LinkedIn voice notes allow you to record and send brief audio messages to your connections on LinkedIn. This can be a quick and convenient way to communicate with your network and share ideas, especially if typing long messages is cumbersome.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using LinkedIn voice notes, including how to record and send voice notes, their best uses, tips for creating effective voice notes, and any limitations you should be aware of.
How to Record and Send Voice Notes on LinkedIn
Recording and sending voice notes on LinkedIn is easy and only takes a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Compose a New Message
Open the LinkedIn mobile app and select “Messaging” from the menu. Then, start composing a new message to a connection by clicking the pencil icon in the upper right corner. You can send a voice note to an individual or to a group.
Step 2: Click the Microphone Icon
When composing your message, you will see a small microphone icon next to the text box. Click on this icon to start recording your voice message.
Step 3: Record Your Message
Once you click the microphone, you can start recording your voice note. Speak clearly into your phone’s microphone to capture your message. Most voice notes tend to be short, usually under a minute long.
Step 4: Press Send
When you are done recording, click the “Send” button or arrow icon to deliver your voice note. This will instantly send the audio message to your selected recipients.
Step 5: Recipients Can Listen and Reply
The recipients of your voice note will receive a notification that you have sent them an audio message. They can simply click on it within LinkedIn to listen to your recording. They also have the option to reply with a voice note of their own, keeping the conversation going.
And that’s all there is to it! With just a few taps, you can start sending voice messages to your professional network on LinkedIn.
Best Uses for LinkedIn Voice Notes
Now that you know how to send them, how can you use LinkedIn voice notes most effectively? Here are some of the best uses and situations where voice notes can come in handy:
Quick Personalized Outreach
Sending a voice note can be a quick way to make an introduction or initial outreach to a new connection feel more personal and human. Hearing someone’s voice helps convey tone and nuance better than a written message.
Share Ideas and Thoughts
If you have an idea to share but don’t have time to type up a long message, record a short voice note summarizing your key thoughts. This can help spark interesting conversations with your connections.
Reply Quickly
Instead of typing out a reply, you can record a voice note response to keep an ongoing conversation flowing. Voice notes allow you to convey information quickly without getting bogged down in lengthy typed exchanges.
Follow Up After Meeting Someone
Sending a voice note to follow up after meeting someone in person can help reinforce the connection. Hearing your voice again can help remind them of your conversation.
Share Industry News or Articles
If you want to share an interesting article or news about your industry, add your commentary by summarizing key points in a voice note. This delivers your perspective beyond just sharing a link.
Wish Someone Happy Birthday or Congratulate Them
Voice notes can add a more personal touch when sending someone well wishes for their birthday or other achievement. This shows you care more than just typing a quick text message.
Tips for Creating Effective LinkedIn Voice Notes
To get the most out of LinkedIn voice notes, make sure your messages follow these best practices:
Be Concise
Voice notes are meant to be short and to the point. Be concise and don’t ramble on. Get your main idea or message across within 30 seconds to a minute.
Speak Clearly and Slowly
Enunciate your words and speak slowly enough for the listener to understand you easily. Make sure you are not mumbling.
Minimize Background Noise
Find a quiet place to record your voice messages to ensure the listener can hear you clearly without disruptive background noise.
Prepare Your Thoughts
Jot down some notes to help organize your thoughts before recording. Sound natural, but avoid long pauses and “ums.”
Listen Before Sending
Play back your voice note before sending to catch any mistakes. Rerecord it if needed.
Follow Up With Text Summary
In some cases, follow up your voice note with a text summary of your key points for reference. Don’t rely entirely on the audio.
Limitations to Be Aware of
While voice notes can be very useful on LinkedIn, there are some limitations to keep in mind as well:
Audio Quality Varies
The recording quality depends on the microphone, audio settings, and internet connection of the device used. In some cases, your message could sound choppy or distorted.
Harder to Skim
Unlike text, listeners cannot quickly skim through your voice note. Keep it concise and well-organized.
No Transcripts Available
LinkedIn does not provide transcripts for voice notes. Listeners cannot see your message in text form.
Easily Ignored
Voice notes are easy to ignore or forget about unlike a written message. Follow up in text if it is very important.
Asynchronous Communication
Voice notes are asynchronous. The recipient can listen whenever is convenient and may not reply right away. Manage expectations.
Cannot Forward or Edit
Once sent, voice notes cannot be edited or forwarded to others. You’ll need to rerecord an updated version.
Conclusion
LinkedIn voice notes provide a convenient way to connect with your professional network more personally and conversationally. Follow the best practices outlined here to use them effectively. Just remember the limitations and don’t rely on them for your most formal or important communications.
With voice notes, you can break through the noise on LinkedIn in new ways. Give them a try for quick outreach, sharing ideas, updates, follow ups, and more casual conversations. But balance them with written context when needed. Used strategically, voice notes empower richer engagement with your connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can send and receive voice notes on LinkedIn?
Any LinkedIn member with the mobile app can send and receive voice notes. However, you can only send voice notes to your 1st-degree connections.
Is there a limit on length for voice notes?
LinkedIn does not enforce a hard limit, but best practices recommend keeping voice notes under one minute for the best experience. Extremely long recordings are harder for recipients to listen to.
Can I delete a voice note after sending it?
Unfortunately no, there is no way to delete or retract a voice note after you have sent it. You’ll want to listen carefully before sending to ensure you are happy with it.
How do Iturn off voice note notifications?
In your LinkedIn app settings, you can disable notifications for voice notes if you do not want to receive them. Go to your profile, settings, and notifications to adjust these options.
Can I record a voice note within the LinkedIn desktop app?
No, recording voice notes is only available in LinkedIn’s mobile app versions for iOS and Android phones and tablets. The functionality does not exist in the desktop experience.
Do voice notes count toward my daily connection request limit?
No, sending voice notes does not count against your daily allotment of connection requests and InMail messages. Feel free to use your voice notes liberally.
Is there a way to automatically transcribe LinkedIn voice notes?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not provide any transcription capabilities for voice notes at this time. The audio can only be listened to within the apps.
Key Takeaways
- Record voice notes by clicking the mic icon when composing LinkedIn messages on mobile.
- Voice notes are best for quick outreach, sharing ideas, follow up, and casual conversations.
- Be concise, speak clearly, minimize noise, and prepare your thoughts when recording.
- Listen to the recording before sending and follow up with a text summary when needed.
- Understand limitations like varying audio quality, lack of transcripts, and inability to edit.
- Balance voice notes with traditional written LinkedIn communication when appropriate.