LinkedIn profile videos allow users to add a short video introduction to their profile. This video gives viewers a more dynamic and personal view into who you are as a professional. Profile videos have become an increasingly popular way for LinkedIn users to enhance their profile and stand out from the crowd.
Why add a profile video?
Profile videos offer many benefits that make them worth considering for your LinkedIn presence:
- Personalize your profile – A video makes your profile more engaging and personable. Viewers get to see your facial expressions and hear your voice.
- Showcase soft skills – You can convey qualities like friendliness, confidence, and professionalism through a short intro video.
- Communicate your brand – A video gives you a chance to communicate your personal brand and what makes you unique.
- Increase profile views – Profiles with video see more views than those without. Catch viewers’ attention with video.
- Demonstrate expertise – Consider discussing your background, skills, or industry experience to exhibit your capabilities.
- Stand out in search – Profiles with video can stand out more in LinkedIn searches compared to text-only profiles.
In summary, a profile video enables you to get more personal and memorable with viewers, highlighting what makes you and your professional brand special.
What to include in your profile video
When creating your intro video for LinkedIn, consider covering the following elements:
- Introduction – Start with a warm greeting and your name. You may also state your current job title and company.
- Background – Provide a brief overview of your background, such as your education, past roles, years of experience, or particular skills and expertise.
- Value proposition – Explain what value you provide in your work. What makes you stand out or what are you particularly passionate about?
- Goals – You can mention professional goals and interests to convey where you want to take your career in the future.
- Call to action – End your video with a call to action, invitation, or request for viewers to connect with you on LinkedIn.
Keep the video succinct within 1-2 minutes. Smile and speak clearly. Make sure your surroundings are professional looking with good lighting. Have your headline or tagline shown under your name during the video.
How to add a profile video on LinkedIn
Adding a profile video on LinkedIn is a simple process:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile page and click “Add profile video” under your profile photo.
- You will be given options to record a new video, upload an existing one, or pick a video from your LinkedIn Stories.
- If recording a new video, you can use your webcam to record directly on LinkedIn or upload a pre-recorded video file from your computer.
- Crop the video if desired, then select a headline to display below your name during the video.
- Click “Save” and your video will now be visible on your profile!
You can edit or change the video at any time. Simply go back to your profile and select “Change” below your video.
Some tips when adding your video:
– Keep it short, ideally 1-2 minutes long.
– Make sure the video clearly shows your face and surroundings.
– Check the audio and lighting quality. Make small adjustments to improve it.
– Use professional but natural language when speaking.
– Smile and convey your personality.
Best practices for your profile video
To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile video, keep these best practices in mind:
Choose the right location
Film your video in a professional looking indoor space. An office, work space, or plain background generally works best. Make sure the space is well-lit.
Dress professionally
Dress as you would for an important in-person business meeting. Solid colors tend to look best on camera. Avoid busy patterns or distracting accessories.
Use a good camera
For the best quality, use an external webcam or camera with HD video capabilities if possible. The camera should be at eye level. Make sure the image is clear and not grainy.
Check your lighting
Position yourself facing a window or light source to avoid shadows and ensure your face is visible. Add extra lighting if needed. Diffused lighting tends to look better than harsh overhead lighting.
Frame the shot closely
The video should clearly show your head, shoulders and torso. Do not shoot too wide. Place the camera at eye level, not angled up or down.
Look into the camera when speaking
Make eye contact directly with the camera lens as you would with someone you are speaking with. This helps viewers feel more engaged.
Use professional language
Write down talking points first to help the video flow naturally. Speak articulately as you would when meeting someone professionally. Avoid ums, likes, and rambling.
Keep it brief
Your video introduction should be concise at 1-2 minutes long. Viewers tend to lose interest after 30 seconds. Focus on your key messages only.
Smile and relax
Smiling makes you appear confident and approachable on camera. Take a deep breath and relax. You can record multiple takes to choose the best one.
Do’s and don’ts for profile videos
Do:
- Have good lighting so viewers can see you
- Introduce yourself professionally
- Summarize your background and skills
- Convey your personality and what makes you unique
- Keep it short, under 2 minutes
Don’t:
- Record in a casual setting like your home
- Wear unprofessional attire
- Use distracting backgrounds with a lot of movement
- Speak too quickly or ramble
- Make it too long
Stick to these do’s and don’ts to create a polished, engaging intro video that presents yourself and your brand effectively on LinkedIn.
Should your profile video be personalized for each viewer?
It’s generally best to create one strong generic intro video for your profile, rather than personalize it for each viewer. Some reasons to keep it consistent:
- Creating multiple versions is very time consuming
- You want viewers to see a consistent professional brand image
- It’s difficult to tailor a short video for every individual
- A single intro provides a broad overview for any viewer
- You can then further personalize in your messaging and conversations
A single well-crafted video allows you to share core aspects like your background, skills, and personality efficiently. You can then build more personalized connections through your interactions and content afterwards.
Tips for shy or introverted personalities on camera
If you are shy or introverted, filming a profile video may seem intimidating. Here are some tips to help:
- Practice and prepare – Write down talking points and rehearse what you want to say. Familiarize yourself with the equipment.
- Focus on your message – Concentrate on communicating key details about yourself rather than worrying about perfection.
- Record multiple takes – Record several versions and choose the one where you feel most natural.
- Relax – Take deep breaths to manage nerves. Remember most viewers respond positively to seeing your personality.
- Build confidence – Over time and with practice, it will become easier to convey yourself on camera.
- Be authentic – Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Viewers will respond best to your sincere, genuine self.
With some preparation and practice, even shy professionals can create an engaging, personable intro video. Focus on your message rather than perfection.
How often should you update your profile video?
You don’t need to update your LinkedIn profile video frequently, but here are some circumstances when you may want to add a new one:
- You’ve switched jobs or companies
- You’d like to showcase new skills or achievements
- Your appearance has changed significantly
- It’s been several years and your messaging is outdated
- You want to improve upon the quality of your existing video
- Your followers start declining or your profile views decrease
Aim to refresh your video every 2-3 years on average. Or when key aspects of your background and professional brand evolve significantly. Don’t change it so often that viewers get confused.
You can also supplement your main intro video with other videos over time showcasing your thought leadership, company culture, events, and more.
Can I delete my profile video?
Yes, you can remove or delete a video from your LinkedIn profile at any time:
- Go to your profile and click “Edit public profile & URL”
- Click the “Media” tab
- Locate your profile video and click the “Remove” link
- Confirm that you want to remove the video
Your video will be immediately deleted. You can then either leave your profile without a video for the time being, or upload a new video introduction.
Reasons you may want to remove your profile video include:
- The video is outdated and you want to replace it with an updated version
- You don’t feel the video represents you or your brand appropriately anymore
- There are quality issues with the video you want to fix
- You have concerns over privacy or want a more minimal profile
Just like you can change your profile photo, you can swap out your intro video anytime as your professional brand evolves.
Conclusion
Adding a profile video can significantly enhance your LinkedIn presence by showcasing your personality and communication style. Choose an appropriate professional setting, appear approachable on camera, summarize your background, and convey what makes you unique during a 1-2 minute video. Follow best practices to create an engaging video that humanizes your brand and makes a memorable impression. With strategy and preparation, any professional can create an effective intro video for their LinkedIn profile.
