The only thing constant is change in the social media landscape and with the popularity of TikTok and the adoption of short-form video across Instagram and YouTube, it was only a matter of time until LinkedIn joined in on the fun. Over the past few months, LinkedIn has been teasing the rollout of a new video-centric experience. Recently, many users, including myself, have started noticing a “Videos for You” section popping up in their feeds. Even more telling is the dedicated video feed button now visible in the menu area of the LinkedIn app, marking a significant evolution in how content will be consumed on the platform.
I first saw this carousel of “Videos for You” in my feed when scrolling the app during a road trip (See the image on the right, above).
I knew it was a matter of time until the full feed made it over to my app. And two days later, BAM, “Video” at the bottom menu within the app appears( See the image on the left, above).
It’s no secret, LinkedIn is often left to last when it comes to adopting trending and popular features of its competing social platforms. We like to call LinkedIn more of a methodical platform, orrr that one uncle who is always late to the party. Either way, we are ecstatic that LinkedIn has been steadily expanding its capabilities, transforming from a simple networking platform to a powerful tool for professionals to showcase their expertise. The latest addition? A vertical video feed. Yes, you read that right—LinkedIn is finally jumping into the video-first world with a dedicated video feed feature. If you’re an expert in your field, especially an author looking to elevate your personal brand, it’s time to pay attention.
What is LinkedIn’s Vertical Video Feed?
This feature is part of LinkedIn’s broader strategy to embrace the growing trend of vertical video, which has already taken platforms like Instagram and TikTok by storm. Vertical video, optimized for mobile viewing, allows professionals to share their expertise in a more dynamic and engaging format. With this shift, LinkedIn aims to position itself as a competitor in the ever-crowded video content arena.
Why Is This Important for You?
For experts, particularly those who may not traditionally be early adopters of new social media features, the introduction of a vertical video feed on LinkedIn presents a unique opportunity. LinkedIn is not just another platform—it’s where your peers, potential clients, and collaborators are already engaging. WIN! By leveraging this new feature, you can showcase your insights and expertise in a format that is increasingly becoming the preferred mode of content consumption. AND be discovered by a similar audience through the separate video feed feature within the app.
Here’s why you should consider jumping on this now, even if you’re not typically quick to embrace new trends:
First-Mover Advantage: Early adoption of new features often leads to higher visibility. As LinkedIn rolls out its vertical video feed, those who start using it now will likely benefit from increased impressions and engagement as LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes this new content type.
I tested this theory myself! When I realized I had the feature I made a plan and published 4 vertical videos in 5 days and one of those videos hit the feed and blew up my analytics (in the best way.)
The video:
The analytics:
Overall, creating a video that lands in the feed is where the followers, engagement and YES! new leads come from. In fact, that same week, someone who I had met several years ago saw my video and reached out because her client needed assistance up-leveling their social media. So cool. So powerful.
How can you tell if you LinkedIn vertical video gets to the video feed within the app? Easy, your analytics will have thousands of impressions and views and the videos that do not reach the feed will look a bit lackluster in the analytics department.
See what I mean:
If you’re hesitant about the effort vs. return on LinkedIn Video, if you think about it for a second, LinkedIn WANTS IT TO BE SUCCESSFUL! The product development team have spent time and energy developing it and they want it to be a success and they tend to reward those folks who take action and give it a try, why? Because they want you to get excited and stick with it and maybe write a blog about it…which, ya know, is what I’m doing here.
Positioning as a Thought Leader:
With over a billion people consistently sharing content all the time on LinkedIn, it can be tough to stand out. This vertical video feed gives thought leaders and experts in their field another opportunity to stand out from the noise on the main feed, and be discovered is an added benefit of this new feature. This is especially valuable if you’re an author looking to build a robust personal brand and promote your work.
Engagement and Community Growth:
Video content is inherently more engaging. By creating short, impactful videos that share your knowledge, you can foster deeper connections with your audience, driving not only likes and comments but also meaningful discussions and collaborations. Video with YOUR FACE is the quickest way to build more trust with your audience. If you’re hesitant about leveraging vertical video on LinkedIn and the data isn’t enough to make you reconsider, here me out.
I spent a week having numerous calls with executive leaders, authors, speakers, and coaches, all grappling with similar challenges. When I asked about their struggles with posting on social media, the responses were surprisingly consistent. Many admitted to feeling “stuck”, afraid of “doing it wrong”, or worried about looking incompetent or “desperate”. It’s a common experience, and I want to offer a simple mindset shift that can help.
You ready?
During a call with one of the brilliant humans, who was paralyzed by anxiety around posting, we spent the entire hour discussing strategies to elevate her authority and expertise. However, at the end of the call, I flipped the script.
The content you create isn’t about you. It’s about serving and helping your audience. Its about THEM!
This shift in perspective can make the process feel more purposeful and intentional, easing the anxiety around posting.
So if you are in your feels when hitting that record button just remember, this one minute video is about building a connection with your audience who need what you have! Go just press the dang record button already! Your audience, they’re waiting.
Experiment First and Second, Analyze Third
As a strategist, I’m currently experimenting with vertical video content on my LinkedIn platform to monitor how it impacts impressions, engagement, community growth, and yes, leads. Over the next week, I’ll be sharing insights and results from these experiments over on my LinkedIn, so if you aren’t over there yet, give me a quick follow here. I encourage you to do the same—there’s no better way to understand the potential of this feature than by diving in yourself.
So, have you noticed the video feed feature on your LinkedIn yet? If not, keep an eye out—it’s coming soon, and when it does, don’t hesitate to start creating.
Need some inspiration to get your wheels turning? I got you.
Three things you could share in a vertical short-form video on LinkedIn:
- A Quick Tip: If you have a frequently asked question about you or your business, the organization you work with or for. A short-form video is a simple way to answer it! Even better? If you continue to get the question, you have the video to share with that person readily available.
- A Sneak Peek: Have a new book coming out? Launching a new offering? Posting your first lead magnet? Flaunt it! People love celebrating your wins on this platform. But if they don’t know it’s happening, how can they help spread the word and celebrate the milestone with you!
- Professional Insights: LinkedIn is known for sharing insights, opinions and expertise amongst different industries. This is an easy and fast way to share your two cents about the latest research in your industry, a differing opinion on a recent article, or add value to a case study.
Want more tips on what video content you should be posting on LinkedIn to get to your goals, let’s connect here.
Until then, let’s embrace this shift together. Happy posting!