LinkedIn is currently experimenting with a novel feature resembling TikTok's format, introducing a dedicated "video" tab within its app. While the platform has not officially announced this feature, users have observed it recently.
LinkedIn logos were displayed on an iPhone and computer screen on August 3, 2016, in London, England. (Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images)
Navigating the New Video Landscape on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has announced its experimentation with a TikTok-style short-form video feed, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch.
This move aligns LinkedIn with a growing trend among popular apps, such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Netflix, which have all introduced their versions of short-form video feeds in response to the widespread popularity of TikTok.
Instagram employee Jenny Eishingdrelo shared screenshots and a video uploaded to LinkedIn by influencer marketing executive Austin Null to provide insights into the new feature.
It presents users with a separate tab for videos, allowing vertical scrolling to navigate between clips, akin to the interface of TikTok or Instagram Reels.
The emergence of the new feed was initially discovered by Austin Null, serving as a strategy director at McKinney, an influencer agency. Null took to LinkedIn to unveil a brief demonstration of the feed's functionality, highlighting its placement within the app's navigation bar under a designated "Video" tab.
Upon tapping the Video button, users are seamlessly directed to a vertical stream of concise videos that can be navigated through simple swiping gestures.
Users can engage with videos by liking, commenting, or sharing them within this feed. However, the company has not disclosed the specifics regarding the algorithm determining video visibility.
LinkedIn's Venture into Short-Form Videos
The recent inclusion mirrors the vertical short-form video feeds found in various applications. However, unlike these feeds featuring diverse content like comedy and cooking videos, LinkedIn's feed distinctly emphasizes careers and professionalism.
Although video posting has been available on LinkedIn, the introduction of this dedicated feed aims to enhance engagement and exploration on the platform, offering succinct videos for users to swiftly peruse.
LinkedIn has observed a growing preference among its users for videos as a means of learning from professionals and experts.
This recognition has led the platform to experiment with a new method for users to discover relevant video content. However, since the feature is still in its early testing phase, it is not yet available to most users.
Introducing this new feature coincides with the rise of creators on TikTok who have garnered significant followings by sharing insights and experiences related to career growth, job searches, and professional development.
With LinkedIn's new feed, creators would have an additional platform to share their video content and potentially expand their audience reach.
There is speculation that LinkedIn may explore monetization options for the feed in the future, which could incentivize creators to share more video content on the platform.
While the introduction of the feature offers promising prospects for content creators, there are concerns among certain users regarding its reception.
Some individuals may not view the new feed favorably, perceiving it as an inundation of short-form video feeds amidst the many options available on popular apps.
