Looking to improve your LinkedIn game and stand out from the crowd? In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a LinkedIn video message to your advantage.
We’ll discuss the importance of video messaging, the planning process, recording tips, editing techniques, and best practices along with sharing and performance tracking.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create high-quality, engaging video content that leaves a lasting impression on your professional network.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of LinkedIn video messaging!
A LinkedIn video message can be a super useful tool when you are trying to reach more professional audiences. You know what they say “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a million.”.
Understanding LinkedIn Video Messaging
LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, has taken a giant leap forward by introducing video messaging. This feature allows users to send and receive short video messages, enabling professionals to communicate more effectively and strengthen their connections.
In this article, we will explore what LinkedIn video messaging is, why it’s crucial for professionals and the various types of video messages that can be used in different scenarios.
What is LinkedIn Video Messaging?
LinkedIn video messaging is a feature that allows users to communicate through short video messages, in addition to the traditional methods of sending text messages, images, and documents.
This feature can be accessed through the messaging interface in both the LinkedIn mobile app and the website. Users can record themselves from their device camera or upload a pre-recorded video message, and then send it to their connections or potential contacts.
LinkedIn video messages can be up to ten minutes long, although it’s recommended to keep them short and concise to maintain the recipient’s attention.
Closed captions can also be added to video messages for better accessibility and understanding. Moreover, the video messaging feature is compatible with GIFs and stickers, allowing for a bit of fun while interacting with professional contacts.
Why use Video Messaging on LinkedIn?
Video messaging on LinkedIn presents numerous benefits for professionals who aim to stay connected with their network and make more meaningful connections. Some of the most significant advantages of using video messaging on LinkedIn are:
- Personal touch: Video messages allow users to convey their emotions, expressions, and tone more effectively than text or images. It enables a higher level of personalization in communication, leading to stronger connections.
- Stand out: It can help you stand out from the crowd and make your message more memorable compared to the text. Sending a video message is unique and more likely to grab the recipient’s attention and demonstrate your creativity and effort in the conversation.
- Improve engagement: Video can significantly increase engagement between the sender and the recipient. People are more likely to watch and respond to an interesting video than an ordinary text message.
- Better communication: You can convey complex ideas more effectively and efficiently. Video messages are ideal for providing detailed explanations, instructions, or presentations that would be difficult to convey through plain text or images.
- Visual aids: Video messages allow users to incorporate visual elements that can help explain concepts or ideas more clearly. This can be particularly helpful in fields such as engineering, architecture, and design, where visual representation is crucial.
Types of Video Messages for Different Scenarios
LinkedIn video messaging can be beneficial in various professional scenarios. Some of the most common and effective types of video messages include:
- Introduction: Use a video message to introduce yourself to a new connection or potential client. Share your professional background and interests, and give a friendly and warm welcome.
- Invitation: Sending a personalized video invitation to an event, webinar, or conference can significantly increase your RSVP rates. It provides a more engaging and exciting experience for the recipient.
- Product demonstrations: Showcase your product or service features through a video message, which can be more convincing and interactive than a text-based message.
- Testimonials: Record a video message of a satisfied customer or client providing their experience with your product or services. This can help create social proof and boost your credibility as a brand.
- Job offers: Make a memorable impression by extending a job offer through a personalized video message to the potential candidate. It not only showcases your company’s culture but also demonstrates that you value the candidate enough to make the effort.
Planning Your LinkedIn Video Message
Before you create and share a video message on LinkedIn, it’s essential to plan it effectively to ensure it resonates with your target audience and conveys the desired information.
This section will guide you through the process, including defining your purpose, identifying your target audience, determining the appropriate length, and creating a script or talking points.
Identifying Your Target Audience
Next, consider who your target audience is for your video message. Which LinkedIn users would benefit from or be interested in the content you plan to share? Your target audience could be current or potential clients, industry professionals, colleagues, or a combination of these groups.
Identifying your target audience will help you tailor your content to their interests and needs, making your video more engaging and more likely to be shared and watched.
When identifying your target audience, consider factors such as:
- Demographics: Age, gender, and other demographic information can help you create content that resonates with your intended viewers.
- Industry or job role: Tailor your content to the specific industry or job roles of your target audience.
- Pain points or challenges: Address challenges or needs that your target audience may be facing in their professional lives.
