- Click on the pencil “Edit intro” icon under your profile photo
- Click on the video camera icon that says “Add video”
- Select a video file from your computer (MP4 or MOV format, under 100MB)
- Preview and make any edits
- Click “Save”
Your intro video will now appear at the top of your profile for all visitors to see. You can change or remove it at any time.
How to add an intro video on mobile
You can also easily add or update your intro video right from the LinkedIn mobile app. Just follow these steps:
- Open the LinkedIn app and go to your profile
- Tap “Edit intro” below your name and photo
- Tap the video camera icon to record a new video (or upload an existing one)
- Trim the length if needed to get it under 20 seconds
- Preview it and make any edits
- Tap “Save”
The mobile app makes it super simple to record a quick intro video selfie style. But you can also upload a pre-recorded video from your camera roll.
Tips for a great intro video
Follow these tips to make a compelling, professional intro video:
- Keep it under 20 seconds max
- Introduce yourself, state your name and role
- Speak clearly and conversationally
- Explain what you do and how you can help
- Encourage viewers to connect
- Have a clean, uncluttered background
- Wear professional attire
- Smile and maintain good eye contact
- Bring your personality and uniqueness
Craft your script ahead of time so you come across natural yet focused. Highlight your specialty, achievements, and how you add value. Close with a call to action to connect.
Do:
- Personalize the video for your audience
- Pick an interesting location for the backdrop
- Have good lighting so viewers can see you
Don’t:
- Upload a generic corporate video
- Recite an awkward, stiff script
- Film in a messy, distracting environment
Can you edit or delete your intro video?
Yes, you can edit or delete your intro video anytime. Simply go back into your profile intro section. You’ll see options to:
- Replace the video with a new one
- Trim the length of your current video
- Rearrange or remove clips
- Add filters or text overlays
- Delete the video and go back to a static photo
It’s easy to update your video regularly to keep it fresh. You have full creative control.
Metrics and insights on your intro video
You can view metrics on your LinkedIn intro video right from your profile.
Tap or click on the “View stats” link below your video to see:
- Number of video plays
- Number of profile views generated by the video
- Average percentage of your video viewers watched
These stats help you gauge the effectiveness of your intro video. You can use the insights to refine your video content over time.
Conclusion
Adding an intro video is a great way to upgrade your LinkedIn profile and make an impressive first impression. The video allows you to grab attention, showcase your personality, and build instant connections.
Leverage intro videos to boost your professional brand and stand out from the LinkedIn crowd. Just ensure your video is brief, engaging, high-quality and optimized to encourage viewers to connect with you.
