If you’re getting excited about LinkedIn’s new dedicated video feature (read blog here) that shows a carousel of short-form clips, then you’ll want to optimize your videos to boost your chances for inclusion in the video tab feeds of your target audience.

Here are 10 short-form video production tips: 

Shoot For Mobile

In the early stages of producing videos, I forgot about shooting for mobile and was embarrassed when my videos were ill-formatted for smartphones. To complement the new LinkedIn feature, which is like Tik Tok, set up your videos in vertical format. This means that your video is shot in a 9X16 aspect ratio (LinkedIn).

Be Brief

Although video content has a tendency to keep people’s attention longer, it’s best that your video be under two minutes; even shorter is optimal. Edit so that the content has momentum and moves along at a quick pace to appeal to short attention spans. I’ve often done a few takes on video to make sure I’m being as succinct as possible. 

Lighting

Make sure there is no light in the background, says Tim Gannon, Big Work Digital, meaning, don’t stand in front of a window unless the curtains are drawn. Light yourself evenly using an inexpensive ring light.

Use A Tripod
Don’t forget to use a tripod with your smartphone. This will give you a steady shot. “Have the camera be level to your face, don’t tilt up or tilt down,” adds Tim Gannon. 

Text Description

Not everyone will watch the video, so make sure the accompanying text includes a few takeaways or tips in the caption. This should be no more than 50 words max. Have someone else read it before posting to make sure it properly encapsulates what you want to communicate.

Audience Grabber

Make sure that you have a definitive hook in the opening of the video so people will be inclined to watch. This can be a question or declarative statement, such as “How do you care about your team’s mental health?”

Be Inclusive

When uploading your video, choose to have captions be automatically generated, which will save time and help you to reach more people. Their integration into video content offers a number of benefits which enhance accessibility, user experience, and overall engagement. It also helps with search engine optimization.

Call To Action

Note what viewers will be able to do or learn after watching the video. This is an attention-getter and also turns your video into a conversation starter and engagement tool. When you have a strong call to action statement you’re also maximizing the time and expense needed to produce the video.

Keep It Simple

Don’t think you need to include multiple messages in one short-form video. In fact, less is more; it’s better to focus on one singular message to get your point across and make an impression

Audio

Pick up a decent microphone to ensure good sound quality – you can easily attach it to your smartphone; just check your connection before purchasing.  Example here.  

Short-form video is a great way to stay top of mine – and top of feed within LinkedIn’s new video tab. Are you prepared to leverage this feature as a way to engage with your audience?