LinkedIn is a powerful platform for establishing your professional brand and engaging with your network. One great way to share compelling content and showcase your expertise is through video. Video can capture attention and communicate ideas clearly. Follow these steps to successfully share video content on LinkedIn.
Why Share Video on LinkedIn?
Here are some key reasons to share video content on LinkedIn:
- Videos are engaging. LinkedIn reports that video content gets up to 50% more views than other post types.
- Videos boost brand awareness and thought leadership. Short videos allow you to share your insights and perspective.
- Videos increase reach. Videos shared on LinkedIn become visible in followers’ feeds.
- Videos drive traffic. You can include links to drive viewers to your website or other pages.
- Videos enhance relationships. Video gives your connections a better sense of who you are.
What Types of Videos Work Best?
Certain types of videos tend to perform well and engage the LinkedIn audience:
- Expert interviews: Discuss industry trends with thought leaders.
- How-to tutorials: Share tips and tactics in a step-by-step format.
- Case studies: Show how you solved a client challenge.
- Listicles: Share a compelling top 5, 10, or 20 list of tips and strategies.
- Behind-the-scenes footage: Give a look inside your business or workplace.
- Live video: Stream live presentations, Q&As, or conversations.
Video Length Best Practices
The ideal video length can vary depending on your goals and content. Here are some top tips:
- 60 seconds or less: Give a quick tip or teaser for longer content. Suited to a “how to” or listicle.
- 1-2 minutes: Provide a focused, scannable piece of content. Great for expert advice.
- 3-5 minutes: Deliver a case study or detailed tutorial. Holds attention with storytelling.
- 5+ minutes: Include only for special in-depth content. Use chapters to make it navigable.
Where to Upload Your Video
You have a few options when it comes to uploading a video for LinkedIn:
- LinkedIn’s native video: Upload directly to LinkedIn when sharing your post. Supports videos up to 10 minutes long. Easiest option.
- YouTube: Upload your video to YouTube and embed it in your LinkedIn post. Provides robust video analytics.
- External platform: Use a video hosting platform like Wistia or Vimeo and embed the video. Allows better customization.
How to Share a Native LinkedIn Video
Uploading and sharing a video directly with LinkedIn is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Click “Post” on LinkedIn’s homepage to create a new post.
- Write a compelling description and title for your video.
- Click the video icon to add a video file from your computer.
- Select your video file and upload to LinkedIn.
- The video can be up to 10 minutes long and 1GB in size.
- Edit the video thumbnail and trim the start/end points if desired.
- Click “Post” to share the video publicly or select your audience.
How to Embed a YouTube Video
Embedding a YouTube video in your LinkedIn posts is easy. Here’s how:
- Upload your video to YouTube.
- Click “Share” under the video and copy the embed code.
- When creating your LinkedIn post, paste the embed code.
- The video will now display properly when your connections view the post.
Video Best Practices
Follow these best practices when sharing videos on LinkedIn:
- Choose high-quality, relevant videos that engage your audience.
- Keep videos concise and scannable to hold viewer attention.
- Include interesting visuals, animations, or on-screen text.
- Use captions not only for accessibility but so viewers can understand without sound.
- Write compelling, keyword-rich descriptions for each video.
- Insert attractive custom thumbnails to represent your videos.
- Include links to related content for viewers to continue engaging.
- Track video metrics like views and engagement to improve over time.
Promote Your Videos
Don’t let your videos disappear into the LinkedIn feed. Promote them for maximum impact. Strategies include:
- Share videos on additional social platforms like Twitter.
- Send videos directly to key clients and contacts.
- Promote videos in your email newsletters and blogs.
- Run sponsored content campaigns to expand your videos’ reach.
- Share videos in relevant LinkedIn groups and with hashtags.
- Repurpose video content into other formats like infographics or articles.
Try LinkedIn Live Video
For real-time engagement, try going live on LinkedIn. Here are some tips:
- Promote your live video event ahead of time via posts and messages.
- Test your internet connection and audio/video equipment beforehand.
- Engage viewers with real-time chat and Q&As during the broadcast.
- Have a co-host or guest for an even more dynamic discussion.
- Share valuable insights, perspectives, and expertise through your live video.
- Save the live videos to post on your profile later.
Use LinkedIn Analytics
LinkedIn provides robust analytics so you can see how your videos are performing. Monitor key metrics like:
- Impressions
- Views
- View rate
- Comments
- Shares
- Audience engagement
- Earned views
- Follower gains
Review analytics frequently and aim to increase views, engagement, followers, and earned views over time.
Maximize Your LinkedIn Video Presence
Video is a powerful medium on LinkedIn. Take advantage by:
- Uploading all previously created videos to expand your media presence.
- Creating native video content specifically for LinkedIn.
- Going live or livestreaming events and webinars.
- Using both free and sponsored methods to extend reach.
- Experimenting with different video formats and lengths.
- Closely tracking performance data and optimizing approach.
Videos allow you to connect with your LinkedIn network in a more personal, engaging way. Prioritize video content and make it a consistent part of your LinkedIn marketing mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ideal video specs for LinkedIn?
The recommended specs are: 1080p resolution, 1:2 to 16:9 aspect ratio, 30 frames per second, and stereo audio. For best quality, upload videos with high resolution and frame rates.
Can I edit videos on LinkedIn?
Yes, LinkedIn’s native video platform has editing features to trim video clips, blur backgrounds, and customize thumbnails. You can edit videos before publishing your posts.
Do I need expensive equipment to create LinkedIn videos?
You can create quality videos for LinkedIn without expensive professional gear. Most modern smartphones and basic editing software can produce great short videos. Focus on quality content vs. high-end equipment.
What’s the optimal video length for LinkedIn?
1-2 minutes is ideal, up to 5 minutes maximum. Very short or long videos see lower engagement. Experiment to see what resonates best with your audience.
Can I upload prerecorded videos or go live?
Both – LinkedIn supports uploading prerecorded videos up to 10 minutes long, as well as live streaming video. Use live video for real-time interaction.
Conclusion
Video content helps grab attention and communicate your ideas in a more visual, compelling way on LinkedIn. Focus on providing value for your audience through useful how-tos, insights, case studies, and interviews. Track performance data to refine your video strategy over time. Videos provide a way to engage and develop stronger connections with your LinkedIn network.
