The world effectively rolled up its sidewalks and drew its shutters for a year and a half or so. So it’s not too surprising that live video exploded in 2020. Already a popular medium, live streaming nearly doubled between April 2019 and April 2020, and the industry is expected to be a $150 billion market by 2026.
With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that LinkedIn’s live streaming platform has become more popular of late.
LinkedIn Live allows you to interview industry experts, promote your upcoming events, connect with your fans and followers, or show off your skills — all in real time. And we’ll show you how it works.
Getting Started With LinkedIn Live
On other social media sites with live streaming features, anyone can go live anytime they want. LinkedIn, however — always the consummate professional – does things a bit differently. If you want to go live on their platform, you’ll have to apply.
To be eligible for LinkedIn Live video access, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Have more than 150 connections or followers
- Show a strong track record of creating original content
- Have a history of playing by the rules (it’s is a privilege, after all!)
- Live anywhere except mainland China, where the service is unavailable
Does your business check all the boxes? It’s time to fill out your application — but an application doesn’t guarantee acceptance. A LinkedIn team will take some time to visit your pages to make sure you’re up to par. Make sure your profile (particularly your Articles and Activity sections) is publicly accessible so the team can do its due diligence.
You can expect some communication from LinkedIn Live within three or four days of submitting your application.
Marketing with LinkedIn Live
Congratulations! You’re in! Now what?
First, you’ll need to choose a streaming tool. LinkedIn Live has four preferred partners: Restream, Socialive, Streamyard and Switcher Studio. They also have a handful of certified partners, or you can choose to use their custom stream (RTMP) tool.
Having trouble with your chosen streaming tool? The LinkedIn Live resource hub can help you out with support snafus and technical troubles.
Lights, Camera, Action!
It’s finally time for your business to shine. Use LinkedIn Live to host webinars or Q&As, show off you new product line, introduce your fans and followers to the faces of your company or livestream your next event.
With live video, authenticity pays off. Your audience isn’t expecting you to sound like you’re reading from a teleprompter; they want the real you.
It’s equally important to offer some sense of consistency. A business that floods its audience with live videos one week and then disappears for the next three months won’t connect as well as one that meters their social media calendar effectively.
Not sure how you’re stacking up? LinkedIn Live offers plenty of ways to track your metrics. You’ll be able to see your likes, comments and shares, find out how many views and viewers your video has, and discover the peak time for posting. You can even track your views by location and job titles!
LinkedIn Live: A New Missile for Your Marketing Arsenal!
LinkedIn Live isn’t quite plug-and-play — you’ll have to apply, be accepted and do the legwork to experience the benefits it offers. But once you’re up and running, it’s one more fantastic way to connect with your audience!
At Mischa Communications, we stay on the cutting edge of business marketing, so you don’t have to. How can we help?