Picture this: you’re scrolling through LinkedIn, sipping your morning coffee, when something new catches your eye—a trending video about “the one skill every leader needs.” You tap it, watch a quick clip from a CEO you admire, and think, “Hey, I’ve got something to say about that too.” With a tap, your phone’s camera is rolling, and suddenly, you’re part of the conversation. That’s the vibe LinkedIn is going for with its new trending video feature, launched in early April 2025. It’s shaking things up on a platform that’s long been about polished resumes and typed-out updates, and honestly, it feels like a breath of fresh air.
So, What’s This New Feature All About?
Here’s the gist: LinkedIn is testing a way to spotlight trending videos, grouping them under topics that are lighting up the platform right now. Think “AI hacks for small businesses” or “my worst job interview ever”—stuff that’s relatable and real. If you’re in the U.S., you might see these popping up in your feed with little header tags or a shiny new “Video” tab. Spot a trend you like? You can dive into a stream of clips from other professionals or hit “Add to this trend” and record your own take. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it’s got that spontaneous energy we usually see on TikTok—but with a suit-and-tie twist.
I love how it feels less staged than the usual LinkedIn fare. Instead of crafting a 500-word post, you’re just talking to your phone, sharing a quick tip or a funny story from the trenches. It’s like those watercooler chats we used to have, only now they’re digital and everyone’s invited.
Why Video? Why Now?
LinkedIn’s been dropping hints about this shift for a while. They’ve seen a 36% jump in video views over the past year—people like me and you are watching more clips from peers and experts instead of just skimming articles. “Videos are quickly becoming a favorite way for our members to learn from each other,” a LinkedIn rep told Social Media Today. And it makes sense. After years of remote work and Zoom fatigue, we’re craving something more human than a wall of text. Video lets you see the person behind the profile—their smile, their quirks, their passion.
Plus, let’s be real: short-form video is everywhere. Ever since TikTok took over our screens, every platform’s been racing to keep up. LinkedIn already dipped its toes in with a vertical video feed last year, and now they’re doubling down. They want to grab your attention in those fleeting moments—like when you’re waiting for your lunch order—and make it worth your while.
How It Feels to Use It
I got a sneak peek at how it works (thanks to some lucky U.S. testers spilling the tea online), and it’s pretty slick. You’re scrolling, you see a trend like “my morning routine as a founder,” and you’re instantly hooked watching a mix of videos—some polished, some raw. There’s a button begging you to join in, and before you know it, you’re filming a quick clip about how you can’t start the day without your dog begging for a walk. LinkedIn’s team—part human, part AI—keeps the trends fresh and relevant, so it’s not just random noise.
For them, it’s a big swing. If this takes off, LinkedIn could become the place where professionals not only network but hang out and swap stories. I can see brands jumping in too—imagine a startup founder sharing a goofy “day in the life” video that goes viral. But there’s a chance it could flop if people start posting cringey stuff that feels out of place. I’m rooting for them to keep it real and not let it turn into a corporate ad fest.
What People Are Saying
The early chatter is electric. I saw a post on X from someone who said, “LinkedIn trending videos are about to make me actually use this app daily.” Another user joked, “Finally, a reason to dust off my webcam.” Even the pros are buzzing—Lindsey Gamble, a social media guru, thinks it could turn LinkedIn into a content playground instead of just a job board. A LinkedIn spokesperson even got in on the fun, posting a video saying, “Jump on a trend, and if it’s good, we might just boost it.” That’s the kind of nudge that could get shy creators like me to hit record.
I can already picture my network lighting up—my old coworker sharing a “worst client ever” story, or my mentor dropping a two-minute gem about resilience. It’s personal, it’s messy, it’s human—and that’s what’s got me excited.
Where’s This Going?
Right now, it’s just a test run for some U.S. users as of April 8, 2025. No word yet on when—or if—it’ll roll out to the rest of us. I’m guessing they’ll tweak it based on what sticks, maybe add some cool extras like stats for creators (I’d love to know how many people watched my ramble about burnout). If it works, I bet we’ll see it everywhere, maybe even with brands paying to sponsor trends like “future of work.”