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LinkedIn has ventured into the realm of short-form video content with the testing of a new TikTok-like feed, confirmed by the company to TechCrunch on Wednesday. This move aligns with the trend seen across various social media platforms, as LinkedIn joins the ranks of apps embracing short-form video features following the meteoric rise of TikTok’s popularity. Notable platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and even Netflix have all introduced their iterations of short-form video feeds in recent times.
The discovery of this new feature was first brought to light by Austin Null, a strategy director at McKinney, an influencer agency. Null shared a brief demonstration on LinkedIn, revealing the presence of the new feed nestled within the app’s navigation bar under a distinct “Video” tab. Upon accessing the Video section, users are greeted with a vertical feed of short videos, allowing for seamless swiping through the content. Similar to other platforms, users can engage with the videos by liking, commenting, or sharing them, although specific details regarding the algorithm powering the feed remain undisclosed by LinkedIn.
Enhancing Engagement and Discovery: LinkedIn Explores Short-Form Video Integration
While LinkedIn’s short-form video feed has become ubiquitous across various platforms, LinkedIn’s iteration stands out with its clear focus on professional content related to careers and industry expertise. Although users long could post videos on LinkedIn, the introduction of a dedicated video feed aims to elevate engagement and foster discovery by presenting concise, informative videos tailored to the platform’s audience.
As acknowledged by Microsoft-owned LinkedIn, videos have emerged as a preferred format for users seeking to learn from professionals and industry experts. The introduction of the new video feed underscores the platform’s commitment to facilitating relevant content discovery, particularly in the realm of career growth and professional development. However, as the feature is currently in its early testing phase, access to the new feed remains limited to a select group of users.
Potential Impact and Future Monetization: Implications of LinkedIn’s Latest Experiment
The unveiling of LinkedIn’s short-form video feed coincides with the growing presence of creators on TikTok who share valuable insights and advice on topics ranging from career advancement to job searches. By providing a dedicated space for creators to share video content, LinkedIn aims to offer a platform for users to access informative and educational content within a professional context. Additionally, there is speculation that LinkedIn may explore monetization opportunities associated with the new feed, potentially incentivizing creators to contribute their video content to the platform.
While the introduction of LinkedIn’s short-form video feed presents new opportunities for creators, some users may express concerns about the potential inundation of short-form video content within the app. As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, platforms like LinkedIn navigate the delicate balance between fostering engagement and maintaining user experience amidst the proliferation of short-form video feeds across various platforms.
