Videos are the most engaging way to share ideas, tell a story, and connect with your audience on social media. But when you think about social media video, LinkedIn might not be the first platform that pops into your head.

But that's a good thing.

You can’t differentiate yourself on YouTube or TikTok by posting a video—that’s the minimum requirement. But publishing videos on LinkedIn allows you to stand out and reach a highly targeted professional network on a site with over one billion members. 

Plus, showing a face in LinkedIn videos helps you humanize your brand, build trust, grow your business, and reach more people. In fact, according to LinkedIn research, members are 20x more likely to share a video on LinkedIn than any other type of post.

Keep reading to learn more about LinkedIn videos and how to use them. 

TL;DR:

• Videos on LinkedIn are a powerful way to engage with your audience and stand out on the platform.
• Different types of LinkedIn videos include embedded, native, video ads, LinkedIn Live, and vertical short-form videos.
• Creating a native LinkedIn video involves capturing footage, editing using intuitive tools like Descript, and exporting in the correct format.
• LinkedIn video ads can help drive results and engagement, with specific specs and best practices to follow.
• Measuring the success of your LinkedIn videos is essential, with key metrics to track and tools like Descript to help with editing.

Types of LinkedIn videos

Embedded video 

The most straightforward option to share videos on LinkedIn is via embedded videos. These are videos you've already created on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Sharing links to videos hosted on other platforms is a quick and easy way to repurpose your existing video assets and extend their reach to your LinkedIn network.

Native LinkedIn video

Native videos are uploaded directly to LinkedIn and can be up to 10 minutes long. Since native videos auto-play in the feed, you can use them to grab your audience's attention immediately. The LinkedIn algorithm favors content that keeps people on the platform for longer. As a result, native videos maximize your visibility and engagement, especially compared to embedded videos.

LinkedIn video ads

Video ads let you target specific professionals, choose your marketing goal (boosting awareness, generating leads, etc.), and share your message in a video up to 30 minutes long.

LinkedIn Live

LinkedIn Live offers you the ability to broadcast real-time video streams. Engage with your viewers in the moment, answer questions, and give them a behind-the-scenes look at your world to build deeper relationships. To create a live event, you must have access to LinkedIn Live and third-party livestreaming software.

LinkedIn vertical short-form video

TechCrunch reports that LinkedIn is testing a short-form video format akin to TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The short-form video has exploded on these platforms, proving its effectiveness in capturing attention and boosting engagement. LinkedIn recognizes this trend and wants to see if it can translate to the professional realm. 

How to record a LinkedIn native video

One of the easiest and best ways to create LinkedIn video content is via a simple talking head video featuring a person speaking directly to the camera, typically from the shoulders up. Talking head videos can also include more of the person's body, but the focus is on their face and what they're saying.

They are great for user-generated content like product reviews and testimonials. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or processes to shoot one. Just follow these steps. 

Shooting a talking head video

Step 1: Capture your footage

Let's start with the easiest option: using your smartphone to record your video. The camera on most smartphones is way better than a laptop's built-in webcam, which helps ensure you get crisp, high-quality footage without any fuss.

A quick tip: Try shooting with your primary camera over the selfie camera for clearer footage. You can also use a tripod to steady your phone and prevent any jerking or jostling while you record.

Of course, you can also capture your talking head video using your computer. Tools like Descript's screen recording and webcam recording features make it a breeze.

Pro tips for good lighting, framing, and audio

Proper lighting can make all the difference, so find a spot with soft, even illumination—positioning yourself near a window or using a simple LED light setup can work wonders.

As for framing, aim for a tight, head-and-shoulders shot that keeps the focus on you and your expressions. 

And don't forget about audio quality. Get a professional mic. If you can't, even the built-in one on your laptop or earphones can result in a high-quality recording when paired with Descript’s Studio Sound. 

Already have a video you love? Descript also imports various video formats, making it easy to get started. 

 Tap into creative video formats

While talking head videos are a fantastic option for LinkedIn, don't be afraid to mix things up with other social media video formats to keep your content engaging and diverse. Use a combination of on-camera footage, screenshares, and dynamic graphics to educate and inform your audience.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Explainer videos: Videos that break down complex topics or new technologies can resonate with a professional audience. Use animation and infographics to simplify complex ideas, processes, or data in an engaging and visually appealing way.
• Tutorials and how-to videos: Introduce new concepts or share valuable step-by-step guides with an engaging, easy-to-follow delivery. Tutorial videos can position you as a trusted industry expert while providing tangible value to your connections.
• Product demos: If you've got a new tool, feature, or service to share, use LinkedIn video to give your network an up-close look. Demonstrate how it works and highlight key benefits to excite them about your offer.

