LinkedIn’s Video-First Shift: How to Go Viral on the Platform Before the Competition

If you’re still relying on text posts and carousels for engagement on LinkedIn, you’re about to get left behind.

LinkedIn has quietly overhauled its algorithm to push video content to the top of feeds—a direct move to compete with Meta and TikTok. This shift presents a massive opportunity for early adopters to gain visibility, authority, and engagement before the platform becomes saturated with video content.

But here’s the catch: what works on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube won’t necessarily work on LinkedIn. The platform has a unique professional-first audience and an algorithm that rewards expertise over entertainment.

So, how do you hack LinkedIn’s new video algorithm and get your content seen by thousands—even millions—of professionals? Let’s break it down.

What’s New? LinkedIn’s Video Algorithm Explained

• Videos are now favored over text-based posts. If you’re not posting video, you’re limiting your reach.
• Engagement speed is key. The algorithm heavily boosts posts that get fast interactions (likes, comments, and shares) within the first 90 minutes of posting.
• Native video beats external links. Uploading directly to LinkedIn gets priority over sharing YouTube or Vimeo links.
• The algorithm promotes conversations. Videos that spark discussions and encourage comments will outperform passive content.

How to Make Your Videos Go Viral on LinkedIn

1. Master the 3-Second Hook Rule

The first three seconds determine whether someone keeps watching or scrolls past. Make them count.

DO:
✔ Start with a bold claim: “90% of LinkedIn users are missing out on free reach—here’s why.”
✔ Ask a question: “Is your LinkedIn strategy outdated? Let’s fix it.”
✔ Use a surprising fact: “LinkedIn just changed its algorithm. If you’re not using video, you’re invisible.”

DON’T:
❌ Start with a long-winded intro (people scroll fast).
❌ Use clickbait—LinkedIn’s audience values authenticity.

2. Keep It Short (But Not Too Short)

The sweet spot for LinkedIn video length: 45-90 seconds.

• Too short (<30s) and you lose engagement potential.
• Too long (>2 min) and you risk drop-off.

Pro Tip: Break longer topics into a series of bite-sized videos instead of cramming everything into one.

3. Optimize for LinkedIn’s Algorithm Triggers
• Upload Natively: Always post video directly on LinkedIn—external links (YouTube, Vimeo) get buried.
• Use Subtitles: 80% of LinkedIn users scroll with sound off.
• Encourage Engagement: End with a question to prompt comments.
• Reply to Every Comment: The more conversations under your post, the higher LinkedIn pushes your content.

Super Hack: Ask a few close connections to engage early (like, comment, share) within the first 60 minutes.

4. Use LinkedIn-Specific Hashtags to Boost Discovery

Hashtags help LinkedIn categorize and distribute your video to relevant audiences.

*Note: LinkedIn’s recent changes have shifted exclusive focus from hashtag follower counts to content relevance and engagement. Therefore, while hashtags remain important for user searches and categorizing content, prioritizing high-quality, engaging posts is essential for maximizing reach on the platform.

Trending LinkedIn Video Hashtags (March 2025):

• #LinkedInVideo (signals to the algorithm that it’s a video post)
• #ContentStrategy
• #SocialMediaTrends
• #VideoMarketing
• #PersonalBranding

Industry-Specific and General Hashtags with Large Followers:
Pair broad hashtags with niche tags to reach the right people.

• #B2BMarketing
• #LeadershipDevelopment
• #TechTrends
• #Entrepreneurship
• #Innovation (38M)
• #Management (35M)
• #HumanResources (32M)
• #DigitalMarketing (27M)
• #Technology (26M)
5. Post at Peak Engagement Times

Best times for LinkedIn video in 2025:

Tuesday-Thursday:

• 8-10 AM → Morning commute
• 12-1 PM → Lunch break
• 5-7 PM → Evening wind-down

Bonus Hack: Posting before peak hours gives LinkedIn time to index your content, so it’s already circulating when engagement peaks.

 

6. Leverage the “LinkedIn Video Growth Loop”

Want exponential reach? Use this repeatable strategy:

• Step 1: Post your video with a strong CTA (e.g., “Drop your thoughts in the comments!”).
• Step 2: Within 90 minutes, engage with every comment (this doubles your reach).
• Step 3: Repost the same video a few weeks later with a different hook (LinkedIn doesn’t penalize reposting like other platforms).
• Step 4: Turn top-performing videos into text posts, carousels, and articles for more visibility.

 

Final Thought: The Time to Act Is NOW

LinkedIn is prioritizing video more than ever before, and early adopters always win.

The window of massive organic reach won’t last forever. Soon, everyone will be jumping on this trend.

Want to dominate LinkedIn’s new video wave? Imaginari helps brands and thought leaders strategize, create, and distribute video content that actually gets seen.

Let’s talk. Send us a message to discover how we can elevate your LinkedIn presence.