Video vs Images: Have you used LinkedIn correctly since the latest update?

LinkedIn continues to evolve in the dynamic world of professional networking, offering new ways to connect and engage with your audience. With the latest updates, understanding how to use video and images on the platform effectively is more crucial than ever. So, have you been leveraging video and images correctly on LinkedIn since the latest update? Let's dive into the new features and best practices to maximise your impact in promoting products or services. Don't worry; most businesses or marketers haven't been!

LinkedIn is rapidly shifting its focus toward video content, prioritizing 16:9 vertical videos similar to those on YouTube Shorts and TikTok. I strongly recommend that all B2B and product marketers adapt to this new video-centric strategy to avoid losing market share. Compelling video content should start with a captivating hook, provide value through education or entertainment, and communicate the benefit—the "so what?"—to the audience. This trend aligns more with shorter video formats, urging businesses to embrace this change before it becomes widespread across the platform.

The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn

Video content has become a powerful tool on LinkedIn, especially with recent enhancements:

LinkedIn Live Access: Now available to more users through Creator Mode, LinkedIn Live allows you to broadcast real-time videos to your network, fostering immediate engagement.

In-Chat Video Conferencing: You can initiate video calls directly from your messaging window, making networking more personal and efficient.

Enhanced Video Analytics: LinkedIn provides detailed insights into video performance, helping you understand your audience better.

Why Use Video?

Higher Engagement: Videos are more likely to capture attention and encourage interactions.

Authenticity: Live videos and recorded messages add a personal touch, building trust with your audience.

Storytelling: Videos allow you to convey complex ideas and narratives more effectively.

Action Steps:

Start using LinkedIn Live to share industry insights, host Q&A sessions, or showcase company events.

You can incorporate short videos into your posts to highlight products, services, or success stories.

You can use video messages in your outreach to make a memorable impression.

The Continued Importance of Images

While video is on the rise, images remain a staple on LinkedIn:

Visual Posts: Images still garner significant engagement and are essential for breaking up text-heavy content.

Updated Image Tools: LinkedIn has improved its image editing features, allowing for better visual presentation.

Carousel Posts: You can now share multiple images in a single post, telling a story or presenting information in a swipeable format.

Why Use Images?

Quick Communication: Images can convey messages instantly.

Branding: Consistent visual elements strengthen brand recognition.

Accessibility: Images are more accessible to consume for users who may not have the time to watch a video.

Action Steps:

You can use high-quality images to complement your posts and articles.

You can experiment with carousel posts to engage your audience with multiple visuals.

Please ensure your images are optimised to maintain professionalism in LinkedIn's dimensions.

Balancing Video and Images

Both video and images have unique advantages. Here's how to balance them:

Know Your Audience: Analyze which type of content resonates more with your network using LinkedIn's improved analytics.

Content Strategy: Mix videos and images in your content calendar to keep your feed dynamic and engaging.

Test and Learn: Experiment with different formats to see what drives the most engagement.

Leveraging the Latest LinkedIn Features

With the recent updates, here's how you can enhance your use of video and images:

1. Creator Mode Activation: Access Advanced Features: Turn on Creator Mode to unlock LinkedIn Live and newsletter capabilities.

Feature Hashtags: Highlight topics you post about to attract followers interested in those subjects.

2. Improved Analytics: Measure Performance: Use detailed analytics to track the success of your video and image posts.

Please understand Engagement: You can learn about your audience's preferences to improve your content.

3. Skill Assessments and Showcases: Demonstrate Expertise by Sharing images or videos of your certifications, projects, or speaking engagements.

Build Credibility: Visual proof of your skills can enhance your professional reputation.

Conclusion

With LinkedIn's latest updates emphasising video and followed by images, now is the perfect time to reassess your content strategy. By effectively utilising both mediums, you can enhance engagement, showcase your expertise, and expand your professional network. Please let me know if you've used LinkedIn correctly since the latest update; share any examples of the content in the comments section.

Action Items to Consider;

1. Create vertical-style video content for LinkedIn.

2. Develop a strategy for producing shorter, engaging video content (similar to TikTok and YouTube Shorts) to provide value to your audience.

3. Implement a "hook" at the beginning of your videos to capture the audience's attention.

4. Focus on educating or entertaining your audience rather than just selling.

5. Get ahead of the trend and start investing in video content on LinkedIn before it becomes oversaturated.

Embrace these tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital networking landscape. Stay connected, stay visual, and make the most of LinkedIn's powerful platform to advance your professional journey!