- Interests: Share content that speaks to the interests or passions of your target audience.
Creating a Script or Talking Points
Once you have a clear purpose, target audience, and appropriate length in mind, it’s time to develop your content. Creating a script or at least a list of talking points is crucial to ensure you cover all the necessary information in a coherent and engaging manner.
A script offers several advantages, such as:
- Ensuring you stay on message and cover all intended points
- Reducing the likelihood of verbal fillers (e.g., “um,” “like,” etc.)
- Making it easier to rehearse your presentation
However, a script can also come across as stiff or overly formal, so you may instead prefer to use talking points as a guideline. Talking points provide structure for your presentation but allow for a more conversational tone.
Regardless of your chosen approach, make sure to practice your presentation multiple times before recording your video message, paying attention to pacing, tone, and clarity.
Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed – it’s important that you feel confident and comfortable in your delivery, as this will make your video message more successful and engaging on LinkedIn.
Instead of recording a video message, you can instead go live on LinkedIn and engage with your audience. Stand out from your competition and try this different approach.
Recording Tips for LinkedIn Video Messages
LinkedIn video messages are becoming increasingly popular as a way to connect with prospective clients, partners, and employers. A well-crafted video message can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.
To ensure your video is professional and effective, follow these tips for selecting the right recording environment, achieving optimal camera position and lighting, using proper audio equipment and techniques, and rehearsing for a polished performance.
Video Messages are not meant just to showcase your editing skills, but to optimize your LinkedIn profile as well. The more people react to it, the more visits your profile gets. Both recruiters and potential business partners will notice it.
Achieving Optimal Camera Position and Lighting
Proper camera angle and lighting are essential for creating a professional-looking video. Follow these guidelines for achieving optimal camera positioning and lighting:
- Position your camera at eye level or slightly above to create a flattering angle. Avoid shooting from low angles, which can distort your features and appear unprofessional.
- Ensure your face is well-lit and evenly illuminated to avoid harsh shadows. Position a light source in front of you, ideally at a 45-degree angle from your face.
- If using natural light, avoid direct sunlight, which can cause glare and excessive contrast. Instead, opt for indirect light or position yourself near a window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
- For artificial lighting, use a ring light, softbox, or other diffuse light source to minimize harsh shadows and create even illumination.
By following these tips, your LinkedIn video message will have a polished and professional appearance.
Using Proper Audio Equipment and Techniques
Clear audio is just as important as video quality in a LinkedIn video message. Consider these recommendations for achieving high-quality sound in your recording:
- Use an external microphone rather than your device’s built-in mic for better audio clarity and reduced background noise if possible.
- Position your microphone close to your mouth to ensure clear, consistent sound levels.
- Use a pop filter or foam cover on your microphone to minimize plosive sounds and wind noise.
- Test your audio levels before recording, and adjust the microphone or input settings to ensure your voice is neither too quiet nor too loud.
By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure your LinkedIn video message has clear, professional audio that complements your visual presentation.
Recording Best Practices for a Professional Appearance
Presenting a polished, professional appearance is crucial for making a positive impression in your LinkedIn video message. Here are some tips for looking your best on camera:
- Dress appropriately for your industry or the tone of your message. Opt for solid colors and avoid busy patterns, which can be distracting on-screen.
- Maintain steady eye contact with the camera lens throughout your recording to engage with your viewer and convey sincerity.
- Use good posture and appear relaxed, without slouching or fidgeting.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, enunciating your words and using natural gestures to emphasize your points.
By following these guidelines, you’ll convey a confident and professional demeanor in your LinkedIn video message. Take a look at the example from the Rakuten Group CEO down below.
Editing Your LinkedIn Video Message
In today’s business world, professionals use a variety of social media channels to network, share ideas, and stay connected. One of the most popular platforms for professionals is LinkedIn, which allows users to share updates and engage digitally with their business connections.
A video message is a great way to make your LinkedIn interactions more engaging and memorable. In this article, we will discuss some essential tips to edit your LinkedIn video message effectively.
Choosing the Right Editing Software
To start editing your LinkedIn video message, you need to select a suitable editing software program. There are numerous options available in the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some popular video editing software options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Davinci Resolve.
