Despite the popularity of video content, short-form videos on LinkedIn are still underused by most people, possibly due to a lack of awareness or uncertainty about how to create effective content. Many professionals and businesses miss out on the potential to quickly and effectively engage their audiences via a compelling medium. I know first hand that short-form videos can be a powerful tool on LinkedIn, offering a unique way to capture attention and deliver valuable information in a concise format. Here’s why short-form videos can make a big impact and how to create content that grabs attention right from the start.

Why Short-Form Videos on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is built for professional networking, knowledge sharing and industry-specific content. While long articles and detailed posts have their place, short-form videos offer a unique advantage: they deliver valuable information in a concise and engaging format. Here’s why you should consider adding short-form videos to your LinkedIn strategy:

1. Increased Engagement: Short videos attract more views and interactions than text-based posts quickly capturing attention.
2. Digestible Content: Professionals are often pressed for time and short-form videos provide bite-sized insights that can be consumed on the go.
3. Higher Reach: LinkedIn’s algorithm favors video content meaning your videos are more likely to be seen by a larger audience.
4. Human Connection: Videos allow you to showcase your personality and build a more personal connection with your audience which is harder to achieve through text alone.

Best Practices for LinkedIn Short-Form Videos

1. Start with a Hook

When creating short-form video those first few seconds are crucial. Start with a hook to grab your audience’s attention right away. This could be a question a surprising fact or a bold statement.

• Content Prompts: Consider hooks like “Did you know most people make this mistake when negotiating their salary?” or “Here’s a quick tip to instantly improve your LinkedIn profile.”
• Things to Think About: Think about your audience’s needs and what will intrigue them immediately. What questions or problems are they facing that you can address?
• Ways to Make It Better: Experiment with different types of hooks and monitor which ones get the most engagement. Keep refining based on feedback and analytics.

2. Keep It Concise

The beauty of short-form videos is their brevity. Aim to keep your videos under two minutes. This ensures you deliver your message succinctly without losing the viewer’s attention.

• Focus on one main idea or tip per video.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Avoid unnecessary filler content.

3. Add Value

Ensure that each video provides real value to your audience. Whether it’s a quick tip a piece of advice or a motivational message your content should be useful and relevant.

Examples:

• Share industry insights or trends.
• Provide quick how-to guides.
• Offer career advice or professional development tips.

4. Be Authentic

Authenticity resonates with viewers. Don’t strive for perfection; instead aim for genuine and relatable content. Show your personality share personal stories and speak directly to your audience.

• Use a conversational tone.
• Be yourself and let your passion show.
• Avoid overly scripted content.

5. Optimize for Mobile

Many people use LinkedIn on their mobile devices. Ensure your videos are optimized for mobile viewing by using vertical or square formats which are more mobile-friendly.

• Keep text and important visuals in the center of the screen.
• Use captions as many users watch videos with the sound off.
• Ensure your video quality is high and visually appealing on smaller screens.

6. Use Captions

Adding captions to your videos can significantly increase engagement. Many users scroll through LinkedIn with the sound off so captions ensure your message gets across even without audio.

• Use clear and readable fonts.
• Sync captions accurately with your speech.
• Highlight key points or takeaways with bold or different colored text.

7. Include a Call to Action

End your videos with a clear call to action. Whether it’s asking viewers to comment share connect or visit a link guide them on what to do next.

Examples:

• “Leave a comment with your thoughts!”
• “Share this video if you found it helpful.”
• “Connect with me for more tips.”

8. Analyze and Adapt

Monitor the performance of your videos using LinkedIn’s analytics. Pay attention to metrics like views likes shares and comments. Use this data to understand what works and what doesn’t and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Tips:

• Experiment with different content formats and topics.
• Keep track of engagement patterns.
• Regularly review and refine your approach based on feedback and analytics.

Why Short-Form Videos Are Effective

Short-form videos are particularly effective on LinkedIn for several reasons. First, they align with the fast-paced nature of the platform where professionals are looking for quick valuable insights without having to commit to long articles or lengthy videos. Second, they cater to the increasingly mobile audience providing easy-to-consume content that fits into the busy schedules of LinkedIn users.

Also, short-form videos foster a sense of immediacy and relevance. When you start with a strong hook and deliver your message quickly you’re more likely to capture and retain your audience’s attention. This makes your content more impactful and memorable.

Conclusion

By starting with a strong hook keeping your content concise adding value and being authentic you can create engaging videos that resonate with your audience. Optimize for mobile use captions include a clear call to action and continuously analyze your performance to refine your approach.

LinkedIn short-form videos may be underutilized but they have the potential to significantly enhance your engagement and reach. Start experimenting with short-form videos today and see how they can transform your LinkedIn presence.

Key Takeaways

1. Start with a Hook: Grab your audience’s attention in the first few seconds with a question fact or bold statement.
2. Keep It Concise: Aim for videos under two minutes focusing on one main idea.
3. Add Value: Provide useful and relevant content to your audience.
4. Be Authentic: Show your personality and speak directly to your viewers.
5. Optimize for Mobile: Use mobile-friendly formats and ensure high video quality.
6. Use Captions: Add captions to engage viewers who watch without sound.
7. Include a Call to Action: Guide viewers on what to do next.
8. Analyze and Adapt: Use LinkedIn’s analytics to refine your strategy based on performance and feedback.

By following these best practices, you can effectively use short-form videos on LinkedIn to engage your audience and enhance your professional presence.