Step 2: Edit with ease

Here's where Descript has real superpowers. It listens to your video and creates a text transcript that mirrors your words. You can edit your video by editing the script—no more tedious chopping and splicing.

That makes editing your video as easy as editing a doc. Descript also has handy tools that can automatically remove filler words like "um" and "uh," shorten awkward gaps between sentences, and even turn your transcript into a blog post or social media thread.

Descript also allows you to incorporate B-roll footage—relevant visuals, graphics, dramatic transitions, and more—to capture your audience's attention. 

Want to add some background music to set the mood? Descript lets you do that, too. You can even add intros and outros with fancy transitions to your videos to maximize their impact.

Step 3: Export and share your work

Descript lets you export your video in various formats after editing it. Scroll down to the LinkedIn video specs below to know which format will work best.

LinkedIn video specifications

Before you can upload your videos to LinkedIn, it's important to understand the platform's video requirements. 

Here are the official native video specs from LinkedIn:

• Minimum video duration: 3 seconds
• Resolution range: 256x144 to 4096x2304
• Aspect ratio: 1:2.4 - 2.4:1
• Frame rates: 10 frames per second (fps) - 60 fps
• Bit rates: 192 kbps - 30 Mbps
• Web formats: mp4, mov
• File formats: ASF, FLV, MPEG-1, MPEG-4, MKV, WebM, H264/AVC, MP4, VP8, VP9, WMV2, and WMV3
• Maximum file size: 5 GB
• Unsupported formats: ProRes, MPEG-2, Raw Video, VP6, WMV1as. QuickTime, MOV, AVI

Regarding video length, aim for something concise yet impactful. The maximum video duration LinkedIn permits is 15 minutes when uploading from a desktop and 10 minutes when uploading from the LinkedIn mobile app.

And remember to add closed captions or subtitles, as many LinkedIn users view videos with the sound off.

How to post a LinkedIn native video 

Posting a native LinkedIn video is straightforward, even for the less tech-savvy. To post a video via the desktop, you need a pre-recorded, pre-edited video. 

Posting a LinkedIn native video on desktop

1. Log into your LinkedIn account on a desktop computer.
2. Click on the Start a Post button at the top of your feed.
3. Select Add media.
4. Click Upload from your computer.
5. Choose your video file to upload.
6. After uploading a video, you can:

• Add a video thumbnail
• Select captions to upload: Add auto-captions (English-only), or Review captions before adding them, or add a Video Caption File for your video

7. Click Next.
8. Click the dropdown next to your name in the post-pop-up window. Here, you can control:

• Visibility: Select who you want to share the post with
• Comments: Select who can comment on your posts

9. Click Done after selecting your post settings.
10. Type the content of your post in the What do you want to talk about? field (optional). You can include relevant hashtags to reach the right audience.
11. Review your post content.
12. Click Post to share your native LinkedIn video.

A quick tip: You can also drag and drop or copy and paste a video from your computer into the share box.

Posting a LinkedIn native video on mobile

1. Tap Post in the navigation bar.

2. Tap the  Media or Photo/Video icon to choose a video. You can either record a new video with your phone’s camera or upload an existing one from your phone's gallery.
3. After uploading a video, you have the following options:

• Trim: Tap the scissors icon and drag the trim bars to trim the start and stop time of your video
• Stickers: Tap the Stickers icon to add stickers to your video
• Text: Tap the Text icon to add text to your video
• Captions: Add auto-captions (English-only) or Review captions before adding them

4. Tap Next on the upper right
5. Tap the Anyone dropdown next to your name on the post page. Here, you can control:

• Visibility: Select who you want to share the post with
• Comments: Select who can comment on your posts

6. Type the content of your post in What do you want to talk about? field (optional)
7. Tap Post on the upper right

How to launch a LinkedIn video ad campaign

Need help to drive results from LinkedIn ads? Video can help you here, as well. 

Since video content is more engaging and eye-catching than static images or text-based ads, it results in greater attention and interaction, directly translating into improved click-through rates and stronger conversion metrics.

You can create video ads for your LinkedIn audience using Sponsored Content. You'll need either super admin, content admin, or Sponsored Content poster access on your ad account's Page, along with creative manager access or higher on your ad account.

Before creating the ad, you must create a campaign and define your goals. Choose from brand awareness, website visits, engagement, video views, lead generation, or conversions.

How to add a video ad to your campaign

There are two ways to add a video ad to your campaign:

• Create a new ad: This involves specifying a name for the ad (internal use only), writing introductory text, uploading your video file (with optional captions), and adding key details like a headline, destination URL, and call to action button.
• Use existing content: You can also browse previously created video ads or posts from your company's LinkedIn Page to select an existing video for your campaign.

