LinkedIn Live: Boost Your Brand in Real-Time For 2024

LinkedIn Live is a powerful tool for brands to connect with their audience in real time. Live streaming enables authentic engagement, builds trust, and fosters professional connections through webinars, product demos, and thought leadership sessions.

Incorporating LinkedIn Live into your strategy amplifies your brand’s voice and boosts visibility. For more tips on optimizing LinkedIn Live, explore the article below by System SocialZ for expert insights on driving engagement and growing your network.

What is LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn Live is a live streaming feature on LinkedIn that allows users and businesses to broadcast video content in real time to their network or followers. This powerful tool enables brands, professionals, and organizations to engage directly with their audience through interactive content, such as webinars, product launches, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions.

During a LinkedIn Live broadcast, viewers can comment and ask questions, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. This level of interaction helps foster authentic connections and build trust within the professional community, making LinkedIn Live an invaluable asset for any brand looking to enhance its online presence.

Does LinkedIn Live still exist?

LinkedIn Live is a powerful feature that was introduced to individual users in 2019 and expanded to business Pages in 2022. This tool enables brands and professionals to engage with their audiences in real time, offering a dynamic way to connect and share valuable content.

Utilizing LinkedIn Live has proven to be effective, as studies indicate that it can increase the number of comments on video broadcasts by up to 24 times. With its growing popularity, LinkedIn Live presents an invaluable opportunity for real-time interaction and engagement within the professional community.

Why go live on LinkedIn?

Streaming on LinkedIn offers great opportunities for audience engagement, brand visibility, and recruitment. The dynamic and interactive nature of live video makes it ideal for building a community and fostering authentic connections. If these are your goals on LinkedIn, consider adding live streaming to your strategy. Here’s why:

Connect with your audience

Live video is an effective way to connect with individuals in the same industry or those with similar interests. Engaging in real time fosters authentic conversations and builds meaningful relationships, allowing you to showcase your expertise and respond to questions instantly.

Establishing a following through live video can enhance your professional network significantly. As viewers engage with your content, they become more invested in your brand, leading to increased loyalty and trust.

Consistently delivering valuable live content helps cultivate a dedicated audience that actively participates in the conversation and positions you as a thought leader in your field.

Show off your brand and products

As a professional social platform, LinkedIn fosters a more business-oriented mindset among its users, making them more receptive to content about products and services compared to other social media networks. This unique environment encourages users to engage with professional insights, industry trends, and promotional material that aligns with their career goals and interests.

As a result, businesses have the opportunity to share valuable offerings while connecting with an audience that is primed for professional development and networking.

Be a thought leader

Live broadcasts are a powerful way to build trust with your audience. By featuring expert guests on your weekly talk show, streaming your podcast recording sessions, or sharing live footage from events, you create authentic engagement opportunities that resonate with viewers.

Inviting guests adds credibility, while live streaming events provide followers with an insider’s view of your organization. This transparency fosters a strong rapport with your audience, enhancing loyalty and encouraging deeper engagement with your brand.

Land a job or make a hire

Employers can leverage live videos on LinkedIn to showcase their workplace culture through short interviews with current employees or regular talk shows featuring the CEO, effectively attracting talent and engaging their audience.

For job seekers, LinkedIn Live serves as a powerful tool for building personal brands by discussing past projects or commenting on industry trends. This not only highlights expertise but also positions individuals as thought leaders, increasing their visibility to potential employers and connections.

LinkedIn Live Streaming and LinkedIn Live Events

At a glance, Live and Events on LinkedIn might seem identical, but they serve different purposes. LinkedIn provides a one-page breakdown to clarify the distinctions. Here’s a summary:

Live broadcasts can be streamed exclusively to Page followers or private Event attendees, while Page streams are public and geared toward audience discussions and Q&As. In contrast, Events are accessible only to attendees and are considered more “official.”

In short, Live streaming focuses on community engagement, while Live Events are suited for more in-depth, formal presentations. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the nature of the streams you plan to host.

Who can access LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn Live is a powerful feature, but it’s not available to all users; only qualified Pages and creators can stream. To gain access, you must meet specific criteria:

Have a Page or profile with over 150 followers or connections.
Share original posts and content on LinkedIn.
Adhere to the Professional Community Policies.
Be located anywhere in the world except mainland China, where LinkedIn Live is not accessible.

