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How to Post a Video on LinkedIn: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to boost your LinkedIn presence with video? Excellent choice! Video content is a potent engagement tool, and LinkedIn is an ideal platform for reaching a professional audience. Let’s cut straight to the chase and get your video out there.

The simplest answer to the question “How do you post a video on LinkedIn?” is this:

Go to your LinkedIn homepage.
Click the “Start a post” field at the top.
Click the video icon. It’s typically located amongst other options like “Photo” and “Write article.”
Choose the video file from your computer. Navigate to the location of your video and select it.
Add a compelling description. This is your chance to grab attention and explain what the video is about.
Choose your audience. Decide who you want to see your video (Public, Connections only, etc.).
Click “Post”. And that’s it!

Now, let’s dive into the nuances that can elevate your video content from good to great. We’ll cover everything from optimal video specs to crafting killer descriptions and maximizing engagement.

Optimizing Your Video for LinkedIn Success

Simply uploading a video isn’t enough. You need to optimize it for LinkedIn’s algorithm and your target audience.

Understanding LinkedIn Video Specifications

Before you even think about uploading, ensure your video meets LinkedIn’s technical requirements:

File Size: Up to 5GB
Video Length: 3 seconds to 10 minutes (shorter videos generally perform better)
File Format: MP4 is highly recommended, but LinkedIn also supports other formats like ASF, AVI, FLV, MPEG-1, MPEG-4, MKV, and WebM.
Frame Rate: 30fps is standard.
Resolution: 720p (1280×720) or 1080p (1920×1080) is ideal.
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen) is preferred.
Audio Format: AAC or MPEG4.

Adhering to these specs will prevent upload errors and ensure your video looks its best.

Crafting a Captivating Description

Your video description is your hook. It’s the text that accompanies your video and encourages viewers to watch. Here’s how to write one that works:

Keep it Concise: Attention spans are short. Aim for 2-3 sentences max.
Highlight Key Benefits: What will viewers gain from watching? Mention it upfront.
Use Strong Keywords: Optimize for search. What words would people use to find your video?
Include a Call to Action (CTA): Tell viewers what you want them to do next. “Learn more,” “Visit our website,” “Comment below,” are good examples.
Add Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags increase discoverability. Research relevant hashtags in your industry.
Tag Relevant People and Companies: If your video features someone or mentions a company, tag them to broaden your reach.

The Power of Thumbnails

Think of your video thumbnail as your movie poster. It’s the first visual impression. LinkedIn usually generates one automatically, but you can (and should) upload a custom thumbnail.

Create a Custom Thumbnail: Use a visually appealing image that accurately represents your video’s content.
Use High Resolution: Avoid blurry or pixelated thumbnails.
Include Text: Use text overlays to convey the video’s main message.
Maintain Branding: Use consistent colors and fonts to reinforce your brand identity.

Engaging with Your Audience

Once your video is live, your work isn’t done. Engagement is key to maximizing its impact.

Respond to Comments: Answer questions, address concerns, and thank people for their feedback.
Start Conversations: Ask open-ended questions in your description or comments to encourage discussion.
Share Your Video: Post your video on other social media platforms and embed it on your website.
Track Your Analytics: LinkedIn provides data on views, engagement, and audience demographics. Use this information to refine your video strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Video

Here are some common questions about posting videos on LinkedIn:

1. Can I upload a video directly from my phone to LinkedIn?

Yes! The LinkedIn mobile app allows you to directly upload videos from your phone’s gallery. The process is almost identical to posting from a desktop. Simply tap the “Post” button, select the video icon, and choose your video.

2. What’s the best video length for LinkedIn?

While LinkedIn allows videos up to 10 minutes, shorter videos generally perform better. Aim for videos between 30 seconds and 2 minutes to maintain audience attention. Experiment with different lengths to see what resonates best with your audience.

