LinkedIn Reels: Just Another Feature or a Game-Changer for Professionals?
LinkedIn has long been the go-to platform for professional networking, B2B marketing, cold outreach, real industry insights, and finding career opportunities. However, with the recent introduction of an immersive video feed — commonly referred to as "LinkedIn Reels", the platform is now embracing short-form video content, a format popularized by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
This move raises several key questions: Is this feature valuable for professionals? Does it enhance marketing and B2B outreach? Or is it simply a sensational distraction from LinkedIn’s core purpose?
So, let's review why LinkedIn introduced Reels, how users can leverage it, and whether it’s a tool worth incorporating into your marketing strategy as a business.
Why Did LinkedIn Introduce Reels?
Social media has evolved, and video content is now king. According to LinkedIn’s own data, video content receives 5x more engagement than text-based posts. With the rise of short-form video as a dominant content type across other platforms, LinkedIn saw an opportunity to increase user engagement and diversify its content offerings.
But, this is not the first time LinkedIn is rolling out a feature like this. Back in 2019, the platform introduced a "Reels-like" feature called Stories that featured at the top of your newsfeed and visible also on your desktop. The videos lasted 24 hours and were in the vertical format. However, not many people liked it, and by 2021, it was discontinued. Obviously, the ongoing experiment with LinkedIn Reels is an improvement on LinkedIn Stories.
By integrating Reels, LinkedIn aims to:
Attract a younger audience who are accustomed to consuming short-form content.
Encourage more content creation by making it easier and more engaging to share updates.
Increase time spent on the platform, thereby boosting LinkedIn’s overall reach and advertising revenue.
Help professionals build their personal brand through engaging storytelling.
We believe the goal behind LinkedIn Reels is to make professional content more engaging and improve user retention on the platform. Unlike traditional LinkedIn posts, which are often text-heavy, Reels allow professionals and businesses to showcase insights, company culture, product demos, or thought leadership in a shorter and digestible format.
Is LinkedIn Reels Worth It?
The introduction of Reels on LinkedIn has received mixed reactions. Some users embrace the change, seeing it as an innovative way to present professional content. Others fear it might lead LinkedIn down the path of becoming too "social" and less professional. But, is it worth using for marketers, businesses, and professionals?
Let’s break it down.
The Benefits of LinkedIn Reels
1. Boosts Engagement and Visibility
Video content is one of the best ways to boost engagement. Studies show that posts featuring videos receive significantly higher impressions, shares, and comments than images only or even images combined with texts. This means that professionals who utilize LinkedIn Reels could have a higher chance of increasing their visibility and growing their networks.
2. Enhances Thought Leadership
Professionals can use Reels to share bite-sized industry insights, quick tips, and expert opinions. Instead of writing long posts all the time, a 30-to 60-second video can deliver valuable information more compellingly. CEOs, industry leaders, large corporations, marketers, and entrepreneurs have already started using LinkedIn Reels to connect with their audience on a more personal level. To be honest, it feels very much like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, but this time, a bit more professional.
3. Great for Employer Branding
Businesses can use LinkedIn Reels to showcase their workplace culture, highlight employee achievements, or provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into daily operations. This can be a great way for companies to attract top talent and make their organizations stand out in a crowded job market.
4. A New Avenue for B2B Marketing
Many businesses still rely on traditional posts, newsletters, and LinkedIn articles for B2B marketing. However, Reels open up a new way to engage decision-makers with quick, visually appealing content. Short explainer videos, product demos, testimonials, and case studies can be more effective than text-based content.
5. Drives Lead Generation
With the right call-to-action (CTA), LinkedIn Reels can help drive leads and sales. Businesses can direct viewers to their website, encourage them to sign up for webinars, or even book discovery calls. Given that 80% of B2B leads generated on social media come from LinkedIn, using Reels strategically can be a powerful tool in your sales funnel.
Potential Drawbacks: Is It a Distraction?
While LinkedIn Reels presents exciting opportunities, there are concerns about whether it aligns with the platform’s professional nature. Some users worry that LinkedIn may become too casual, diluting its value as a professional networking site. Others argue that a surge of low-quality or irrelevant content could clutter the feed.
How to Maintain Professionalism with LinkedIn Reels
Keep Content Relevant: Avoid overly casual or entertainment-focused videos. Stick to content that provides value to your network.
Be Concise: Attention spans are now short. Keep your videos between 30-60 seconds for maximum engagement.
Use Captions: Many LinkedIn users browse without sound, so use captions to ensure accessibility and clarity.
Include a Call-to-Action: Encourage your audience to engage by liking, commenting, or visiting your website.
How Can B2B Marketers Leverage LinkedIn Reels?
If you’re in B2B marketing, you might be wondering how to incorporate LinkedIn Reels into your strategy. Here are some ways you can leverage it:
Product Demos: Showcase your software, services, or tools in action.
Client Testimonials: Let satisfied customers speak on your behalf in short, engaging videos.
Industry Insights: Share quick takes on industry trends, market shifts, or new regulations.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give your audience a look at your company culture, team, or work environment.
Event Highlights: If you attend conferences or host webinars, use Reels to capture key moments and insights.
What’s Next for LinkedIn Reels?
LinkedIn’s video feature has been around since late 2024, and initial reports suggest increased video adoption among professionals. Local video uploads have surged by 44% year-over-year, and engagement rates remain strong. CEOs and business leaders have been particularly active, with LinkedIn reporting a 23% increase in executive posts since the launch of Reels.
LinkedIn Reels appears to be a feature that’s here to stay, but, unlike its predecessor, LinkedIn Stories, it must survive the test of time. As professionals and businesses adapt, we can expect more innovations in how Reels are used for networking, branding, and B2B engagement.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use LinkedIn Reels?
If you’re a professional looking to enhance your brand or a business aiming to boost engagement, LinkedIn Reels is worth experimenting with. The key is to use it strategically — keeping content professional, relevant, and engaging.
For marketers, particularly in the B2B space, Reels offer a fresh way to capture attention, generate leads, and drive meaningful conversations. If you already use similar features on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to drive sales and engagement, it won't be much of a challenge to embrace it on LinkedIn.
Ready to Elevate Your LinkedIn Video Strategy?
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Want to learn more? Reach out to us today and discover how automated video content can transform your B2B outreach and personal branding efforts.
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