You may not have access to the option as yet, but LinkedIn is slowly looking to expand the usage of its live-streaming option, LinkedIn Live, after its initial launch to selected US users back in February.
And this week, LinkedIn has published a new, 13-page guide of tips and tricks on how to make best use of LinkedIn Live, which includes a range of helpful broadcast notes that can actually be applied beyond the platform itself
As explained by LinkedIn:
"LinkedIn Live enables organizations to create powerful brand moments, deepen relationships with followers and increase their engagement on the platform. In fact, broadcasters are seeing 7x more reactions and 24x more comments on average for live streams compared to regular video."
Those stats would make it worthy of additional examination - here are a couple of key notes from the guide.
The first point of emphasis which will stand out to many is the fact that LinkedIn Live is essentially not a standalone function on LinkedIn. A third-party video platform is required to utilize the option.
LinkedIn has taken a different approach to other social live-streaming options, which may also make LinkedIn's live-streams a little more professional, as publishers are required to use a more advanced, dedicated video tool to broadcast, as opposed to your shaky iPhone.
That extra step may also get broadcasters thinking a little more about their presentation, especially given that they'll need to invest in a professional video platform to facilitate the process.
In terms of usage, LinkedIn outlines a range of potential use cases for LinkedIn Live, and provides examples of how businesses are already utilizing the option.
LinkedIn also outlines best practice tips for your live broadcasts, along with general video production notes - again putting the emphasis on advanced presentation, as opposed to simply capturing 'in-the-moment' happenings.
Lastly, LinkedIn also provides pointers on how you can demonstrate the value of your live-streaming efforts, including notes on goal-setting, testing and establishing relevant KPIs.
It's a solid guide to advanced live-streaming, and creating a more professional broadcast that will likely appeal to LinkedIn members.
But then again, as noted, most people still can't access LinkedIn Live anyway - if you're interested, it's definitely worth reading through the guide first and getting an understanding of where LinkedIn is placing emphasis on its streams. Once you've done that, you can apply to the LinkedIn Live beta program here.
It's an option worth considering if you're looking to make a bigger push on LinkedIn, but the added investment required for a third-party video platform does increase cost, which ups the commitment to your LinkedIn streams.
But then again, aside from the aforementioned stats on the effectiveness of LinkedIn Live specifically, LinkedIn users are 20x more likely to share a video on the platform than any other type of post.
It may well be worth the extra effort.
