How to Go Live on LinkedIn Feed
In the digital age, live streaming has become a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to share their expertise, build their brand, and engage with their audience in real time. LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, has joined the live streaming bandwagon with LinkedIn Live. This feature allows users to broadcast live video to their network, and beyond. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of going live on LinkedIn Feed.
Understanding LinkedIn Live
Before we delve into the specifics of how to go live on LinkedIn, it's crucial to understand what LinkedIn Live is and how it can benefit you. LinkedIn Live is a feature that enables users to broadcast real-time video to their LinkedIn Feed. This can be an excellent way to share industry insights, conduct live Q&As, host webinars, or simply engage with your LinkedIn network in a more personal and interactive way.
LinkedIn Live videos tend to get more engagement than regular video posts. According to LinkedIn, live video content generates 7x more reactions and 24x more comments on average compared to native video produced by the same broadcasters. This makes it a powerful tool for increasing visibility and engagement on the platform.
Getting Access to LinkedIn Live
Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn doesn't automatically grant all users access to its live streaming feature. To use LinkedIn Live, you must first apply and be approved by LinkedIn. This is because LinkedIn wants to ensure that the live content on their platform is valuable and relevant to their professional audience.
Applying for LinkedIn Live is straightforward. You can apply as an individual or as a page. To apply, you need to fill out a LinkedIn Live application form on LinkedIn's website. The form asks for basic information about you or your organization, and how you plan to use LinkedIn Live. LinkedIn reviews applications on a rolling basis, and if approved, you will receive a notification.
Preparing for Your LinkedIn Live Broadcast
Once you've been approved to use LinkedIn Live, it's time to start planning your live broadcast. Like any other form of content, a successful live broadcast requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some steps to consider:
Define Your Purpose
Before you go live, it's important to define the purpose of your broadcast. Are you trying to educate your audience on a particular topic? Are you hosting a Q&A session? Or perhaps you're showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at your business? Having a clear purpose will help guide your content and keep your audience engaged.
Plan Your Content
Once you've defined your purpose, it's time to plan your content. This could be a rough script or a detailed outline of the topics you want to cover. Remember, live broadcasts are interactive, so be prepared to go off-script to answer viewer questions or comments.
Test Your Equipment
Technical glitches can disrupt your broadcast and frustrate your viewers, so it's important to test your equipment beforehand. This includes your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Make sure your broadcast location has good lighting and is free from background noise.
How to Go Live on LinkedIn
Now that you're prepared, it's time to go live. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go live on LinkedIn:
Open LinkedIn on your desktop and click on the "Start a post" button at the top of your feed.
Click on the "Live video" option in the post composer.
Select the "Go Live Now" option, or schedule your live video for a later date and time.
Enter a description for your live video. This will appear as the status update above your video.
Click "Go Live" to start your broadcast.
Remember, once you're live, you can interact with viewers by responding to their comments in real time. After your broadcast, the video will be available on your LinkedIn feed for others to watch.
Best Practices for LinkedIn Live
To make the most of LinkedIn Live, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Promote Your Broadcast
Don't rely on the LinkedIn algorithm to get viewers for your live broadcast. Promote your broadcast ahead of time on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. You can also send a direct message to your LinkedIn connections to invite them to watch.
Engage with Your Audience
One of the biggest benefits of live streaming is the ability to interact with your audience in real time. Encourage viewers to comment, ask questions, and share your broadcast. Be sure to respond to comments and questions during the broadcast to keep the conversation going.
Analyze Your Performance
After your broadcast, take the time to analyze your performance. LinkedIn provides analytics for live videos, including total views, reactions, and comments. Use this data to understand what worked and what didn't, and to improve your future broadcasts.
In conclusion, LinkedIn Live is a powerful tool for engaging with your professional network in real time. By understanding how to use this feature and following best practices, you can maximize your visibility and engagement on LinkedIn.
