David Bridges
LinkedIn is making a significant move into the realm of video content by launching a new video trends feature that encourages users to create their own video responses to trending topics within the platform. This innovative feature is designed to boost user engagement and foster a vibrant community by allowing members to participate in discussions through video, aligning LinkedIn more closely with popular platforms like TikTok, which thrive on interactive content.
In a demonstration shared by social media expert Lindsey Gamble, LinkedIn’s new feature showcases header tags within video clips as well as in the main feed, which spotlight trending video topics that users can explore. By tapping on any highlighted topic, members can easily access a variety of videos shared by others, encouraging a deeper engagement with the content and promoting a sense of community by discussing relevant professional subjects.
To further enhance user interaction, LinkedIn will provide a clear call-to-action with an “Add to this trend” button. This feature allows users to open their cameras and record their personal insights or commentary on the trending topics, thereby encouraging more dynamic participation and fostering a culture of sharing professional experiences through video.
The new video trends feature bears similarities to LinkedIn’s previously launched AI-generated Collaborative Articles. These articles posed industry-related questions and invited users to contribute their insights. This approach not only engaged users but also positioned them as thought leaders within their fields. By creating opportunities for collaboration, LinkedIn is striving to cultivate a space where industry professionals can share knowledge effectively.
Upon the launch of Collaborative Articles, LinkedIn garnered significant attention, especially as frequent contributors were rewarded with a topic expert badge. However, this feature faced challenges due to misuse, leading LinkedIn to remove the badge system. Consequently, engagement levels with these articles may have diminished, highlighting the importance of fostering genuine user interactions and maintaining integrity within the platform.
With the introduction of the new video trends feature, LinkedIn appears to be adopting a similar participatory approach, mirroring TikTok’s effective strategy of encouraging user-generated content. This shift aims to place LinkedIn on par with other social media platforms that thrive on video engagement, potentially transforming how professionals share insights within the app.
The critical question remains: will this new feature resonate with LinkedIn users?
It is likely that many LinkedIn users will feel motivated to share their perspectives, particularly if the trending topics align with their professional experiences and expertise. However, it is vital for LinkedIn to ensure that the topics remain focused on professional development and industry-related discussions, rather than diverging into less relevant territory. If managed properly, this could lead to an increase in video uploads and a richer sharing experience within the platform.
In fact, LinkedIn is already witnessing a surge in video activity on the platform.
According to LinkedIn, video content has experienced an impressive 36% increase in watch time year-over-year. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger audiences who are increasingly accustomed to consuming information through video formats. As a result, it is evident that the demand for video content is likely to continue escalating on LinkedIn.
Given these insights, the introduction of the video trends feature could serve as a strategic opportunity to enhance video engagement further and encourage more users to contribute their content to the platform, ultimately enriching the LinkedIn experience.
Currently, LinkedIn is in the testing phase of its new video trends feature, focusing on users within the United States.
Maya Kensington
Troy Sanders
