LinkedIn, the biggest professional networking site in the world, is experimenting with short-form videos, which comes as a surprise. TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have all tried out a “Video” tab that gives some users short, vertical movies. LinkedIn is now doing the same.
The Experiment Was Made Public
User Austin Null, a strategy director at the influencer firm McKinney, was the first person to notice the new feature. TechCrunch was told by LinkedIn that the test was real. LinkedIn’s style is still very business, unlike TikTok’s dance fads or Instagram Reels’ diverse mix. The main topics are jobs, business, and information about the field.
Engage, swipe, and learn.
It’s like TikTok and Instagram in that users can swipe through the short videos and interact with them by commenting and liking them. The layout looks like LinkedIn’s regular written posts, so the experience stays consistent. Think about short videos with job advice, quick tips from experts in the field, or looks into the culture of the workplace that you could watch between meals.
The Power of Setting
Context is what makes LinkedIn stand out. On other sites, you can find everything from cat movies to tech unboxings. But LinkedIn’s short videos are only for workers. Imagine a 30-second video about how to network effectively or an inside look at a business’s creativity lab. If it’s properly chosen, this material could help people advance in their careers.
The Loop of Feedback
Even though not all users can take the test yet, LinkedIn is eager to hear what you think. Will this new style be accepted by professionals? Or will it be seen as something that takes away from the platform’s main purpose? Time and how users respond will tell. It’s hard for LinkedIn to find the right mix between interesting material and staying professional.
What Will Happen Next?
As LinkedIn moves through this unknown area, we can’t wait for more information. What kinds of movies will people want to watch? How will artists use this platform? And most importantly, will LinkedIn’s short-form video feature stay in place? Stay tuned for news.
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