LinkedIn Live Streaming

Live video content or events are a powerful way to build a community and drive record engagement. According to Livestream, 87% of viewers would prefer to watch behind-the-scenes content online vs. on television.

Today, many organizations have now started to organize virtual events to connect with their audience across the globe in real-time.

LinkedIn live streaming is one of the best options for conducting webinars with great image quality and real-time data. You can compare metrics for engagement and awareness (Likes, Comments, Shares, Lifetime Watchtime, Live Viewers at Peak, etc.) between a live and native video. Moreover, you can also access firmographics data of your audience, such as top companies, job titles, and locations. No other platform offers professional firmographic insights for live streaming than LinkedIn.

So, are you excited to do your first live video on LinkedIn? Don’t know where to start? Take this comprehensive guide as your starting point.

What is LinkedIn Live?

It is a webinar version offered by LinkedIn on February 22, 2019, that allows brands to connect with their communities in real-time. It’s a live streaming platform such as Facebook Live, with a more professional twist. This feature is available for the LinkedIn company page and one member of the page. LinkedIn broadcasts can be offered to the entire community or targeted groups to interact directly with the brand – ask questions and give feedback in real-time. LinkedIn Live is unfiltered and authentic, which is what people want from their brands. Thus, Linkedin events get more reactions and comments than a typical native video produced by other broadcasters.

What types of content can be broadcasted to LinkedIn Live?

LinkedIn Live allows different types of content, including interviews, product presentations, tutorials, question-and-answer sessions, consulting, innovation events, thought leadership events, etc.

Who can go live on LinkedIn?

Only approved broadcasters (members and pages with above 150 followers) can start streaming their first Linkedin live video. Moreover, not all admins can access LinkedIn live events on behalf of a Page. When you apply for LinkedIn Live, please indicate at least 1 admin who will conduct streaming events on behalf of your Page.

What are the requirements to apply for a live stream?

LinkedIn grants broadcast access to members and Pages based on a set of criteria. If you do not meet one or more of the access requirements, you will not grant access to LinkedIn live.

Here are the requirements to apply for LinkedIn Live:

• Members and Pages with above 150 followers and/or connections
• Only members and Pages with experience in creating original content ( posts with text, images, videos, articles, etc.) on LinkedIn.
• Only members, Pages, and their admins that have a good standing record of following LinkedIn community guidelines
• You can’t access LinkedIn Live streams if you are based in mainland China.

How long does it take to get approved for LinkedIn live?

Within one week. If you haven’t heard back within a week or month of applying, it’s likely your Page doesn’t yet qualify. If you would like to be reconsidered, you can apply again after 30 days.

LinkedIn Live Tech Specifications

LinkedIn Live does have some limits, so if you want to make the most of this platform, you must understand some geeky stuff.

Following are the technical specifications stated by LinkedIn:

• Streaming Length: 4 Hours (Maximum)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 only
• Resolution: 1080p (maximum)
• Key Frame: every 2 seconds (60 frames)
• Frame Rate: 30 fps (maximum)
• Bitrate (audio): 128kbps and 48khz sample rate
• Bitrate (video): 6mbps (maximum)
• Encoding: H264 video, AAC audio
• Protocol: secure RTMPS/RTMP

How to go live on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn Live can be operated from your webcam, mobile phone, or professional video gear. To go live, first, you need to get approval by filling out an online form. Once you receive access, follow these steps:

Choose your third-party tool from LinkedIn Partner streaming tools like Social, Restream.io, Wirecast, Switcher Studio (iOS only), Wowza Cloud, StreamYard, Brandlive, Vimeo, LiveU, easylive.

Remember that you can only use LinkedIn Live with a third-party broadcasting tool (streaming tool) or a custom stream (RTMP).

Explore broadcaster features to optimize your live videos

If you’re running into errors, try troubleshooting recommendations.

How to connect Restream to LinkedIn for Live streaming

• Create an account on Restream.io/
• Click on “Add channel” from the Restream dashboard
• Select LinkedIn from the available options
• Click on “Connect LinkedIn,” and you will be redirected to your LinkedIn account
• Click on “Authorize” to grant Resteram access to the live stream
• Once your LinkedIn Page and Restream accounts are connected, start streaming your first live video.
• You can either use your webcam, mobile phone, or PC with a better quality video equipment

Steps to go live on LinkedIn with a webcam

Once your LinkedIn and Restream accounts are connected, Click on “WEBCAM” at the top right of the Restream dashboard.

Accept access to your microphone and camera

Click on the “Go Live” button

Click on “Finish” to end your video.

Steps to go live on LinkedIn with a mobile phone

• Download Restream free application from your Apple/Play Store on your Android or iPhone
• Open Restream and go to the dashboard
• Click on ‘Copy link for mobile’ and copy the RTMP link
• Click on ‘other platforms’ from Streamlabs dashboard, paste the RTMP link;
• From the Restream Dashboard, copy the streaming key and paste it just below the RTMP link in the Streamlabs dashboard
• Click on ‘continue’ then click on ‘enable camera & mic’
• Click on the ‘Live’ button to start your video with your mobile phone

You can also see your live broadcast on your LinkedIn profile from the Restream dashboard.

LinkedIn Live videos guidelines

Before going live, create a test stream to make sure everything is right.

• Optimize your installation. Use your webcam or invest in a more efficient device. If you are using a mobile, use the rear camera (s) for better quality.
• Use a tripod to allow your camera/smartphone to remain stable.
• Use a wireless microphone to ensure good sound quality.
• Do not go live more than once a day. It may overwhelm your audience
• Go live within the first 60 days of access
• Do not use pre-recorded content
• Don’t sell or promote in your stream
• If you want to run sponsor graphics, avoid large sponsorship logos dominating the screen
• Don’t keep your audience waiting for more than one to two minutes
• Stream for longer than 10-15 minutes

How can I see people’s comments on the LinkedIn Live video as a page admin?

If you are broadcasting on behalf of a Page, you can see and respond to comments within a live stream. Enter into your ‘Admin View’ or enable the ‘View as Admin’ setting. Navigate to your live stream, go into theatre mode (if on mobile) and see people’s comments and respond to their comments on behalf of your Page.