This is why LinkedIn is betting big on letting people share videos
Stephen Lam/Getty Images
Following this initial testing period, video will soon be available to all users. On iOS and Android, the LinkedIn app is getting a "video" button that will let you record a new video or upload one you've already taken. The new feature will be available to many users on Tuesday, and the company will roll it out globally over the next few weeks.
The feature will allow users of LinkedIn, which is a Microsoft subsidiary, to share details of their professional lives in a way they couldn't before, the company said.
When some people try to describe their jobs, "text cannot capture the work," said Pete Davies, a group product manager at the company. But when you can record those kinds of jobs, he added, "we find they make for stunning visuals."
Earlier this month, a NASA employee used LinkedIn to record a rocket launch. Last month, HotelTonight's CEO used it to give business advice.
There are any number of places to post a video online. A key reason to post it on LinkedIn, though, is to share it with your professional audience, said Peter Roybal, a senior product manager at the company. Just like any other post on LinkedIn, text or otherwise, you would share videos because you want them to be noticed by your professional network.
"Of course [users are] going to share content that is most relevant to the people they're connected to," Roybal said.
LinkedIn users have been eager to have access to the video feature, he said. After some users figured out Roybal was in charge of LinkedIn's video feature, they started tagging him in their posts, begging for access.
Meanwhile, with the likes of Apple and Facebook reportedly investing millions and even billions of dollars in original video content, one might wonder if LinkedIn is planning to follow suit. Davies didn't rule it out, but said there's "nothing immediate" in the works.
Technically, "we're getting original content" already, he said.
Get the latest Microsoft stock price here.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas