Author: Written by Priyanga Arasanayagam, Social Media Executive
LinkedIn is waving goodbye to standalone audio events from 2nd December as it pushes towards more video-centric experiences. If you’ve ever hosted or attended one, you know they had their charm, but LinkedIn has decided to merge them into LinkedIn Live, focusing on an all-in-one event experience. This change reflects a broader trend of platforms evolving their offerings to prioritise video and simplify user experience.
So, what’s the deal? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Set up with LinkedIn Live: You’ll now need to pair LinkedIn Live with a third-party streaming tool like Restream, Vimeo, or Stream Yard.
- No more blank screens: For audio-only events, you’ll need a static image – your event cover art, logo, or branded slides.
- Fewer speakers, more control: Only up to 16 invited speakers can join, and they’ll need to accept before the event starts.
- Automatic recordings: Every event will be now recorded by default, so, you’ll always have a playback option to share after.
Why Is LinkedIn Making This Change?
LinkedIn’s update isn’t happening in a vacuum. Platforms across the board are consolidating features to make things easier for users. Pinterest merged Idea Pins with regular Pins. Instagram turned all videos into Reels. Now, LinkedIn is following suit. While live audio events gained popularity during the pandemic, their demand has since waned, prompting platforms to prioritise formats that drive more engagement.
It’s all about simplifying creation while giving users the tools to create content that delivers better experiences, and we think this is just the start of LinkedIn’s bigger plans.
Why LinkedIn’s Shift Matters?
- Evolving Content Strategy: The move signals LinkedIn’s push towards video-centric experiences, aligning with its focus on dynamic, visual content to drive engagement.
- Streamlined Functionality: By merging features, LinkedIn simplifies event hosting, creating a more unified experience for both hosts and attendees. The added bonus? Automatic recordings that extend the life of your content.
- A Sign of Bigger Changes: This update is part of LinkedIn’s larger evolution. Alongside features like built-in video games and content playback, the platform is expanding its scope.
What’s Next for Marketers?
- Experiment with formats: If you’ve been sticking to audio-only events, now might be the time to consider adding video into the mix.
- Plan for repurposing: Think beyond the live moment. How can you turn your event into ongoing content? They can be repurposed for social media, newsletters, or training materials.
- Practice with tools: Get comfortable with third-party streaming platforms before your first event. A little prep goes a long way.
LinkedIn’s shift away from standalone audio events signals the end of a specific trend but also highlights the platform’s commitment to evolving with user needs. Whether it’s showcasing expertise, driving brand awareness, or fostering community, this update can help you take your LinkedIn strategy to the next level.
Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a7144422
https://www.techopedia.com/news/linkedin-becomes-latest-platform-to-kill-pandemic-era-audio-feature