Creating a new video ad (step-by-step)

1. Go to the Ads in this campaign section within the Campaign Manager. If you're creating a new campaign, you'll go to the Ads in this campaign page after selecting your campaign settings. To add an ad to an existing campaign, you can edit the campaign to go to the Ads in this campaign page
2. Click Create new ad(s).
3. Name your ad (for internal reference).
4. Enter introductory text.
5. Click Upload or select to choose your video file. You can also upload captions in .SRT format (currently, only English captions are supported).
6. Add a headline, destination URL (including "http://" or "https://"), and a call-to-action button. Ensure the URL format is correct and avoids special characters that might cause errors.
7. If your campaign objective is lead generation, complete the Form details section. Choose a call-to-action (CTA) button and a form (existing or new).
8. Click Save ad in the bottom right corner. Make sure the Add to Campaign checkbox is selected.

LinkedIn offers a wealth of granular audience filters to help you zero in on your ideal customers. Consider factors like job function, seniority level, company size, interests, and more to create highly personalized video ads that resonate.

Test different targeting approaches, ad creatives, and CTAs to see what works best for your unique business goals. Use LinkedIn's built-in analytics to closely monitor your campaign performance and make adjustments on the fly.

LinkedIn recommends the following specs for the text description of your video ads:

• Ad name (optional): 255 characters
• Headline: 70 characters. Maximum of 200 characters
• Introductory text: 150 characters. Maximum of 600 characters

LinkedIn video ad specs

• Video file type: MP4
• Video sound format: AAC or MPEG4
• Recommended frame rate: 30 fps
• Custom thumbnail: Optional but recommended
• Ratio:
  • 4:5 (vertical, 0.8)
  • 9:16 (vertical; 0.57)
  • 16:9 (landscape; 1.78)
  • 1:1 (square; 1.0)
• Video file size: 75 KB (min) - 200 MB (max)
• Video duration: 3 seconds - 30 minutes
• Minimum aspect ratio: 9:16 (0.563)
• Maximum aspect ratio: 16:9 (1.778)

Tips and best practices for creating engaging LinkedIn videos 

Here are some production and optimization tips to help your videos get the reach (and popularity) they deserve.

Production best practices

• Get your gear on point. High-quality mic, camera, and lighting can help. Invest a little in making your videos look and sound professional.
• Plan your videos. Writing a script or at least an outline will keep you focused and ensure your message packs a punch.
• Hook 'em from the start. LinkedIn recommends you open with something that immediately grabs your viewers' attention—ideally within the first six seconds.
• Brevity is the name of the game. Aim to deliver as much value as possible in as little time as possible to maximize views and engagement. For video ads focused on brand awareness and brand consideration goals, LinkedIn recommends keeping them under 30 seconds.
• Get visual: Add B-roll footage, flashy graphics, and eye-catching thumbnails to your videos to keep people engaged.
• Sprinkle in humor, creativity, or intrigue to make your videos relatable. People respond better to videos that engage their emotions.. 
• Add subtitles or closed captions. LinkedIn research shows that 41% of professionals prefer watching videos on their mobile devices with the sound turned off. 

Optimization tactics

• Enhance your video quality but balance it with file size. You want your videos to look fantastic but also load lightning-fast on LinkedIn.
• 91% of LinkedIn members watch videos on mobile devices. If you want to have your best chance at engagement, optimize your videos for an excellent mobile viewing experience. 
• Add intriguing text with relevant keywords to your video posts on LinkedIn. It helps your videos reach more people searching for a topic using the LinkedIn search bar and tells the viewer what your video is about, enticing them to play it if it’s relevant. 
• Don't be a stranger—engage with the comments and reactions to build buzz around your content.
• End strong with a killer CTA. Tell people exactly what you want them to do next—engaging with your profile, visiting your blog, signing up for your newsletter, buying your new product, or something else.
• Finally, cross-promote. Share your videos from LinkedIn on your blog and other social channels to get the maximum eyeballs on your content.

Scroll-stopping LinkedIn video ideas 

You've got the technical know-how and optimization tactics down. Now it's time to come up with a video idea that stops your connections in their tracks and has them glued to their screens. Here are a few suggestions.

Share a lesson or explain a concept

Got a hot take on a trending topic in your field? Break it down in a bite-sized video. Think explainer videos, but ditch the dry voiceover. 

Whether it's a deep dive into the latest marketing trends or a masterclass on perfecting your pitch, your LinkedIn network will gobble up content that helps them level up their game.

