Before the days of Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, social media feeds were largely static. You might have scrolled through albums of selfies, motivational quotes and the occasional video; which is where you stopped because a video of a baby cow is far more interesting than your colleague’s Project Management short course certificate. Video is here to stay, and LinkedIn is even weaving it into the corners of our profiles with their cover story feature.
Let’s unpack it.
What is the cover story feature on LinkedIn?
Did you know that you can add a story cover to your LinkedIn profile? This nifty feature allows you to embed a 30–second video into your profile, and it automatically starts playing in the space where your profile photo is displayed, as soon as someone lands on your profile (talk about a great first impression!) Whether it is a short introduction, or a testament to your experiences and abilities; the video feature offers a distinct opportunity to engage with your LinkedIn connections in a more human way.
How to use the cover story feature on LinkedIn
Once your cover story has been uploaded, an orange frame will appear around your profile picture. When visiting someone’s LinkedIn profile, a short preview with no sound will begin playing within the small frame originally set for the profile photo. To watch it on full screen with sound, simply click on the profile photo.
Why you should use the cover story feature on your own LinkedIn profile
There are many reasons to use the feature. Of course, the one that makes most sense to us is that the feature brings to light your true colours, and summarises who you are – almost like a short bio at the top of your CV.
What are the other benefits of this new feature?
Well, for a start, it brings life to your LinkedIn account. The cover story feature enables you to articulate your personality, expertise and skills in a way written words cannot.
It also gives people an idea of your communication skills, and whether you would be a good fit for their business. It’s a simple way to break the ice with current and future connections, especially considering our world has become increasingly virtual within the past few years.
Humans are visual creatures and are more likely to interact with an account they can see and hear. According to a recent survey conducted by LinkedIn, 80% of hiring managers believe that the new video feature is essential in the review processes of candidates. So, why not make use of that opportunity to be noticed above the clouds of fluff and clutter online?