LinkedIn Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast live video content to their connections and followers on the platform. It can be a powerful tool for businesses, influencers, and professionals to engage their audiences and share real-time information. However, there are certain constraints when it comes to the length of LinkedIn Live videos. In this article, we’ll look at the time limits for LinkedIn Live broadcasts and some best practices for creating engaging content within those parameters.
LinkedIn Live Video Time Limits
The maximum length for a LinkedIn Live video is 4 hours. When you start a broadcast, you can set a time limit of up to 4 hours. However, most LinkedIn Live videos tend to be much shorter than that, usually lasting from 5-30 minutes.
Anything over 4 hours will automatically end the broadcast. LinkedIn has set this limit to ensure the platform isn’t overburdened with excessively long streaming sessions. Four hours is typically more than enough time to convey valuable information and engage your professional audience.
Common LinkedIn Live Video Lengths
While you can technically broadcast for up to 4 hours, here are some of the more common and effective lengths for LinkedIn Live videos:
– 5-10 minutes: A quick update, announcement, or thought leadership topic
– 15-20 minutes: A more in-depth tutorial, tips, or how-to
– 20-30 minutes: An interview with a guest expert or panel discussion
– 30-60 minutes: A training session, workshop, or class
In general, shorter broadcasts tend to see higher engagement. It takes more production effort to fill 4 hours with great content that will keep viewers actively tuned in. More isn’t always better when it comes to live video.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Live Video Length
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when determining the ideal length for your LinkedIn Live videos:
Define Your Purpose
First, think about the purpose of your video and what you want viewers to get out of it. Is it an announcement, product demo, interview, or something else? Make sure you can accomplish your goal within a reasonable timeframe.
Map Out Your Content
Outline the key talking points and flow of your presentation. This will give you a sense of how much content you realistically have to fill the time. Avoid stretching things out just to hit the 4 hour maximum.
Engage Your Audience
Look for ways to actively engage viewers throughout the video, such as asking questions, running polls/Q&As, reacting to comments, and so on. This helps retain attention, especially for longer videos.
Test Equipment and Connection
Do a test broadcast to check your internet speeds, equipment, and streaming software. You want to avoid technical issues disrupting a long live video.
Record Backups
For videos over an hour, consider recording a backup that can be posted in case you encounter streaming problems. This allows viewers to still access the full content.
Promote the Video
Market your LinkedIn Live broadcast through posts, emails, and other channels. More promotion typically equals more live views. But don’t force the video length just to validate the effort.
Analyze Your Metrics
Review viewer drop-off rates, likes, comments, and other data after you broadcast. This will reveal the engagement levels at different times, guiding you on optimal video length.
Examples of Different LinkedIn Live Video Lengths
To give you a better idea of how video length can vary, here are some examples across different use cases:
10 Minute Product Announcement
A software startup uses a quick LinkedIn Live session to announce a new product feature. They demo the feature, share customer testimonials, and explain the benefits. This fast update effectively spreads the news.
20 Minute Thought Leadership Discussion
An executive at a marketing agency goes live to discuss trends in social media advertising. He presents data from recent reports and shares actionable insights for brands. The 20 minute length gives enough time to delve into the topic.
45 Minute Training Workshop
A business consultant hosts a live workshop walking viewers through financial modeling best practices in Excel. She shares her screen to provide step-by-step guidance. The 45 minutes allows her to cover multiple concepts at a substantive level.
1 Hour Interview
The host of a career-focused show interviews a prominent Fortune 500 CEO, discussing lessons learned, leadership advice, and thoughts on the job market. The 1 hour timeframe gives room for a meaningful discussion.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to remember when determining the ideal length for your LinkedIn Live videos:
– LinkedIn allows a maximum of 4 hours per broadcast
– Most videos are much shorter, around 5-30 minutes long
– Define your purpose and content plan first when deciding on length
– Look for ways to actively engage your viewers throughout longer videos
– Promote your video and analyze metrics to optimize future length
– Balance substantive content with retaining viewer attention and interest
Using LinkedIn Live strategically within the available time constraints grants valuable opportunities to engage professionals, promote your brand, and share your thought leadership. Keep these best practices in mind to maximize the impact of your live videos.