3. Can I edit my video after I’ve posted it on LinkedIn?

Unfortunately, you cannot edit a video after it has been posted on LinkedIn. This includes changing the thumbnail, description, or the video itself. Therefore, double-check everything before hitting that “Post” button! If you need to make changes, you’ll have to delete the original post and upload the edited version.

4. How do I add captions to my LinkedIn video?

Adding captions is crucial for accessibility and engagement, especially since many people browse LinkedIn with the sound off. LinkedIn doesn’t automatically generate captions, so you have a couple of options:

Burn captions into the video: Use video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free options like DaVinci Resolve) to add captions directly to the video file before uploading. This ensures the captions are always visible.
Upload a separate SRT file: You can create a SubRip (.srt) file that contains the captions and upload it along with your video. LinkedIn will then display the captions. To do this, after uploading your video, click the “Edit” button and you will see the option to upload your SRT file.

5. Can I schedule a video post on LinkedIn?

As of now, LinkedIn doesn’t offer a native scheduling feature for individual video posts. However, you can use third-party social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social to schedule your video posts. These tools allow you to compose your post, choose a date and time, and then automatically publish it to LinkedIn.

6. How do I delete a video I’ve posted on LinkedIn?

To delete a video you’ve posted, navigate to the post on your LinkedIn feed. Click the three dots in the top right corner of the post and select “Delete post”. Confirm your decision, and the video will be removed.

7. What are LinkedIn video ads, and how do they work?

LinkedIn video ads are paid advertisements that appear in the LinkedIn feed and can be targeted to specific professional audiences based on factors like job title, industry, company size, and more. They are created using LinkedIn Campaign Manager. These ads can be highly effective for lead generation, brand awareness, and recruitment.

8. How do I measure the success of my LinkedIn video?

LinkedIn provides detailed analytics for your video posts. You can track metrics like:

Views: The number of times your video has been watched.
Completion Rate: The percentage of viewers who watched the entire video.
Likes, Comments, and Shares: Engagement metrics that indicate audience interest.
Audience Demographics: Information about the viewers, such as their job titles, companies, and locations.

Analyze these metrics to understand what resonates with your audience and refine your video strategy accordingly.

9. What type of video content performs best on LinkedIn?

The most successful video content on LinkedIn typically falls into these categories:

Thought Leadership: Sharing insights, opinions, and industry expertise.
Company Culture: Showcasing your company’s values, team, and work environment.
Product Demos: Demonstrating how your product or service works.
Customer Testimonials: Featuring satisfied customers who share their experiences.
Educational Content: Providing valuable information and tutorials related to your industry.
Behind-the-Scenes: Giving a glimpse into your company’s operations and processes.

10. What is LinkedIn Live, and how is it different from posting a pre-recorded video?

LinkedIn Live allows you to broadcast live video to your audience in real-time. It’s different from posting a pre-recorded video because it’s interactive and allows for immediate engagement with viewers through comments and questions. LinkedIn Live is a powerful tool for webinars, Q&A sessions, and live announcements. You need to apply for access to LinkedIn Live and meet certain criteria before you can start broadcasting.

11. How can I increase the reach of my LinkedIn video?

Besides creating great content, you can boost your video’s reach by:

Encouraging Employees to Share: Ask your employees to share the video with their networks.
Tagging Relevant People and Companies: Mentioning individuals and organizations can significantly expand your audience.
Promoting Your Video: Use LinkedIn’s advertising platform to target specific demographics.
Posting at Optimal Times: Experiment to find the times when your audience is most active on LinkedIn.

12. Are there any ethical considerations when posting videos on LinkedIn?

Yes! Always be mindful of:

Copyright: Ensure you have the rights to use all the content in your video, including music and images.
Privacy: Respect the privacy of individuals featured in your video. Obtain their consent before filming and posting.
Accuracy: Avoid spreading misinformation or making false claims in your video.
Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone and avoid offensive or inappropriate content.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your video content is both engaging and ethical.