LinkedIn this week is launching support for live video, according to a report by TechCrunch. The offering will initially be available as part of an invite-only beta in the U.S., and comes 17 months after the Microsoft-owned networking service launched support for video in 2017.
Called LinkedIn Live, the service will let those with access to it broadcast a live feed to either specific groups or anyone on LinkedIn, TechCrunch says. While LinkedIn Live is in beta, only a select group of invitees will have access to live streaming, though the report notes that LinkedIn plans to open a sign-up page for others who may want to try it out ahead of launch.
As for content, LinkedIn is looking to play host to "conferences, product announcements, Q&As and other events led by influencers and mentors," TechCrunch says. Earnings calls, awards ceremonies, and more are said to be on the docket as well.
In relation to other social media giants, LinkedIn is relatively late to the party when it comes to adding support for live video. However, the professional nature of the network opens it up to a different market of live events and feeds than the Twitters and Facebooks of the world. Add to that the popularity of video on LinkedIn – video is the fastest growing format on the platform, according to LinkedIn's Director of Product Management, Pete Davies – and it's no mystery why the company is looking toward live video.