Meeting these requirements allows you to leverage live streaming effectively, connecting with your audience and enhancing your brand’s visibility on the platform.

How can I access LinkedIn Live?

You can determine your eligibility for LinkedIn Live using these simple methods:

Create an Event: Attempt to create an event on LinkedIn. If LinkedIn Live is available, you’ll see the option to host a live broadcast. In the format dropdown menu, an option for LinkedIn Live will appear if you meet the criteria to go live.

Third-Party Broadcasting Platforms: Apply for automatic access through certain third-party broadcasting platforms. After connecting your LinkedIn account to the platform, follow the on-screen prompts to see if you are approved or denied access to go live.

Enable Creator Mode: Go to your dashboard and activate creator mode in your profile settings. Turning this on gives you access to creator tools such as LinkedIn Live, provided you meet the necessary criteria.

By using these methods, you can easily find out if you have the ability to stream live on LinkedIn.

Which types of presentations are best for LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn Live is rapidly expanding as brands and creators discover new ways to leverage video content. Currently, creators are focusing on:

Webinars: Traditional presentations allow for in-depth discussions on complex topics and industry trends. By offering valuable insights and actionable takeaways, webinars help establish credibility and position brands as thought leaders.

Panels and Interviews: Hosting panel discussions or interviews with industry experts fosters rich conversations. These formats provide diverse perspectives and allow for deep dives into specific subjects, making the content both informative and engaging.

Q&A Sessions: Interactive Q&A sessions enable real-time engagement between creators and their communities. This format encourages viewers to ask questions and receive immediate responses, building a sense of community and addressing specific audience interests.

How to live on LinkedIn?

Ensure you have at least two devices ready

Having two screens allows you to conduct the live stream while monitoring and moderating live comments. This is essential for connecting with your audience, fostering community, and encouraging meaningful conversations.

Sign up for a third-party streaming tool

For a seamless LinkedIn Live experience, the platform recommends choosing one of their preferred partners. These partners offer reliable tools to enhance your broadcasts, ensuring high-quality video and audio.

Using these solutions streamlines setup and minimizes technical issues, allowing you to focus on engaging content and effective audience interaction.

Connect the tool to your LinkedIn account

Once you’ve chosen the right third-party tool, you’ll need to connect it to your LinkedIn page. The steps for linking your streaming service to your LinkedIn account may vary, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Create your LinkedIn Live stream

Ready to go live on LinkedIn? Start by navigating to your LinkedIn page’s admin view to create your live event. Here, you can select a name for your live video and set the timezone, date, and start time for the broadcast.

Set up your stream

After creating your live video event on LinkedIn, return to your third-party broadcasting platform to connect the broadcast to the event. This typically involves selecting the LinkedIn event from a menu or entering its details.

Make sure the connection is secure to stream your content smoothly to your LinkedIn audience.

Get support

As anyone who’s gone live can attest, responding to comments while speaking can be challenging. We recommend involving a fast-typing coworker to monitor comments during the broadcast, allowing you to concentrate on delivering the best content possible.

This approach is crucial for keeping your viewers engaged, fostering two-way conversations, and building a sense of community. Don’t forget to inform your coworker as soon as you start the stream, ensuring there are no delays in managing viewer interactions.

Optimize your setup

First things first: check your internet speed, aiming for an upload speed above 10 Mbps. Next, optimize your setup to ensure your LinkedIn Live video runs smoothly:

Lighting: Use bright, natural-looking light for the best visibility.
Camera Position: Get close enough for clarity, but not too close; a tripod can help keep the camera stable.
Camera Quality: Opt for the highest quality available, as the rear camera of your phone typically provides better resolution than the front-facing one.
Audio: Always conduct a sound check before going live to ensure clear audio.
Body Language: Face the camera, smile, and stay relaxed during your broadcast.
Background: Ensure your surroundings are clean and professional, and consider adding subtle branding elements, like a logo mug, to enhance your setup.

Go live

Now that you have everything set up for your LinkedIn Live stream, there’s just one thing left to do: hit the broadcast button and start streaming!

If you encounter any glitches right away, it’s helpful to have the contact details of your third-party broadcasting platform’s support team readily available. This ensures you can quickly troubleshoot and resolve any issues with minimal disruption to your broadcast.