For amateurs or those with lesser experience in video editing, user-friendly software like iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or even smartphone apps like InShot can be helpful. When choosing the right software for your project, consider factors such as your experience level, budget, technical requirements, and the desired look and feel for your video.
Did you know there are free, simple-to-use video editing apps on your mobile phone? Try CapCut for example.
Adding Captions and Subtitles
Incorporating captions and subtitles can greatly improve the accessibility and reach of your LinkedIn video message. Many users tend to watch videos on social media platforms without sound, particularly when they are browsing during work hours or commuting.
Closed captions ensure that your video content can be understood by viewers who prefer watching without audio, as well as by those with hearing impairments.
Providing subtitles in multiple languages can also help expand your video’s reach to international connections and audiences. You can manually create captions using your video editing software, or use third-party tools and platforms to generate captions automatically.
Incorporating Branding Elements
A LinkedIn video message is an excellent opportunity to showcase and reinforce your personal or corporate brand. Incorporate branding elements like logos, slogans, color schemes, and fonts to maintain a consistent brand image and improve awareness among your audience.
Make sure these elements are visually appealing and not too obtrusive, as this can distract viewers from your message. With the right balance, your video message can effectively enhance your brand identity on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building your network, showcasing your expertise and talent, and ultimately, expanding your presence in your industry. One important way to stand out on LinkedIn and connect with potential collaborators, clients, and employers is by sharing engaging, relevant, and insightful video messages.
This article will explore how to share and send video messages on LinkedIn, optimize them for the platform, and engage with recipients.
Uploading Your Video to LinkedIn
To upload and share a video on LinkedIn, follow these steps:
Sign in to your LinkedIn account and on your LinkedIn homepage look for the “Start a post” section at the top of the page.
Click the “Video” icon (a camera icon) in the ‘Start a post’ section. Select the video file you want to upload from your device. LinkedIn supports MP4, AVI, MKV, MPEG-1, and MPEG-4 video formats with a maximum file size of 5GB and a maximum length of 10 minutes.
- As your video uploads, enter a caption or description for your video. Including relevant keywords and hashtags will help others discover your video in their feed.
- Choose your sharing settings. You can share the video with your connections only, share it publicly (visible to anyone on and off LinkedIn), or share it with a select group of connections or in a LinkedIn Group.
- Click “Post” to share your video.
Once your video is posted, it will appear in the feed of the connections or groups you selected.
Optimizing Your Video for LinkedIn’s Algorithm
To ensure your video messages reach a wider audience and gain more engagement, it’s essential to optimize them for the LinkedIn algorithm. Here are a few tips:
- Add relevant captions and hashtags to improve the discoverability of your video messages. This helps the LinkedIn algorithm categorize your video and display it to relevant audiences.
- Aim for a video length of 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Longer videos may not be as engaging on the platform, and users may not watch them to the end.
- Use a captivating thumbnail image. This is the first thing viewers will see when scrolling through their feed, so make it visually appealing.
- Try to grab the viewer’s attention within the first 3 seconds. This will make users more likely to keep watching and engage with your content.
When it comes to sharing videos on social media such as LinkedIn, less is more. The main reason why is that people have a much shorter attention span than before because of such a high number of videos available nowadays.
Engaging with Recipients and Responding to Their Feedback
It’s essential to engage with your audience and respond to their feedback, whether you shared your video message publicly, in a group, or sent it privately via InMail.
Monitor the comments and replies to your video messages, and take the time to respond to your viewers’ reactions, questions, or insights. This helps build rapport with your audience and can lead to further opportunities for collaboration or potential job offers.
Tracking Your Video Message Performance
It’s important to track the performance of your video messages to understand how well they are resonating with your audience. LinkedIn provides analytics that helps you monitor views, likes, comments, and shares for your video messages.
To access your video message analytics, go to your LinkedIn profile, click on “Posts & Activity,” select the video post you want to analyze, and click on the analytics button. This will provide you with insights into your video’s reach and engagement, which can help you refine your video strategy and improve your content in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Keeping it Short, Clear, and Concise
One of the primary considerations when creating a LinkedIn video message is the length of the content. As users often view videos in their feeds, ensure your message adequately captures their attention and provides valuable information quickly and efficiently.
