LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform that allows users to connect with others in their industry, search for jobs, post content, and more. One useful LinkedIn feature is the ability to make video calls with connections right within the LinkedIn platform. During these video calls, users may want to share their screen to present documents, slides, or other visuals with the person they are speaking with.
Sharing your screen on a LinkedIn video call can be very helpful for collaborating on projects, giving presentations, walking through documents, and more. However, not everyone knows how to utilize the screen sharing functionality when on a LinkedIn video call. The good news is that sharing your screen during a LinkedIn video call is easy to do once you know where to find the screen sharing controls.
Can You Share Your Screen on LinkedIn Video Calls?
Yes, LinkedIn allows users to share their screen during one-on-one video calls made through LinkedIn messaging. This screen sharing feature allows you to share your entire desktop screen or individual application windows with the person you are video calling.
Screen sharing is available both on the LinkedIn website and on the LinkedIn mobile app, so you can share your screen whether you are at your computer or on the go. The feature works similarly on desktop and mobile.
How to Share Your Screen on a LinkedIn Video Call on Desktop
Sharing your screen during a LinkedIn video call on the desktop website is simple. Here is how to do it:
- Initiate a 1-on-1 video call with your connection through LinkedIn messaging. Make sure you and the other person have both joined the call.
- Once you are on the video call, look at the bottom of the video window for the “Share screen” icon (it looks like two overlapping rectangles).
- Click the “Share screen” icon.
- A window will pop up allowing you to select what you want to share. You can share your entire desktop screen or select a specific open application window to share.
- Check the box next to “Share computer sound” if you would like any sound from your computer to be shared as well.
- Click “Share.”
Once you click “Share,” the person you are video calling will be able to see your selected screen or application. They will no longer see your face or surroundings, just your shared screen.
To stop sharing your screen, simply click “Stop Sharing” at the top of the video call window. This will return you to the regular video call view.
How to Share Your Screen on a LinkedIn Video Call on Mobile
If you want to share your screen during a LinkedIn video call on a mobile device, the process is very similar:
- Start a 1-on-1 video call in LinkedIn messaging on your mobile app.
- Tap the three dots “…” in the upper right corner during your call.
- Select “Share Screen.”
- Choose if you want to share your “Entire Screen” or an individual app.
- Tap “Start Broadcast.”
The person you are video calling will now be able to see your shared screen. To stop sharing, tap “Stop Share” and you’ll return to the video call view.
Tips for Sharing Your Screen on LinkedIn Video Calls
Here are some tips to make sure screen sharing on your LinkedIn video calls goes smoothly:
- Close any windows or apps you don’t want to share – Make sure you close out of any apps, windows or browser tabs that contain sensitive or private information before initiating screen share.
- Optimize performance before sharing – Close out of any unnecessary apps and browser tabs to optimize performance. Share just the critical app window if you don’t need to share your full desktop.
- Use presentation mode if sharing slides – If sharing a slide deck, use presentation mode so your notes don’t show.
- Let the other person know before sharing – Give the other caller a heads up before you initiate screen sharing so they know what to expect.
- Announce when you stop sharing – Don’t forget to let the other caller know when you have stopped your screen share and returned to video call view.
- Use screen share wisely – Avoid sharing lengthy documents the person could read themselves. Use screen share for discussions and presentations.
- Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a strong internet connection for smooth screen sharing capabilities.
- Troubleshoot issues – If your screen share is choppy or slow, close apps to optimize performance, move closer to your router if on WiFi, or try turning off video.
By following these best practices, your screen sharing experience during LinkedIn video calls will be seamless.
Limitations of LinkedIn Screen Sharing
While screen sharing on LinkedIn video calls can be very useful, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Only works for 1-on-1 calls – You can’t share your screen during group video calls or live video events on LinkedIn.
- Desktop only on web – The LinkedIn website only allows screen sharing from a desktop computer, not mobile web.
- Mobile app must be up to date – Make sure you have the latest version of the LinkedIn app to access screen share on mobile.
- Can’t share computer audio on mobile – On mobile devices, you can only share your screen visual – computer audio is not shared.
- Small playback window – The person viewing your shared screen sees it in a smaller preview window, not full screen.
- Performance issues – Slow internet connections can create lag and pixelation in shared screens.
- No remote control – The viewer cannot take control of your screen or mouse remotely like other web conferencing tools.
So while some limitations exist, screen sharing on LinkedIn video calls can still be a valuable collaboration tool when used effectively.
Comparison to Other Video Call Options
LinkedIn is far from the only video calling option – how does sharing your screen on LinkedIn compare to other popular platforms?
Platform | Screen Sharing Available? | Additional Features |
---|---|---|
Yes (1-on-1 calls only) | No remote control, small playback window | |
Zoom | Yes | Full screen share, remote control |
Microsoft Teams | Yes | Multiple shared screens, remote control |
Google Meet | Yes | Full screen share, meeting recording |
Skype | Yes | App/desktop sharing, remote control |
Facebook Messenger | Yes | App sharing on mobile |
No | No native screen sharing | |
FaceTime | No | No native screen sharing |
As you can see, while LinkedIn does allow basic screen sharing, other platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype tend to offer more robust screen sharing tools optimized for business video conferencing. However, for quick screen sharing with your professional network, LinkedIn can still get the job done.
Conclusion
Sharing your screen on a LinkedIn video call is easy to do and can really enhance your ability to collaborate during one-on-one calls. Simply click the “Share screen” button during a call and select the window you want the other person to see. Just be aware of the limitations and follow best practices for optimal performance. While other platforms may offer more advanced screen sharing, this tool can still be very helpful for visual collaboration with your professional connections right within LinkedIn messaging. So next time you jump on a video call on LinkedIn, don’t be afraid to click that “Share screen” button to share a presentation, document, or other visuals with your colleagues.