End your stream

Be sure to click the “End Broadcast” button when you’re done. Once you do, LinkedIn will automatically post the video of your stream to your feed. This is an excellent opportunity to attract additional engagement from viewers who couldn’t watch the live broadcast.

What can you use LinkedIn Live for?

LinkedIn Live is a highly versatile platform, allowing you to explore various creative possibilities as the director of your stream. However, certain types of content tend to be particularly popular, and for good reason.

These topics often generate high engagement levels because they resonate with individuals seeking to enhance their professional knowledge within a specific subject or industry. If you’re unsure where to start with your content creation, consider trying one of these formats:

Interviews: Engage colleagues or industry experts in conversations that share valuable insights.
Talks or Speeches: Present on a subject you’re knowledgeable about to establish authority and provide value.
Conferences and Panel Discussions: Host discussions that offer diverse opinions on relevant topics, enriching the conversation.
Product and Service Showcases: Use LinkedIn Live to connect directly with potential buyers by presenting your offerings in real-time.

These formats not only attract viewers but also foster meaningful engagement, making them great options for your LinkedIn Live streams.

Which streaming tool should you choose for a LinkedIn Live?

Choosing the ideal third-party streaming tool can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Fortunately, System SocialZ has compiled a list of the top streaming software options to help you create high-quality streams:

StreamYard: A user-friendly option that allows you to easily invite guests, share screens, and engage with your audience. It’s web-based, making it accessible from anywhere without requiring downloads.

Restream: This tool offers multi-streaming capabilities, allowing you to broadcast simultaneously on LinkedIn and other platforms. It also provides analytics to track your engagement.

OBS Studio: A powerful and free software option that offers advanced features for customization. While it has a steeper learning curve, it allows for greater flexibility and control over your live stream.

Ecamm Live: Ideal for Mac users, this tool offers seamless integration with LinkedIn Live and provides features like screen sharing and live chat monitoring.

Vimeo Livestream: Known for its high-definition video delivery, Vimeo Livestream offers extensive customization options, allowing you to brand your streams effectively. It also provides interactive features like live chat and polls to engage your audience in real-time. Plus, you can stream to multiple platforms, including LinkedIn Live, expanding your reach.

LinkedIn Live best practices

Set goals for your streams

Goals are crucial for shaping your live stream, as different content aligns with various objectives. By setting clear goals, you can create key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Start with broad objectives like “increasing brand exposure,” then narrow them to specific targets for each stream, such as “gaining two more viewers than last time.” This approach helps you track progress and refine your strategy for future broadcasts.

Pick an engaging topic for your audience

Producing content that resonates with your audience is vital for successful LinkedIn Live streaming. Remember that you’re primarily addressing an educated, business-minded audience aged 25-34. Focus on topics that perform well on LinkedIn and relate to your brand. For inspiration, explore LinkedIn’s blog for insights on trending content.

To better understand your audience, consider the following tips:

Review Page Analytics: Analyze audience demographics to see what content resonates most.
Use the Content Suggestions Tool: Filter by industry, function, location, and seniority to identify trending topics for your target audience.
Explore the Communities Hashtags Feed: Associate your Page with up to three hashtags to access a feed of relevant content, helping you stay updated on industry trends.

Aim to create original content specifically for LinkedIn, covering topics you might not discuss elsewhere.

Set a schedule and practice

Planning ahead is crucial for a successful LinkedIn Live broadcast. LinkedIn suggests setting up your event at least 2-4 weeks in advance to outline the subject matter and prepare a loose script for the overall flow.

Once you have your structure, practice is key! Conduct a thorough run-through with key stakeholders to minimize slip-ups and gather feedback. However, avoid over-scripting; an overly rehearsed stream can seem stiff and inauthentic. Aim for a natural delivery that allows for some spontaneity.

Give your Live presentation an engaging title

Just like on YouTube, engaging titles and thumbnails are essential for attracting viewers and attendees.

For instance, a title such as “Essential Skills Every Digital Marketer Should Master” is effective because it’s clear, informative, and sparks curiosity.

Who wouldn’t want to learn about those essential skills? It prompts viewers to tune in for the insights.

Keep in mind that when you go live, your followers and attendees will receive automatic notifications. A captivating title can significantly increase the likelihood of them joining your stream.

