Quick Answer
LinkedIn videos do not autoplay by default when you are viewing someone’s profile or feed. However, there are a few exceptions where LinkedIn videos will autoplay automatically:
- When you click directly on a video post to view it
- When watching video ads on LinkedIn
- When using LinkedIn Live streaming
- When viewing video content in the LinkedIn Learning platform
So in summary, LinkedIn videos do not automatically play as you scroll through feeds or profiles, but they will autoplay when you directly click on a video post or are viewing video content within certain LinkedIn products.
Do LinkedIn Videos Autoplay on Profile and Feed?
When you are simply scrolling through LinkedIn feeds or looking at someone’s profile, LinkedIn videos will not automatically start playing. This is an intentional design decision by LinkedIn to optimize the user experience.
Some key reasons LinkedIn videos do not autoplay include:
- Avoid annoying users with sound suddenly blaring from videos
- Save users’ data and bandwidth usage
- Prevent videos from playing without consent
Having videos abruptly autoplay as you quickly scroll through content can be disruptive and unwanted. So for the main LinkedIn feed and profiles, the default setting is for videos to only play when initiated by the user.
There is no setting to enable autoplay for all LinkedIn videos. The default autoplay behavior cannot be changed.
So if you want to view a video that someone has shared on their profile or in your feed, you will need to proactively click on it to start playing the video.
When Do LinkedIn Videos Autoplay?
While autoplay is disabled for regular video posts, there are some scenarios where LinkedIn does allow videos to play automatically:
Clicking Directly on a Video Post
When you click directly on a video post (not just scrolling past it), the video will immediately start playing automatically. This allows easy video playback when you intentionally want to watch a specific video.
Video Ads
LinkedIn does allow autoplay for video ads on their platform. Video ads will start playing automatically when scrolled into view. This autoplay functionality for ads generates more visibility and engagement for advertisers.
LinkedIn Live Video
LinkedIn Live works just like other live streaming platforms – the broadcast will begin playing live video automatically once you open the event. Autoplay is essential for live video, so users can tune in and watch events in real time as they unfold.
LinkedIn Learning Videos
The LinkedIn Learning platform, which offers video courses and tutorials, also utilizes autoplay. Videos will play immediately when clicked for uninterrupted educational viewing.
So in these limited use cases – ads, live video, and educational content – autoplay is enabled by LinkedIn for a better user experience. But for regular user-generated video posts, autoplay remains disabled.
How to Play Videos on LinkedIn
Playing videos on LinkedIn is simple since they do not autoplay unexpectedly. Here are the steps:
- Scroll through your main feed or visit someone’s profile.
- When you see a video post you want to watch, click directly on it.
- The video player will open and automatically start playing.
- Some videos may show brief ads first before starting. Skip or watch the ad to view the actual video content.
The video will likely continue playing automatically when you close out of fullscreen mode. But you can always pause or click out of the video post if you want to stop viewing at any time.
If you are trying to play a video and it does not work, check that:
- You have a strong internet connection.
- The video post has not been deleted or removed.
- Your browser and LinkedIn app are updated.
With LinkedIn’s default autoplay settings, you have full control over when videos play as you scroll through feeds. Simply click to play any video that catches your interest.
Changing Video Autoplay Settings
As mentioned, there is no setting within LinkedIn to enable autoplay for all videos globally. The default autoplay behavior cannot be changed on a profile- or account-wide basis.
But on an individual video level, account administrators do have some limited control over autoplay.
For company Pages, admins can specify autoplay settings when uploading some types of videos, like single video posts. Options may include:
- Autoplay on
- Autoplay off
- Autoplay only when visible on screen
So Page admins have granular control over autoplay for their own videos only.
Individual users do not have these upload settings for their personal videos shared to a profile or feed. Autoplay will be disabled for all user-generated video posts.
The only way to enable autoplay on LinkedIn for your own videos is to upload them natively into a LinkedIn Live event or Learning course.
Autoplay for Users vs. Companies
There is one further autoplay distinction between individual and company accounts on LinkedIn.
For regular user profiles, LinkedIn video autoplay is disabled entirely across the platform. Users have no autoplay functionality.
But company Pages may have autoplay enabled for some native video content besides ads, Live, and Learning. This includes company videos uploaded directly to the Page and Page Showcase channels.
The rationale is that companies and organizations may create promotional or informational videos designed for autoplay viewing. But consumer-generated videos are left with autoplay off to avoid annoying users as they scroll.
So companies have slightly more video options with autoplay on LinkedIn compared to individual profiles.
Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Video Autoplay
The selective use of autoplay for videos on LinkedIn has some potential benefits and drawbacks:
Pros of Limited Autoplay
- Avoids sound blasting without consent
- Prevents unwanted data usage
- Gives users control over video viewing
- Optimized for user experience over engagement
Cons of Limited Autoplay
- May reduce video views and interaction
- Not optimized for advertiser impressions
- Provides less exposure for videos
- Creates extra step to initiate playback
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the autoplay debate. Ultimately, LinkedIn has prioritized user control and quality of experience over pure video performance metrics.
Autoplay Restrictions Continue for User Privacy
Looking ahead, LinkedIn is likely to maintain strict limits on autoplay functionality. This conservative approach helps comply with evolving privacy legislation like GDPR and CCPA.
With users growing more aware of how their online data is collected and utilized, autoplaying videos without more explicit consent may face additional regulation. Expect LinkedIn to keep emphasizing user control for video playback versus autoplay on their platform.
Conclusion
To recap, LinkedIn video autoplay is disabled by default on the platform except for specific use cases. Videos will not play automatically as you scroll feeds and profiles. But autoplay is permitted when clicking direct video links, watching ads, viewing Live streams, or learning on LinkedIn.
While autoplay might increase engagement, LinkedIn prioritizes consent and user experience in their video settings. This selective use of autoplay across the platform aims to balance functionality with privacy.
Going forward, expect limited autoplay to remain the status quo on LinkedIn. Users will continue controlling videos with manual playback as scrolling through their feeds. But for targeted video content, brief autoplay may enhance the viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make all LinkedIn videos autoplay?
No, there is no setting to enable autoplay for all LinkedIn videos. Default autoplay behavior cannot be changed.
Why don’t videos autoplay on my company Page?
Only certain native video content may autoplay on Pages, not regular user posts. Ensure autoplay is enabled when uploading eligible videos.
Will LinkedIn add more autoplay options in the future?
Likely not. LinkedIn seems committed to limiting autoplay to maintain user control over videos and comply with privacy regulations.
Can I autoplay videos on my personal profile?
No, individual profiles have no autoplay functionality. You can only enable autoplay on LinkedIn by posting natively into Live, Learning, or as a Page admin.
Will videos play sound automatically?
Videos that autoplay, like ads or Live videos, will play sound immediately. But sound is muted for non-autoplaying videos until users click on them.