How do you schedule a LinkedIn live event?

LinkedIn Live allows you to stream video content directly to your LinkedIn followers. It’s a great way to share thought leadership content, make announcements, host Q&A sessions, and more. To schedule a LinkedIn Live event, you’ll need to use LinkedIn’s built-in broadcasting software.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to scheduling your first LinkedIn Live event:

Step 1: Make sure your account is enabled for LinkedIn Live

Not all LinkedIn accounts have access to LinkedIn Live. You’ll need to request access if you don’t already have it enabled. Here’s how:

1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
2. Click “More” at the top of your profile menu
3. Select “LinkedIn Live”
4. If you see a “Request Access” button, click it to submit a request
5. LinkedIn will review your request and enable Live streaming if approved

You’ll receive a notification from LinkedIn once your account has been granted access to Live.

Step 2: Download the LinkedIn Live broadcasting software

LinkedIn Live utilizes proprietary broadcasting software called “Stream”. You’ll need to download and install this on your computer to get set up for streaming.

Here’s how to download Stream:

1. Go to linkedin.com/live
2. Click on the “Broadcast Live Video” button
3. In the popup modal, click “Download” to download the Stream broadcasting software
4. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Stream on your computer

Be sure to grant all the necessary permissions during installation for optimal performance.

Step 3: Prepare your video and presentation

Now it’s time to prepare what you’re actually going to broadcast for your LinkedIn Live event. Here are a few tips:

• Write a rough script to keep your talking points organized
• Prepare any slides, visuals, or other content to share during the broadcast
• Test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection to ensure high quality video and audio
• Consider having a colleague moderate comments and questions during the live stream

The more prepared you are with what you’re going to present, the smoother your LinkedIn Live event will go.

Step 4: Open the Stream software and connect your broadcasting devices

Once you’ve installed Stream and are ready to broadcast, open up the software. You’ll see an interface that allows you to connect audio, video, and other devices for streaming.

Here are the key steps for initial set up in Stream:

1. Select your webcam and microphone from the dropdown menus
2. Adjust audio levels using the on-screen mixer
3. Connect any slides, photos, or additional graphics you want to use as overlay
4. Select “Connect to LinkedIn Live” and log into your LinkedIn account

Take some time to test out your video, mic levels, and overlays before going live. Get comfortable with Stream’s interface and make sure everything is working properly.

Step 5: Set up your broadcast details in LinkedIn

Once you’ve logged into Stream with your LinkedIn account, you can begin setting up the event details directly within LinkedIn.

Here’s what you’ll need to define:

• Title – A compelling, keyword-rich title for your event
• Description – A more in-depth overview of what you’ll cover
• Date & time – When you want the broadcast to begin (keep time zones in mind!)
• Visibility – Select who can view your video (connections only, public, etc)
• Category – Choose a relevant topic vertical like technology, business, etc

Take time to make your title and description engaging – this will help generate interest in your event.

Step 6: Send invites to your connections

Now it’s time to start filling up your audience! A successful LinkedIn Live event relies on having people actually tune in.

Leverage LinkedIn messaging to send invites:

• Draft a personalized message you can send to connections
• Highlight why they should attend and what they’ll learn/gain
• Tap into existing Groups or communities and notify Members you’ll be going live
• Post the details on your Company Page and employee social accounts

Promoting your event ahead of time will help get more viewers to attend your broadcast. Send follow up reminders as the date approaches too.

Step 7: Run a test broadcast

It’s important to test out the technology and workflow before your official event. Schedule a practice run to identify potential issues.

During your test broadcast:

• Verify your video/audio quality from start to finish
• Test slide changes, graphics, camera angles and lighting
• Practice your talking points and presentation flow
• Have a colleague watch and provide feedback on the test run

Troubleshoot anything that isn’t working optimally and lean on Stream’s built-in tutorials as needed.

Step 8: Start the broadcast and engage your viewers!

You’re finally ready for the main event! When showtime arrives:

• Click “Go Live” within the LinkedIn Stream software
• Deliver your presentation, interacting with graphics and slides
• Keep an eye on incoming comments and respond in real-time
• Wrap up by recapping key points and next steps for the audience
• Thank everyone for attending before ending the broadcast

Remember to have fun and bring lots of energy when you go live! With robust engagement, your first LinkedIn Live event will be a hit.

After the Live Event

Your work isn’t done when the broadcast ends! Be sure to follow up with your LinkedIn Live attendees:

• Send thank you messages and share a recording of the event
• Solicit feedback via LinkedIn messages or quick survey
• Consider repurposing content into a blog post or an article
• Analyze engagement analytics for future event optimization

Following up provides another touchpoint with your audience after your event. And assessing what performed well (and what didn’t) will allow you to improve your next LinkedIn Live broadcast strategy.

Key Takeaways

Scheduling and executing a flawless LinkedIn Live event involves quite a few steps. Here are some key best practices to remember:

• Request Live access for your account and download the Stream software well in advance
• Develop compelling content and practice your presentation before going live
• Promote your event across LinkedIn messaging, groups, pages etc.
• Conduct a test run to work out any kinks
• Engage with your audience in real-time during the broadcast
• Follow up with attendees after your event concludes

With the right preparation and promotion, your company can benefit from quality lead generation using LinkedIn Live. Be sure to analyze metrics after each event to continue improving your streaming strategy.

Over time, you’ll get more comfortable broadcasting live. LinkedIn Live enables brands to develop trust and thought leadership within their industry. Start scheduling your own events today to connect with your professional network!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about scheduling LinkedIn Live events:

What equipment do I need for LinkedIn Live?

You’ll need a computer (Mac or PC) with the Stream broadcasting software installed. For video, a built-in or USB webcam is required. And a microphone (built-in, USB or Bluetooth) is needed for audio. An HD external camera can also enhance video quality.

What types of content work best on LinkedIn Live?

Industry trends Q&As, expert panels, company news announcements, interviews, trainings/tutorials, product launches, town halls, and conference keynotes are all engaging LinkedIn Live content formats.

How do I get more viewers for my LinkedIn Live event?

Promote your event in advance across LinkedIn by leveraging messaging, Groups, your Company Page, employee accounts, Sponsored Content ads, hashtags, and your external marketing channels.

Can I reuse my LinkedIn Live recordings?

Yes, recordings can be downloaded locally from Stream to repurpose. Consider clipping highlights to share as native video content across LinkedIn. You can also embed full recordings on your website or blog.

Is there a size limit for LinkedIn Live videos?

LinkedIn recommends keeping Live videos under 10 minutes initially. Longer broadcasts with strong engagement can increase time limits up to 30-60 minutes. But short impactful videos tend to see higher overall viewership.

Statistics on LinkedIn Live Usage

Here are some interesting statistics on adoption of LinkedIn Live (via Streamyard):

These statistics demonstrate the value of LinkedIn Live for increasing brand visibility and reach. The platform provides sizable exposure potential – but brevity and savvy promotion is key to being discovered.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Live provides a robust live streaming platform to engage your professional network in real time. With the proper set up and event coordination, your company can broadcast content to enhance thought leadership and generate more leads.

Remember to tailor video length, promotion tactics, and presentation style to resonate with your target LinkedIn audience. Track analytics at each step to finetune your streaming approach over time. Soon, going live will be a vital component of your social media and content marketing strategy.

So start planning your first LinkedIn Live event today using the steps outlined above! With practice and creativity, you’ll soon be broadcasting like a pro.