Pack value into the first few m’inutes

Many broadcasters kick off their live streams with greetings or small talk. While this strategy can effectively engage live viewers, it may dissuade those watching the replay. To improve the replay experience, edit out the initial minutes of casual conversation before reposting the video, ensuring that it begins immediately with a strong value proposition.

Promote (and cross-promote!)

Planning ahead and announcing your upcoming stream to your followers helps set expectations and maximizes viewership. Schedule posts in the days leading up to your stream to ensure your connections don’t miss the announcement.

Be sure to tag any featured guests and include relevant hashtags, such as #LinkedInLive, to enhance reach. If you manage multiple social media channels, consider cross-posting similar content while tailoring it for each platform and audience.

Additionally, promote your LinkedIn Live event on your website and in your newsletter to further increase visibility.

Go long (but not too long)

LinkedIn suggests that the ideal duration for a live stream is around fifteen minutes. This time frame allows your audience to grasp your message while providing ample opportunity for them to comment and engage.

While you can extend your stream beyond this duration, be cautious—streaming for over an hour can lead to audience fatigue. If that occurs, even the best-prepared content may not resonate as intended.

Keep up with comments

Enlist a friend or colleague to help you during your live stream. Monitoring comments can be overwhelming while delivering a speech or conducting an interview, so having someone track questions allows you to focus on your presentation.

Using two devices is also effective. Choose the one with the best camera to record yourself, and use the other to keep an eye on comments. Don’t forget to like and respond to viewer comments, as this engagement fosters connections and enhances viewer interaction.

Ensure your messaging is clear

Since your content is live, new viewers may join after the introduction. To keep them informed, reiterate the discussion topic periodically throughout the broadcast.

Additionally, craft a compelling description for your Live video. Since LinkedIn hides much of the description in search results, make sure to front-load it with the most important information so viewers can quickly grasp the key points.

Optimize your LinkedIn presence

A great video can drive significant traffic, so it’s essential to have a strong LinkedIn presence to handle the influx.

For individuals, review your profile to ensure it accurately reflects who you are. Use a professional headshot, update your work experience, and craft an attention-grabbing headline.

For organizations, ensure your Page is fully completed. LinkedIn insights show that complete Pages receive 30% more views than incomplete ones. Start with compelling profile and banner images, and create an engaging “About Us” section, incorporating relevant keywords where possible.

Stream a pre-recorded video

Going live can be stressful, but you can alleviate that pressure by pre-recording a polished, professional video and scheduling it as a LinkedIn Live event.

This approach allows you to enjoy the advantages of a live video, such as priority placement in the feed, without the stress of broadcasting in real time. Plus, you can engage in the chat and focus entirely on interacting with your audience while your video plays.

Repurpose your live stream for other platforms

Once your LinkedIn Live video ends, it will be shared on your feed as a regular video for anyone to rewatch. To maximize its impact, consider clipping highlights from the stream to share on your other social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok. This not only extends the reach of your content but also engages different audiences across various channels.

Keep the conversation going!

As you conclude your broadcast, remember that it’s not the end of your message. Follow up by sharing additional resources and connecting with registered attendees.

Pro tip: After LinkedIn posts your broadcast, create bite-sized highlights to share on your feed. Short-form videos are trending and can keep your audience engaged!

How to analyze the performance of your LinkedIn Live?

Analyzing your LinkedIn Live performance is key to improvement. By reviewing metrics, you can enhance your streams to attract more viewers and boost engagement.

Here’s how to analyze your LinkedIn Live:

Review your LinkedIn Live Analytics

LinkedIn Live offers self-generated analytics to help marketers assess their performance. Here’s how to access your LinkedIn Live analytics:

Log into your LinkedIn account and navigate to your Page Admin View.
Click on the ‘Analytics’ drop-down menu.
Select the ‘Updates’ button.
Find the ‘Update Engagement’ section to locate your recent live stream.
Click on the video view numbers to see detailed stats, including:

Live Stream Performance: Peak concurrent viewers, total minutes watched, total viewers, and views for both live and replay.
Engagement Highlights: Number of reactions, comments, and shares.
Audience Firmographics: Information about the top pages, viewer locations, and job titles.

Identify your objective

To analyze your LinkedIn Live effectively, start by identifying your objectives or KPIs. Here’s how to proceed:

Choose Your Objective: Define what you aim to achieve, such as generating leads, building brand awareness, or driving engagement.

