LinkedIn is a popular professional social networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals, share content, and build their personal brand. One important aspect of using LinkedIn effectively is understanding how video views work on the platform.
What Counts as a View on LinkedIn?
On LinkedIn, a video view is counted when a member watches for at least 3 seconds of the video. This 3 second minimum aims to filter out accidental clicks and ensure that views represent intentional watching by members.
So for a view to be counted on LinkedIn, the member needs to watch at least 3 consecutive seconds of the video. Anything less than 3 seconds will not be counted as a view.
Why 3 Seconds?
LinkedIn chose 3 seconds as the minimum duration to count a view based on user behavior studies and industry standards. Here are some of the reasons behind using 3 seconds as the threshold:
- Research shows most accidental clicks last less than 3 seconds as users quickly realize they are not interested.
- 3 seconds represents a long enough duration that signifies intentional watching rather than an accidental click.
- Industry standards from platforms like Facebook and YouTube also use 3-second minimums for their video view metric.
- Data shows 3 seconds correlates well to extended viewing sessions and strong user engagement.
By using the 3 second minimum, LinkedIn can filter out short unintentional interactions and focus the video view metric on substantive watching by members.
What Counts Towards the 3 Seconds
It’s important to note that the 3 seconds do not have to be continuous, but rather can be cumulative. This means that as long as a total of 3 seconds is watched over one or more sessions, it will count as a view.
For example, if a member watches for 2 seconds, scrolls away, and then returns later to watch an additional 2 seconds, that will be counted as one view once the total reaches 3 seconds.
Some other scenarios where cumulative watch time would count as a view:
- Watching 1 second, exiting the video, returning a few minutes later to watch for 2 more seconds.
- Watching the first 2 seconds upon click, but browser crashes before completing 3 second view. If the member returns later to watch 1 more second, it will count as a view.
- Any combination of sessions that add up to at least 3 seconds qualifies as a view.
What Happens After a Video is Viewed
Once a video reaches the 3 second threshold and registers a view, any additional time spent watching will not count as additional views. For example, if a member watches a video for 10 seconds, it will only count as 1 view, not multiple views.
LinkedIn’s focus is on measuring how many individual members engage with and start viewing a video, rather than cumulative watch time. So view count indicates reach, while total watch time instead measures depth of engagement.
Why View Count Matters
The 3-second video view metric provides valuable insights for creators and marketers looking to understand engagement on LinkedIn. Here are some of the key takeaways the view count statistic provides:
- Reach – The number of views shows how many people saw and started engaging with your video content.
- Interest – More views signal your content resonates with and is interesting to the LinkedIn audience.
- Awareness – Increased brand awareness is a likely outcome of more members viewing your video.
- Virality – Higher view counts suggest your video spreads organically via shares on LinkedIn.
In combination with other metrics like shares and reactions, the view count gives creators powerful insights into how their LinkedIn videos are performing.
Tips for Increasing LinkedIn Video Views
Here are some tips to help maximize your LinkedIn video views:
- Create clickable preview thumbnails using eye-catching images.
- Use titles that clearly convey the topic and entice viewers.
- Write detailed descriptions explaining the video content.
- Keep videos short, under 2-3 minutes is optimal.
- Produce high-quality videos that look professional.
- Publish video natively using LinkedIn’s tools.
- Promote your videos organically by engaging your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rewatching a video count as additional views?
No, rewatching a video does not count as additional views. Once a member watches any combination of 3 seconds, it will only count as 1 view regardless of how many times they rewatch it.
Do views get removed after a while if people don’t finish watching?
No, once a view is registered after 3 seconds it will remain as a view even if the person does not finish watching the full video.
Do views only count when the video is played until the end?
No, a video view is registered once 3 seconds is watched, it does not have to be played until the end to count as a view.
Can one person generate multiple views from different devices?
Yes, if one person watches for 3 seconds on multiple devices like a phone and computer, this will count as separate views.
Conclusion
Understanding LinkedIn’s 3 second video view metric provides valuable insight into how well video content is reaching and engaging your target audience. While metrics should not be the sole focus when creating videos, tracking views over time can reveal important trends about audience interest and video performance.
By keeping videos short, compelling, and high-quality, creators have a better chance of converting the initial 3 second view into extended viewing sessions and meaningful engagement on LinkedIn.