LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building your professional brand and engaging with your network. Video posts can be an excellent way to share insights, tell stories, and make connections on LinkedIn. However, it’s important to optimize your LinkedIn videos for your audience and get the length just right.
The Ideal Length for LinkedIn Videos
According to LinkedIn experts and data, the ideal length for a LinkedIn video post is between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. Here are some guidelines on LinkedIn video length:
- 30-90 seconds – Best for quick tips, central ideas, product overviews
- 1-2 minutes – Allows for a bit more explanation and storytelling
- 3-5 minutes – Ideal for detailed how-tos, case studies, presentations
Videos under 30 seconds often don’t provide enough value, while videos over 5 minutes may lose viewer attention. The 1-2 minute range tends to perform very well and balance depth with audience engagement.
Benefits of Shorter LinkedIn Videos
Keeping videos on the shorter side offers a few benefits:
- Captures attention span: In our busy online world, shorter videos are more likely to hold viewer attention and be watched completely.
- Drives sharing and engagement: Short, compelling videos tend to be perfect for the LinkedIn feed and get more likes, comments, and shares.
- Mobile friendliness: With much LinkedIn usage happening on mobile, shorter videos work better on small screens.
The ideal LinkedIn video gives a meaningful message or story arc in a concise package tailored for the platform. Quality over quantity is key.
When Longer Videos Make Sense
There are certainly circumstances where longer videos may be preferred on LinkedIn:
- Webinars and presentations: Recording a full webinar or presentation to share key lessons and insights.
- Tutorials and how-tos: Sometimes you need 3-5+ minutes to fully explain a process or tutorial.
- Building authority: Longer videos can showcase your expertise and thought leadership on complex topics.
- Brand stories: Storytelling videosfocused on your brand, products, or campaigns may require a longer runtime.
The key is that the longer length needs to be warranted by the content -provide enough value and substance to justify the extra minutes. Keep it focused and avoid rambling.
Formatting Tips for Longer Videos
If you do opt for a longer video, keep a few formatting tips in mind:
- Include chapters so viewers can skip around to the sections most relevant to them.
- Break up a long recording into a seriesof shorter videos that can stand alone.
- Create a short teaser or trailer video to promote the full content.
- Focus on concise messaging even within a longer runtime -avoid filler content.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Videos
Follow these best practices to create compelling, professional videos tailored for the LinkedIn audience:
- Hook viewers in the first 5-10 seconds with an engaging intro.
- Communicate key messages clearly and concisely.
- Use relevant visuals for demonstration – avoid talking heads.
- Match your video’s style and tone to your brand voice.
- Close with a clear call to action.
- Prioritize quality over length – videos shouldn’t feel artificially padded out.
Creating Valuable Content
At the end of the day, your LinkedIn video content needs to provide value to your audience. Ask yourself these questions:
- Does this help my audience in some way? Educate, inform, entertain?
- Is the length appropriate for the story and message?
- Would a blog post or image sometimes be more effective?
Choose video when it’s the right medium to tell your story in a compelling yet concise way. With the right strategy, video can take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key tips to keep in mind:
- The ideal length for most LinkedIn videos is 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
- Shorter videos often see higher engagement and work well in the feed.
- Longer videos may be warranted for certain use cases like webinars.
- Always focus on quality content over hitting a length target.
- Optimize videos specifically for the LinkedIn audience and platform.
By following these best practices, you can create high-impact marketing videos tailored for success on LinkedIn. The right length will depend on your specific goals and content for each video. Focus on providing value, and you’ll see great results no matter the runtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for a LinkedIn video?
The ideal length for a LinkedIn video post is 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Videos between 1-2 minutes tend to see high engagement. Anything under 30 seconds may not provide enough value, while videos over 5 minutes may lose viewer attention.
Should I make long or short videos on LinkedIn?
In most cases, shorter videos (30 seconds to 2 minutes) are recommended for LinkedIn. They align well with viewer attention spans and the LinkedIn feed. However, 3-5 minute videos can also work well for certain use cases like tutorials, presentations, and storytelling.
How can I optimize longer videos for LinkedIn?
If creating a longer video for LinkedIn, optimize it by including chapters, breaking it into a series, creating a teaser trailer, focusing on concise messaging, and ensuring every minute provides value to the viewer.
What makes a good LinkedIn video?
A good LinkedIn video is high quality, tells a compelling story, communicates key messages clearly, uses relevant visuals, matches your brand style, provides value to the viewer, and includes a strong call to action. Optimize videos specifically for the LinkedIn audience.
Should I always use video on LinkedIn?
Not necessarily. While video can be highly effective on LinkedIn, other formats like blog posts, images, presentations, and articles may be better suited depending on your goals and audience. Use video strategically when it makes sense.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal length for your LinkedIn video ultimately comes down to your specific content, goals, and audience. But the 30 second to 5 minute range is a solid starting point to maximize engagement and impact. Focus on quality over quantity, and optimize your video content to provide value and align with the LinkedIn platform. With the right strategy, video can take your LinkedIn presence to the next level.