Going live on LinkedIn is a great way to engage with your professional network and share valuable content in real-time. LinkedIn offers the ability to stream live video using the RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol) standard. This allows you to broadcast from professional streaming software to LinkedIn in high quality. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to go live on LinkedIn using RTMP.
What You Need to Go Live on LinkedIn
To go live on LinkedIn, you will need the following:
- A LinkedIn account in good standing
- Streaming software capable of RTMP streaming such as OBS Studio, Wirecast, VMix, etc.
- A stable internet connection
- Optional: audio/video equipment like a webcam, microphone, etc. for higher production value
Make sure to have all of this prepared before you plan to go live. Going through a test run is also recommended to identify and troubleshoot any issues.
Step 1 – Install and Set Up Streaming Software
You will need streaming software installed on the computer you plan to broadcast from. Some popular options include:
- OBS Studio – Free and open source software for live streaming and screen recording.
- Wirecast – Paid software with advanced switching, graphics and production features.
- VMix – Live production software with integrated switching, graphics and recording.
Install the streaming software and select RTMP as the streaming option. You may need to look up guides specific to the software you choose for detailed setup steps. Make sure to set up any overlays, transitions, audio sources, webcams and other options you want for your broadcast.
Key Settings
When setting up your streaming software, make sure to configure the following key settings:
- Set the canvas size to 1280×720 pixels for 720p HD resolution.
- Choose 30 fps or 60 fps for the frame rate.
- Select your webcam, microphone and other sources.
- Set up your overlays and graphics if needed.
- Enable RTMP streaming to custom server.
Spending time setting up your scenes, layout, and sources will make for a more professional looking stream.
Step 2 – Get Stream Key from LinkedIn
To stream to LinkedIn, you will need a server URL and stream key which provides access to send your live video feed to LinkedIn’s servers.
To get this:
- Go to https://www.linkedin.com/publisher/ and log into your account.
- Click on “Live Streaming”.
- Click on “Get Started”.
- On this page, you will find the RTMP URL and Stream Key unique to your LinkedIn account.
Keep this page open as you will need to copy and paste the URL and key into your streaming software.
Step 3 – Configure Streaming Software
Now go back to your streaming software like OBS Studio, Wirecast, VMix, etc. Follow these steps to connect it to LinkedIn:
- Select the option to stream via custom RTMP server.
- Enter the RTMP URL from LinkedIn into the URL field.
- Paste your unique Stream Key into the designated field.
- Some software may have separate fields for Stream ID and Stream Key. Fill in the key into the right fields.
- Ensure the settings match 1280×720 resolution and 30/60fps frame rate.
Double check that the URL and Stream Key matches exactly with what is shown in your LinkedIn publisher portal.
Step 4 – Start the Broadcast
You are now ready to go live!
On your streaming software, click Start Streaming or Go Live. You may be prompted to confirm some settings – make sure they are correct and click yes to initialize the broadcast.
A preview of your live video output will appear in the streaming software interface. Make any final tweaks to positioning, audio levels etc. and start your presentation when ready!
As long as the streaming software says it is connected, your live video is now being broadcasted directly to LinkedIn for your followers to see.
Step 5 – Share the Live Video Post
For your followers to be notified that you are live, you need to share the automatically generated live video post that LinkedIn creates.
To do this:
- On LinkedIn, go to your profile and the “Share an update” text box.
- You will see a prompt that says “You’re currently live streaming – share it now!”.
- Click on the preview of your live video.
- This will open up a pre-filled post with your live video already embedded.
- Add any text or details you want, then click Share.
This post will now be visible to your connections notifying them that you are live. They can simply click on the embedded video preview to start watching immediately.
Going Live on LinkedIn – Best Practices
Here are some best practices to follow when going live on LinkedIn to maximize your reach and engagement:
- Test your setup and internet connection beforehand – nothing worse than technical issues interrupting your live stream!
- Promote the broadcast on your other social media accounts to drive viewers.
- Engage with live comments and reactions from viewers during the video.
- Have a clear outline, but sound natural and conveys energy and passion.
- Position the camera properly – avoid bad lighting, angles, distractions in frame.
- Hook viewers in the first 60 seconds with an interesting highlight.
- Monitor stream quality and adjust bitrate settings as needed.
- Analyze metrics after the broadcast – views, engagements, followers gained etc.
With compelling content and production polish, your livestreams can captivate the professional audience on LinkedIn. Measure different approaches and continually improve.
Conclusion
Going live on LinkedIn using RTMP is straightforward with the right software and setup. By following the steps outlined here, you can easily configure your streaming software, connect it to LinkedIn using the provided stream details, and broadcast high quality live video to your followers and network.
Investing some time into optimizing the technical aspects, promotion, and crafting engaging content will allow you to use LinkedIn Live as an effective tool to build your brand and engagement. Refer to this guide anytime you need a reminder of the process to stream your professional events, discussions and presentations live on LinkedIn.
Some key takeaways include:
- Use streaming software capable of RTMP like OBS Studio, Wirecast, or VMix.
- Get the LinkedIn Stream URL and Key from your LinkedIn Publisher Portal.
- Paste the URL and Key into your streaming software.
- Click Go Live to start streaming to LinkedIn after configuring your settings.
- Share the auto-generated live video post so your connections are notified.
- Optimize for quality content, video production, promotion tactics and audience interaction.
Now that you know how to live stream from your professional workspace setup or event venue directly to your LinkedIn audience, the possibilities are endless for engaging live video content to boost your personal brand and business.
Some examples of potential uses for LinkedIn Live include:
- Live industry conferences and event coverage
- Behind-the-scenes tours and company announcements
- Expert Q&As and panel discussions
- Educational workshops and training sessions
- Product launches and demos
- Company meetings and team updates
- Exclusive interviews and guest appearances
The live video format gives your content a unique interactive edge that viewers won’t get from passive pre-recorded videos. Layer this on top of LinkedIn’s built-in audience of engaged professionals, and you have a platform primed for business impact.
So set up your software, shine your studio lights, craft some killer content and press that Go Live button to start broadcasting your ideas straight to the LinkedIn community. Your audience is waiting!