To achieve this, focus on delivering a clear and concise message. Limit your video’s runtime to around 60 seconds, or even less if possible. This brevity helps improve viewer retention and reduces the risk of users scrolling past your video.
In addition, when scripting or planning your message, outline the key points succinctly and present your information coherently. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language, as this can make your content less accessible and engaging.
Maintaining Consistency with Your Personal or Business Brand
Consistency is crucial when creating LinkedIn video messages, as it enables viewers to identify your personal or business brand. Maintaining a consistent visual and tonal style not only boosts viewer recognition but also contributes to the overall trust and credibility of your message.
Visual consistency can be achieved by using familiar brand colors, fonts, and logo placements throughout your video. Additionally, consider using the same style of editing, graphics, and transitions for a cohesive brand image.
Tonal consistency relates to the tone and voice of your message. Ensure that your script, presentation, and delivery align with your personal or business brand’s identity and tone.
For instance, if your brand is known for its casual and friendly tone, ensure that your video message adheres to that style by being genuine, conversational, and approachable.
Injecting Personality and Relatability
Although maintaining consistency is essential, it’s also necessary to demonstrate your personality and authenticity through LinkedIn video messages. Showcasing your unique qualities enables you to establish a genuine connection with your audience, fostering engagement and ultimately building trust.
To achieve this, consider incorporating personal anecdotes, humor, or storytelling elements in your video messages. Additionally, using an authentic, conversational tone when speaking to your audience can help create relatability and strengthen viewer connections.
Including a Call-to-Action
LinkedIn video messages can serve as valuable marketing or networking tools, but to maximize their effectiveness, it’s essential to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) within your content.
A CTA instructs viewers on the next step or action you’d like them to take after watching the video. This can include visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, scheduling a meeting, or even just engaging with your content through comments, shares, or likes.
Ensure that your CTA is concise, clear, and compelling to encourage viewers to follow through with the desired action. Strategically place your CTA within your video message, usually towards the end, for optimal conversion rates.
Iterating and Improving Your Video Messaging Skills
By analyzing these data points, you can identify trends and areas of improvement. Use this information to adapt and optimize your video messaging approach to more effectively reach and engage your target audience.
In summary, the key to a successful LinkedIn video message lies in its brevity, brand consistency, relatability, a clear call-to-action, and continuous improvement.
By incorporating these best practices into your strategy, you’ll not only capture user attention but also foster stronger relationships and ultimately drive results.
What is a LinkedIn video message and how can it benefit my networking efforts?
A LinkedIn video message is a personalized video clip that you can send to your connections or prospective connections on the platform. By incorporating a visual and auditory element, video messages can enhance your networking impact by providing a face-to-face interaction experience, helping you to build rapport and maintain meaningful relationships.
How do I record and send a video message on LinkedIn?
To record and send a video message, access the Messaging feature on LinkedIn’s mobile app, click the “+” icon, and select the video camera icon. Record your message by holding the red button, review the clip, and press “Send.” Keep in mind, a 10-minute maximum limit applies for video duration.
What should I include in my LinkedIn video message to make a strong impression?
In your LinkedIn video message, briefly introduce yourself and explain the reason for reaching out. Ensure you maintain a professional tone, dress appropriately, and choose a suitable backdrop. Incorporate genuine praise, present a clear call to action, and end with a heartfelt thank-you to maximize engagement.
What are some best practices for creating an effective LinkedIn video message?
For an effective LinkedIn video message, ensure the video is well-lit, with minimal background noise, and optimal audio quality. Be concise – aiming for about 1-3 minutes in length – and maintain eye contact, as if you were speaking face-to-face.
Use an empathetic and conversational tone, and rehearse beforehand to prevent error or hesitation.
Can I use LinkedIn video messages to enhance my job search efforts?
Absolutely! LinkedIn video messages can be a creative way to showcase your skills, personality, and enthusiasm for a job opportunity.
Support your traditional job application materials by sending a personalized video message to recruiters or hiring managers – demonstrating how you stand out as a candidate and making a memorable impression.
What role does body language play in creating a successful LinkedIn video message?
Body language is crucial in conveying confidence, trustworthiness, and professionalism in your LinkedIn video message.
Employ positive body language, such as facial expressions, maintaining eye contact, gestures, and posture, to convey your message effectively, solidifying connections while building rapport and credibility.
