LinkedIn, Microsoft’s professional networking platform, is currently testing a new feature that resembles the short-form video feed of TikTok. This development was confirmed by the company to TechCrunch after Austin Null, a strategy director at McKinney, an influencer agency, first noticed it. The feature can be accessed under a “Video” tab in the app’s navigation bar, offering a vertical feed of brief videos that users can engage with through likes, comments, or shares. While LinkedIn has not disclosed how videos are selected for this feed, it bears resemblance to the short-form video feeds on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Netflix.
LinkedIn’s new video feed sets itself apart by focusing exclusively on career-related and professional content. Although LinkedIn has allowed users to upload videos in the past, this dedicated video feed aims to enhance engagement and discovery by providing succinct videos for quick consumption. According to LinkedIn, videos have become a preferred format for users to obtain insights from professionals and experts, highlighting the platform’s emphasis on creating a unique space for professional networking and development through video content.
The innovative video feed feature on LinkedIn is currently in its early testing phase and is not widely available to users. This initiative comes at a time when creators have gained significant followings on TikTok by sharing career advice, job hunting tips, and professional growth experiences. LinkedIn’s new video feed could provide an alternative platform for these creators to share their content and potentially reach a broader audience, attracting users seeking professional insights and guidance in an engaging video format.
There is speculation that LinkedIn may monetize this new video feed in the future to incentivize creators to post their content on the platform. However, not all users may embrace this feature, as some might feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of short-form video feeds on popular apps. Despite potential concerns, LinkedIn’s focus on professional and career-related content could differentiate its video feed and offer a unique space for users seeking career advancement opportunities and industry insights.
In the competitive landscape of social media and video-sharing platforms, LinkedIn’s venture into short-form video content signifies its commitment to innovation and adapting to user preferences. By introducing a dedicated video feed tailored to professional and career-related content, LinkedIn aims to enhance user engagement and discovery while providing a platform for creators to share valuable insights in a format that resonates with audiences. As the feature remains in testing, its success will depend on user reception and the platform’s ability to curate relevant and high-quality video content that adds value to the professional networking experience on LinkedIn.
Overall, LinkedIn’s experimentation with a TikTok-inspired video feed represents a strategic move to capitalize on the popularity of short-form video content while maintaining its focus on professional networking and career development. With the potential for monetization and opportunities for creators to showcase their expertise, LinkedIn’s new video feed could offer a unique avenue for users to engage with professional content in a concise and impactful format. As the feature evolves and expands to a wider audience, its reception and integration into the platform will determine its long-term success and impact on the professional networking landscape.