LinkedIn has gained immense popularity in recent years. From being a platform to connect with professionals and showcase your skills, LinkedIn has evolved to become a hub for content creation, networking, and brand building. Businesses and professionals are constantly searching for fresh approaches to connect with their audience and develop their brands in today's fast-paced digital world. 

That's where LinkedIn Live, a live streaming function that enables users to broadcast live video material to their network or followers on LinkedIn, comes into play in this situation. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or thought leader, LinkedIn Live can be a powerful tool for delivering your brand's messages and connecting with your audience in real-time. 

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about LinkedIn Live, from what it is and how to use it to the best types of content to stream and tips for maximizing your reach.
‍

What is LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn Live is a service that allows users to broadcast live video material to their professional network on LinkedIn. This tool allows individuals and businesses to interact with their followers, share insights, and showcase their expertise in real time.

LinkedIn Live can be used for a variety of purposes, including interviews, product launches, Q&A sessions, thought leadership talks, and more. Businesses can use LinkedIn Live to boost their visibility and reach a larger audience, allowing them to promote themselves as thought leaders in their respective sectors.

LinkedIn Live is an excellent tool for increasing brand recognition, generating leads, and engaging with potential consumers on a more personal level.

‍

LinkedIn Live Video - What You Should Know About the Feature

LinkedIn Live video is a feature within the LinkedIn platform that allows users to broadcast live video content to their followers and connections.

In LinkedIn Live, you can share your expertise, host Q&A sessions, showcase your products or services, and connect with your audience live, which creates a sense of authenticity. The feature also allows you to interact with viewers in real time through comments, making it a great tool for building engagement and fostering connections with your audience.

Key features and benefits of using LinkedIn Live include increased visibility and reach, the ability to generate leads and drive traffic to your website, and the opportunity to showcase your brand's personality and values in real-time. 

It is also a great way to differentiate your brand from competitors and establish thought leadership in your industry.

‍

Why Choose LinkedIn Live Videos to Deliver Your Brand's Messages

As LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals around the world to connect and grow, LinkedIn Live videos tend to be more professional and focused on skills and growth. 

It enables you to engage with your audience on a personal level, providing you with an opportunity to build trust and credibility.

To make the most out of LinkedIn Live videos, it's essential to have a plan and strategy in place. Determine your target audience, select a relevant topic, and create a strong outline for your presentation. 

It's also important to use engaging visuals and interactive elements to keep your audience hooked.

‍

How to Go Live on LinkedIn

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use LinkedIn Live:

• Check your eligibility: Before you can start using LinkedIn Live, you need to make sure that you are eligible. Members and pages with more than 150 followers and/or connections are eligible to be evaluated for LinkedIn Live. Also, you need to have a history of abiding by LinkedIn’s professional community policies.

• Set up your streaming software: LinkedIn Live requires third-party streaming software to broadcast your live video. Some popular options include StreamYard, Riverside, OBS Studio, and Wirecast. Choose software that suits your needs and set it up on your computer.

• Create an event: Once you have access to LinkedIn Live, you can create an event from your LinkedIn company page or personal profile. Make sure to provide all the necessary details about the event, such as the title, date, time, and description.

• Choose your streaming software: From the event creation page, select your streaming software and copy the stream key and server URL.

• Set up your streaming software: In your streaming software, enter the stream key and server URL provided by LinkedIn. Make sure to test your connection before you go live.

• Go live: When you're ready to start your live broadcast, click the "Go Live" button in your streaming software. Your live video will automatically start streaming to your LinkedIn event.

‍

Which Types of Presentations are Best for LinkedIn Live

The type of material you present should be determined by your brand's goals, target demographic, and overall marketing plan.

Webinars, interviews, product launches, Q&A sessions, and live events are some of the popular types of presentations on LinkedIn Live. These presentations can be used to convey your expertise, demonstrate your products, and interact in real time with your audience.

It is critical to select a format that is both appealing to your target audience and consistent with your brand's image. Webinars, for example, are fantastic for instructive content, whereas product launches are excellent for demonstrating new products and features.

Live events are ideal for showcasing your business and networking with people in your sector, while Q&A sessions are ideal for connecting with your audience. The best type of LinkedIn Live presentation is one that matches your business objectives and engages the right audience.

‍

Why Schedule LinkedIn Live?

Scheduling your LinkedIn Live broadcast in advance can be a strategic move for various reasons. Firstly, it allows you to promote your upcoming live video to your LinkedIn connections and followers, increasing the likelihood of engagement and viewership. 

Secondly, scheduling enables you to prepare adequately for the live session by outlining the content, setting up equipment, and coordinating with guests or co-hosts. It also gives you time to ensure that everything is working correctly before you go live.

In addition, scheduling can help you reach a larger audience by allowing viewers to add the event to their calendars and receive reminders. By doing so, your audience is more likely to attend the live session, participate in the conversation, and share it with their networks

‍

Why Bother With LinkedIn Live Instead Of Native Video?

While the native video is useful for sharing recorded content, LinkedIn Live provides a more engaging experience for both the audience and the broadcaster. LinkedIn Live allows you to interact with your audience in real time, asking questions and receiving immediate comments. This can aid in the development of stronger ties and the establishment of credibility within your network. 

Furthermore, LinkedIn Live videos have a greater engagement rate and are more likely to be highlighted by the algorithm. 

However, it is crucial to remember that LinkedIn Live should not be used in place of native video because each piece of content serves a different function. 

‍

LinkedIn Live and Webinars – A War or a Possible Alliance?

As LinkedIn Live gains popularity among professionals for live streaming events, there's been a debate on whether it competes with webinars or a possible alliance between the two. While both platforms serve different purposes, the integration of LinkedIn Live and webinars can create a comprehensive strategy for businesses to engage with their audience.

LinkedIn Live's real-time, interactive features allow professionals to engage with their audience and provide an authentic and personalized experience. 

On the other hand, webinars allow businesses to educate their audience and provide value by sharing their knowledge and expertise. 

The combination of the two can create a powerful tool for businesses to establish thought leadership, drive engagement, and generate leads.

‍

LinkedIn Live Best Practices and Tips

To make your LinkedIn Live successful, here are some best practices and tips:

• Plan and prepare: Have a clear idea of the content you want to cover and prepare a script or outline. Check your equipment and test your internet connection beforehand.

• Promote your LinkedIn Live: Use LinkedIn's built-in notification system to alert your connections about your upcoming stream. Additionally, promote your stream on other social media channels.

• Engage with your audience: Encourage your viewers to ask questions and engage in discussions. Respond to comments and create a sense of community.

• Be authentic: Show your personality and let your audience get to know you. This will create a stronger connection with your viewers.

• Keep it concise: Attention spans are short, so keep your LinkedIn Live to a reasonable length. Consider breaking up your content into multiple streams if necessary.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Live is a powerful tool that lets you reach and engage with your audience in a more personal way. Real-time communication with audiences helps create a connection with your followers as well as showcase your brand's authenticity, expertise, and personality. 

This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses and individuals looking to build their thought leadership, increase brand awareness, and generate leads. To make the most out of LinkedIn Live, ensure you have the right equipment and a stable internet connection, plan your content and prepare your presentation, and engage with your audience during the broadcast.

Equipped with proper knowledge, best practices, and tips, you can leverage LinkedIn Live to grow your network and establish your brand's online presence. 

So, if you haven't tried LinkedIn Live yet, why not give it a shot? It could be the game-changer you've been looking for.

Want to know about LinkedIn's signature blue color, and how it helps their brand awareness? Check out this post.