How to make a video for linkedIn - Actionable tips

Creating engaging LinkedIn videos can seem challenging, especially if you're new to video production or juggling a busy schedule. However, with the right tools and strategies, it's easier than you think to craft content that captures attention and sparks meaningful conversations.

In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process—from selecting the perfect video topic to editing and optimizing your content for LinkedIn, helping you create impactful videos even with limited time.

1. Find Your Video Topic

Your video’s success starts with finding the right topic. Videos that address real questions or challenges your audience faces are more likely to get views and engagement.

Here’s how to choose the right topic:

• Answer the Public: Use Answer the Public to discover what people are searching for in your industry. It shows common Google search queries related to your field, giving you insight into the questions your target audience is asking. This way, your video content aligns with what people want to know.

• Prioritize High Search Volume: Sort the questions by search volume to focus on topics that are in demand. This increases the chances that your videos will attract attention and offer value to a wide audience.

Leverage Tools for Easy Video Creation

If you already create written content like blog posts, articles, or posts you can repurpose them into videos quickly using tools like Flarecut**.

Flarecut’s automatic video generation converts scripts and articles into short, engaging videos, perfect for LinkedIn’s short-form video feed. This is a great way to repurpose existing written content into dynamic, visual formats without needing to record from scratch, letting you effortlessly tap into LinkedIn’s growing video audience.

2. Keep Your Production Professional Yet Simple

You don’t need fancy equipment to produce high-quality videos for LinkedIn, but a few basic production techniques will make a big difference.

Recording Techniques:

• Use Vertical Format: Record in a vertical format (9:16) to fit LinkedIn’s mobile-first audience. Most users scroll on their phones, so filming vertically ensures your content looks professional and fills the screen.

• Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera lens, not at yourself on the screen. This creates a more personal connection with your audience, making your video feel engaging and authentic.

Lighting Made Simple:

• Use Natural Light: Position yourself facing a window to take advantage of soft, natural light. This eliminates harsh shadows and enhances your appearance on camera.

• DIY Soft Lighting: If natural light isn’t available, use a basic desk lamp with a white pillowcase or parchment paper draped over it (without touching the bulb). This softens the light and gives a clean, professional look to your video.

Actionable Tip: Record during the morning or late afternoon when natural light is softer, avoiding the harsh midday sun. It’s the easiest way to get flattering, professional lighting without any extra cost.

3. Efficient Editing for Beginners

Editing your video can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, it’s straightforward—even for beginners.

Editing Essentials:

• Embrace Jump Cuts: Jump cuts are quick transitions between scenes that eliminate awkward pauses, making your video more dynamic. Tools like Podsqueeze magic edit feature can help you make these edits seamlessly by automatically removing silences, filler words while enhancing the overall audio quality.

• Custom Subtitles: While LinkedIn offers auto-generated captions, creating your own subtitles using tools like Podsqueeze and CapCut ensures a more polished, professional appearance. You can customize the font, color, and size to match your brand’s style, making the video easier to follow, especially for viewers who scroll without sound.

• Speed Up Playback: If you tend to speak slowly, consider slightly speeding up your video to keep it concise and engaging. Most free beginner friendly video editing tools such as clipchamp and Capcut include these features.

4. Crafting Engaging Content

Creating content that resonates with your audience requires understanding their pain points and delivering solutions. Here’s how to make sure your content engages viewers right away.

Engaging from the Start:

• Use the Hook Negation Technique: Start with a statement that contradicts a common belief. For example, say, “Most people think LinkedIn ads are too expensive—here’s why they’re wrong.” This grabs attention and encourages people to watch further.

• Speak to a Specific Audience: Avoid being too general. Tailor your content to a specific niche, whether it’s small business owners or HR professionals. The more targeted your content, the more it will resonate with your ideal audience.

Encourage Interaction:

• Ask Questions: Encourage viewers to share their opinions by asking a question toward the end of your video. For example, “What’s been your biggest challenge with LinkedIn Ads? Comment below and let’s discuss.” This kind of open-ended question invites engagement and keeps the conversation going.

5. Repurposing and Reusing Content

Don’t let your videos live in isolation. Repurposing content from other platforms can save time and extend your reach.

How to Repurpose Effectively:

• Repurpose YouTube or Podcast Content: If you have existing videos from YouTube or podcasts, tweak them for LinkedIn by focusing on professional messaging. For example, shorten a YouTube tutorial on content creation into a 60-second LinkedIn video with the key points, catered to a business audience.

• Combine Original and Repurposed Content: Keep a mix of original videos that speak directly to LinkedIn’s audience and repurposed content from other platforms. This balance keeps your feed fresh while leveraging your existing content library.

Actionable Tip: Use AI tools like Podsqueeze to automatically generate clips from long videos, which can then be optimized for LinkedIn. These tools help you extract the most engaging moments and repackage them as concise, punchy videos.

6. Uploading and Optimizing for LinkedIn

Once your video is ready, how you upload and present it can affect its performance.

Optimizing for LinkedIn’s Platform:

• Turn Off Auto-Captions: If you’ve added custom captions, make sure to disable LinkedIn’s auto-generated ones to avoid clutter and maintain a clean, consistent look.

• Choose an Engaging Thumbnail: When uploading, pick a compelling frame from your video as the thumbnail. A visually interesting thumbnail increases the likelihood of people clicking to watch.

• Strong Copy is Key: Write a compelling caption above your video to hook viewers in. Focus on articulating the value your video provides and consider starting with a bold statement or question to spark curiosity.

Actionable Tip: Use Answer the Public not only to find your topic but also to refine your caption. Address popular questions directly in your caption to increase relevance and attract more clicks.

7. Post Regularly to Build Visibility

Consistency is key on LinkedIn. Posting regularly ensures you stay visible and top of mind for your audience.

• Aim for 3-4 videos per week: By maintaining a regular posting schedule, you increase your chances of getting discovered and build familiarity with your audience.

• Engage with Comments: Respond to comments on your videos to foster relationships and show that you value your audience’s input.

Actionable Tip: According to Buffer The best times to post on LinkedIn for maximum engagement generally fall during regular work hours, particularly mid-morning, around lunch, and early afternoon. For specific days, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday perform best at 4 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m., and Friday at 1 p.m. While engagement drops over the weekend, Saturday sees a slight uptick at 10 p.m., and Sunday at 7 a.m. Friday stands out as the best overall day to post.

Conclusion: Master LinkedIn Videos with These Practical Steps

Creating engaging LinkedIn videos doesn’t require advanced technical skills or expensive equipment. By starting with the right topic, keeping your production simple but professional, and focusing on engaging, targeted content, you can create videos that not only stand out but also drive meaningful conversations. With consistent posting and smart use of editing tools, even beginners can succeed in making impactful LinkedIn videos.