LinkedIn Introduces TikTok-Inspired Short-Form Video Feed
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, is venturing into the realm of short-form video content with its latest test feature. The company has confirmed to The Zero Byte that it is experimenting with a vertical video feed, akin to the immensely popular format popularized by TikTok. This move positions LinkedIn alongside a growing list of apps, such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and even Netflix, which have all embraced the short-form video trend in the wake of TikTok’s success.
Discovering the New Video Tab
The existence of the new video feed was initially brought to light by Austin Null, a strategy director at the influencer agency McKinney. Null shared a brief demonstration on LinkedIn, revealing that the feature resides in a dedicated “Video” tab within the app’s navigation bar. Upon tapping the Video button, users are transported to a vertical feed of concise videos, which they can effortlessly swipe through, like, comment on, and share with their network. However, the specifics of how the feed curates and presents videos to individual users remain undisclosed.
Tailored for Professional Content
While the concept of a vertical short-form video feed is reminiscent of those found in other apps, LinkedIn’s iteration is distinctly tailored to its professional audience. In contrast to the diverse content spanning comedy, cooking, and various other genres typically encountered on other platforms, LinkedIn’s feed is laser-focused on career-related and professional topics. The introduction of this dedicated feed aims to enhance engagement and content discovery within the app by offering users easily digestible video snippets to consume.
Videos are becoming one of its users’ desired formats for learning from professionals and experts, which is why it’s testing a new way for users to discover relevant videos.
Opportunities for Creators
The emergence of this new feature comes at a time when numerous creators have cultivated substantial followings on TikTok by sharing insights and experiences related to career growth, job searches, and professional development. LinkedIn’s video feed presents a fresh avenue for these creators to showcase their content and potentially expand their reach to a wider audience. Furthermore, the possibility of future monetization of the feed could serve as an additional incentive for creators to prioritize posting their video content on the app.
User Reception and Future Prospects
While the introduction of the short-form video feed opens up new possibilities for creators, it remains to be seen how LinkedIn users will respond to this addition. Some individuals may view the proliferation of short-form video feeds across multiple apps as overwhelming and unnecessary. Nevertheless, LinkedIn’s foray into this domain underscores the growing significance of video content in the digital landscape and the platform’s commitment to adapting to evolving user preferences.
As the feature is currently in the early stages of testing, access is limited to a select group of users. The company has not provided a timeline for a wider rollout or disclosed any plans for potential monetization. However, the introduction of this TikTok-inspired video feed marks a significant step for LinkedIn as it seeks to maintain its relevance and engage its user base in an increasingly video-centric online environment.
6 Comments
LinkedIn’s going full TikTok now? Better start practicing those dance moves for job interviews!
Guess it’s time to add “excellent at viral challenges” to our CVs, LinkedIn’s evolving!
Because nothing says professional like a viral dance challenge, right? Let’s master the resume boogie.
Is LinkedIn trying to blend in with Gen Z, or are we all about to get dance offers instead of job offers
Is LinkedIn having an identity crisis or just spicing things up
LinkedIn just decided to be the cool uncle at the family BBQ, huh