LinkedIn is currently testing a new short-form video feature that is reminiscent of YouTube Shorts and TikTok, aligning itself with the trend of infinite scrolling seen on various social media platforms. The experiment was confirmed by the Microsoft-owned company in response to reports from TechCrunch. A LinkedIn user shared their experience with the new feature, showcasing a 'video' tab within the app that allowed them to scroll through four short video clips.
The videos included content such as an entrepreneur sharing insights from a TV appearance, a product engineer discussing her career, and a startup founder offering advice. These videos were displayed in the 9:16 aspect ratio commonly used for mobile scrolling content. Interestingly, the short clips appeared to be repurposed from regular LinkedIn posts, as they featured captions above the videos.
If LinkedIn decides to expand this feature, it will be joining the ranks of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat in embracing short-form video content. This format is particularly popular among younger tech users and has become a significant part of the media consumption habits of teens and tweens.
While infinite scrolling has its benefits in terms of user engagement, concerns have been raised about its potential negative impact on mental health. US officials have expressed worries that features like infinite scrolling could contribute to social media addiction, especially among children. In a lawsuit against Meta, the New Hampshire Attorney General's office criticized infinite scrolling for encouraging users to remain constantly engaged with personalized content.
As the short-form video feature continues to be tested on LinkedIn, it remains to be seen how the platform will navigate the evolving landscape of social media content consumption. The company has yet to provide further details or comments on the feature outside of regular business hours.
