LinkedIn launches a TikTok-like video feed

LinkedIn launches a TikTok-like video feed is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• LinkedIn tests a new “Video” tab offering a vertical feed of short, professional videos, similar to popular formats on other platforms but focused on career and professional development content.
• The feature, spotted by Austin Null of McKinney, allows users to engage with videos through likes, comments, and shares, though the algorithm determining video visibility remains undisclosed.
• This initiative by Microsoft-owned LinkedIn caters to user demand for video learning, presents opportunities for content creators, and could potentially pave the way for monetization in the future.

New feature alert

LinkedIn is in the process of trialing a new feature resembling the short-form video functionality of TikTok, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday. This latest experiment sees LinkedIn join the ranks of numerous other mainstream apps that have introduced their own short-form video feeds in the wake of TikTok’s surging popularity, such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Netflix.

The new feature was initially identified by Austin Null, a Strategy Director at McKinney, an influencer agency. Null shared a brief demonstration of the feature on LinkedIn, which is accessible via a newly introduced “Video” tab located in the app’s navigation bar. Upon tapping the Video button, users are directed to a vertical feed of concise videos that can be navigated by swiping. Users have the option to like a video, contribute a comment, or share it with their connections. However, the company has not disclosed the criteria the feed uses to curate the videos displayed to users.

This new component bears resemblance to the vertical short-form video feeds found in other applications, although while those feeds cater to a broad spectrum of content from comedy to culinary videos, LinkedIn’s feed is unequivocally concentrated on themes of career development and professional conduct. Although video posting has long been a feature of LinkedIn, the introduction of a dedicated feed is intended to enhance user engagement and content discovery on the platform by offering easily digestible video content that users can swiftly browse through.

Also read: LinkedIn passes 1billion members, showcases AI tool

User engagement

LinkedIn, a subsidiary of Microsoft, has indicated that video content is evolving into a preferred format for its users to glean insights from professionals and experts. Consequently, the platform is experimenting with innovative methods for users to discover pertinent video content. As the feature is in its nascent stages of testing, it is currently accessible to a limited audience only.

The introduction of this new feature coincides with the rise of numerous creators on TikTok who have garnered significant followings by imparting counsel and shared experiences on subjects such as career progression, job seeking, and professional advancement. With LinkedIn’s new video feed, these creators are poised to acquire an additional platform to disseminate their video content, potentially expanding their viewership. There is speculation that LinkedIn may, in the future, seek to monetize the feed, a strategic move that could encourage creators to upload their video content exclusively on the app.

Creator opportunities and potential monetization

While this feature opens up fresh avenues for content creators, there is a possibility that certain users may not regard the introduction of the new feed as a positive development. This is because they might feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of short-form video feeds across various popular applications.