Announce company news or updates

Big news brewing at work—like a product launch, company milestone, or exciting hire? Don't just send a boring press release. Announce it with a fun video. 

Read these best practices for corporate videos to get handy tips for keeping them professional (but still peppy).

Take viewers behind the scenes

Ever wonder what goes on at your company besides meetings (okay, maybe in between meetings)? 

Take viewers on a quick tour of your office or introduce some of the amazing people who make it all happen.

Preview an upcoming launch or event

Is something exciting coming up at your company? Tease it with a short, captivating video and create that buzz.

Showcase a case study or customer testimonial

Highlight the real-world impact of your work with a customer testimonial or case study. Use it to build trust and credibility with your LinkedIn network and drive more business.

Host a live AMA session with an expert

LinkedIn is a two-way street. You can’t just keep posting one-sided content to your viewers. Respond to their questions by hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session with an industry expert or a thought leader in your company and answer burning questions or solve problems for your audience.

Challenge a common belief

Stir up some healthy debate by taking a contrarian stance on a widely-held industry belief. Presenting a fresh perspective can position you as an innovative maverick and get people talking.

Share a day in the life

Let people see the human side of your company by showing an employee's day (from funny coffee struggles to epic brainstorming sessions, there’s no shortage of ideas).

Measuring the success of your LinkedIn videos 

After crafting and sharing your LinkedIn videos, the next step is to analyze their performance.  This data will provide valuable insights and guide your future video strategy.

Using LinkedIn video analytics

To track your LinkedIn video analytics:

1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage
2. Under Manage, click Posts & Activity
3. Under the Posts tab, locate the video whose analytics you’d like to view
4. Click the Analytics icon below your video

Key LinkedIn video metrics to track

• Discovery: How many people have seen your video in their LinkedIn feed?
• Engagement: Likes, comments, and shares will give you a sense of how your content is resonating
• Video views: The total number of times your video has been played
• Lifetime unique views: The number of individual users who have watched your video
• Minutes viewed: The total time your audience has spent engaging with your content
• Viewer demographics: Insights on the job titles, industries, and locations of the people watching your videos

Best video editing software for LinkedIn

Descript: Best user-friendly option for editing videos on desktop

Descript’s all-in-one video editing platform makes it easy to produce professional-looking LinkedIn videos, with features like screen and webcam recording, intuitive text-based editing, automated transcription, and seamless social sharing. 

Perfect for both beginners and experienced creators on Mac, Windows, and web, Descript streamlines your workflow and keeps everything organized in one place.

InShot: Best for editing videos on the go

InShot is one of the best tools to transform smartphone or tablet footage into professional-looking videos. Add music, trim clips, and create captivating content—all from the convenience of your mobile device.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Best for advanced users

The industry-standard video editing software offers advanced tools for polishing your LinkedIn videos, from color grading to adding motion graphics. While it has a learning curve, it empowers experienced creators with maximum control over their video projects.

Pro tip: You can use stock videos from platforms like Artgrid, Storyblocks, and Shutterstock to improve the production quality of your LinkedIn videos. 

Discover the secret to crafting captivating LinkedIn videos

Ready to start making your LinkedIn videos shine? Try Descript’s powerful yet user-friendly video tools to create polished, professional video content in minutes. Your network is waiting. What are you waiting for?

LinkedIn Video FAQs

What is a LinkedIn video?

LinkedIn videos, also known as native LinkedIn videos, are video content uploaded directly to the platform from a device. Non-native LinkedIn videos are links provided in posts on LinkedIn, not directly uploaded to the platform.

How do I get my first 1,000 views on a LinkedIn video?

To get your first 1,000 views on a LinkedIn video:

1. Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that your target audience will love.
2. Promote it across your other social channels and encourage your network to engage.
3. Keep posting new videos regularly to build a following and gather momentum.

What's the best length for a LinkedIn video?

A LinkedIn video's best length is between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. While the maximum length of LinkedIn native videos in 10 minutes, shorter videos (30–60 seconds) work great for quick tips or announcements, while longer form content (3–5 minutes) allows you to dive deeper into topics. Experiment to see what resonates with your audience.

How can I measure the success of my LinkedIn videos?

You can measure the success of your LinkedIn videos by tracking key metrics like views, engagement (likes, comments, shares), minutes viewed, and audience demographics. Pay attention to which videos perform best and use those insights to inform your future content strategy.

Can I repurpose the same video content on other platforms?

Absolutely! Repurposing the same video content across different platforms can be a great way to maximize your reach and get the most mileage out of your efforts. Optimize the video for each network's specs and tweak the messaging to fit the audience.