Identify Your Key Metrics: Select key metrics to measure success, such as clicks, conversions, average engagement, and impressions.

Learn to self-analyze

Failing to self-analyze can hinder your growth and make your live streams less engaging. After each session, reflect on these questions:

Did I effectively communicate with my audience?
Should I aim for a broader audience next time?
Was my topic engaging and relevant?

Although self-assessment can be challenging, it’s essential for improving your LinkedIn Live streams.

Evaluate on the spot

Conduct an internal checkup by evaluating whether you met your audience’s expectations. Reflect on how you feel about the stream:

Are you satisfied?
Did you feel stressed or uncomfortable?
Did you fail to communicate something clearly?

Jot down your thoughts and feelings without analyzing them right away. Then, wait a day or two before revisiting your notes to brainstorm improvements.

LinkedIn Live video ideas

Host a “fireside LinkedIn live chat”

Fireside chats provide a relaxed setting for discussions that can effectively generate leads.

For individuals: Use a fireside chat to showcase your expertise on a relevant industry topic, potentially repurposing content from previous presentations.

For organizations: Invite team members or guest speakers to share insights, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at your business.

For example, we held a LinkedIn Live session with our Marketing and Sales teams, discussing the effects of digital marketing on customer engagement in the tech industry.

Launch or demo a new product

LinkedIn Live is an excellent platform for launching products or services.

Going live allows you to guide potential customers through your latest offering step-by-step, providing a fresh way for your audience to engage with the release.

Don’t forget that coworker you brought on to assist—ask them to share insightful questions from the comments in real time, so you can address them during the stream.

Interview an expert

Expert interviews are a fantastic way to establish authority in your field while promoting your services to the interviewee’s audience. Here are some ideas for interviews:

Industry Celebrity: Chat with a well-known figure in your industry whose audience aligns with yours.
Internal Talent: Interview a colleague to showcase your company’s expertise and insights.
Client Testimonials: Invite satisfied customers to share their experiences with your services, effectively turning the interview into a live video testimonial.

Review industry highlights

Staying updated on industry trends is a great way to showcase your expertise. Consider hosting regular sessions, like monthly highlights of important news or analyses of emerging issues.

For example, a “Market Pulse” segment can provide insights on shifts in consumer behavior or regulatory changes, keeping your audience informed and positioning you as a thought leader.

Holidays and seasonal trends

Explore seasonal content as a way to connect with your audience. For instance, creating summer-themed videos can capture attention and showcase your brand’s personality.

Just ensure that the seasonal angle also delivers valuable insights. A summer productivity tips video could be engaging while still offering practical advice that helps viewers improve their work-life balance.

LinkedIn Live- Frequently asked questions

How do I access LinkedIn Live?

To access LinkedIn Live:

Check Eligibility: Ensure your profile is complete and meets LinkedIn’s guidelines.
Create a Live Event: Go to your LinkedIn page, click “Create a post,” and select “LinkedIn Live.”
Connect a Streaming Tool: Use a third-party tool like StreamYard or OBS Studio to broadcast.
Plan and Promote: Schedule your event and inform your network.
Go Live: Start your broadcast from the streaming tool and engage with viewers.

Is LinkedIn Live Video only available to Premium members?

All LinkedIn members, including Page admins, can access Live Video if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Can you see who is watching LinkedIn live?

No, LinkedIn does not provide a feature to see the specific individuals watching your Live video. You can see the total number of viewers and engagement metrics like comments and reactions, but not the names of viewers.

Is LinkedIn Live available to everyone?

Yes, LinkedIn Live is available to all LinkedIn members and LinkedIn Page admins who meet the access criteria. However, you must apply for access and comply with LinkedIn’s guidelines to start using the feature.

Can I go live if I don’t have 1000 followers?

Yes, you can still go live on LinkedIn even if you don’t have 1,000 followers. The main requirement is that you must apply for access to LinkedIn Live and meet the platform’s criteria. Once approved, you can host live streams regardless of your follower count.

Conclusion

Utilizing LinkedIn Live effectively can enhance your professional presence and foster engagement with your audience. By setting clear goals, creating compelling content, and promoting your streams, you can facilitate valuable interactions. Continuously analyze your performance and gather feedback to refine your approach, ensuring each broadcast is more impactful. For more tips and resources on maximizing your LinkedIn strategy, visit System SocialZ.