In a digital world obsessed with engagement, live video is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. According to LinkedIn, live video generates 7x more reactions and 24x more comments than traditional video uploads. But here’s the problem: many professionals want to go live, yet feel overwhelmed by the tech, eligibility requirements, and setup process. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how do I access LinkedIn Live?” or “is LinkedIn Live a paid feature?”—you’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create and host LinkedIn Live sessions, from access criteria and scheduling to choosing the right broadcasting tools and making the most of your live video content.

What Is LinkedIn Live and Why It Matters

LinkedIn Live is a live streaming feature that permits users to broadcast live video content directly from their LinkedIn profile or page to a professional audience. Whether you’re hosting a webinar, conducting a live Q&A, or announcing a new product, LinkedIn Live helps you go live and engage with your network in real time.

Unlike traditional video posts, LinkedIn Live streaming offers interactivity, such as comments, likes, and shares that happen live, fueling deeper relationships, profitable lead generation, and higher engagement.

Reddit users suggest that LinkedIn Live is ideal for real-time engagement and immediate visibility, whereas podcasts offer long-lasting, evergreen content. So, the better choice depends on whether you want instant interaction or content that compounds over time.

LinkedIn Live Vs Podcast?
byu/guestoboard inGrowthHacking

Is LinkedIn Live a Paid Feature?

No, LinkedIn Live is free to use, but access isn’t available to everyone by default. You must fulfill the criteria to create and host LinkedIn Lives (we’ll cover this in the next section).

How Do I Access LinkedIn Live? Eligibility & Setup Explained

To get access to LinkedIn Live, you need to meet certain requirements set by LinkedIn. Here’s how to check:

Access Criteria to Create and Host LinkedIn Lives:

• Profile or Page: Must be a verified LinkedIn page or profile.
• Audience Size: 150+ followers for pages or connections for profiles.
• History: Must not have violated LinkedIn policies recently.
• Region: Available in most countries but may be limited in some.
• Experience Level: A Basic level of expertise with streaming is recommended.

You can check if you fulfill the access criteria by going to the LinkedIn Live page and attempting to set up an event. If eligible, you’ll see the option to select LinkedIn Live in the event format dropdown.

Reddit users point out that even with a large following, going live from a LinkedIn company page isn’t guaranteed—LinkedIn still requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and obtaining approval, which many find more restrictive than expected.

What are the requirements for going live on a LinkedIn company page with 21k followers?
byu/yasirisseo inlinkedin

How to Create a Scheduled LinkedIn Live Event

One of LinkedIn’s best features is the ability to schedule your live ahead of time. A scheduled LinkedIn Live event lets you promote the stream in advance and build anticipation.

Steps to Create a Scheduled Live:

1. Go to your LinkedIn Page or Profile and navigate to the post section. Search for the “ Create an Event” icon.
2. Choose “LinkedIn Live” in the event format dropdown.
3. Set your scheduled start time.
4. Add a compelling description and banner.
5. Choose a third-party broadcast tool or streaming software to stream live. Here we have used StreamYard. The prerequisite is to create an account to stream events on these platforms.

Select the parameters for broadcasting the event. 

6. Prepare for broadcast and schedule the event on LinkedIn.
7. Click “Prepare to Go Live” once ready.

 

Tip: Go live one hour before your scheduled start to test your setup and network connection.

Once your LinkedIn Live event is scheduled, managing internal coordination is just as important. Teams often use tools like AttendanceBot for time tracking, scheduling, and attendance management directly within Slack—especially helpful for hybrid teams preparing for live events and broadcasts.

Tools to Go Live on LinkedIn: Software & Streaming Options

To go live to your scheduled LinkedIn Live event, you’ll need to stream live using a third-party broadcasting tool or streaming platform. LinkedIn doesn’t offer native streaming.

Preferred Streaming Software & Tools:

Here are some of LinkedIn’s preferred partners that support RTMP ingest and are ideal for LinkedIn Live broadcast:

Tool	Key Features	Free Plan	RTMP Support
StreamYard	Browser-based, no downloads, great for guests & branding	✅	✅
Restream	Multistream to LinkedIn + YouTube, Facebook	✅	✅
Zoom	Familiar interface, direct LinkedIn integration for meetings/webinars	❌ (limited)	✅
Switcher Studio	Mobile-based multi-cam support, ideal for events	❌	✅
OBS Studio (Example OBS)	Open-source, highly customizable	✅	✅

Reddit users have recently voiced frustration with LinkedIn Live streaming issues. Many report that their streams fail shortly after going live, even when using tools like Restream, StreamYard, and Ecamm—suggesting the problem may lie with LinkedIn’s platform itself.

Anyone having problems streaming to LinkedIn Live lately?
byu/BigSpoonFullOfSnark inlinkedin

How to Connect Your Streaming Tool:

• From your event, copy the stream URL and stream key.
• Paste into your streaming software or encoder (like OBS, Restream, or Zoom).
• Hit “Start Streaming” from your tool, and click Go Live on LinkedIn.

Tip: Use custom stream settings to connect directly to any streaming software you’re comfortable with.

How to Promote Your LinkedIn Live Event

A LinkedIn Live session is only impactful if people show up. Here’s how to promote your scheduled LinkedIn Live event effectively:

1. Create an Event Page

Make it visually engaging by using a strong thumbnail, catchy title, and keyword-rich description. Mention if it’s a custom stream, webinar, or AMA session.

2. Invite Connections and Followers

Manually inviting your connections and followers to a LinkedIn Live event is a great start, but it can be time-consuming and hard to scale. That’s where LeadConnect comes in. Install the Chrome extension and get started with this tool. 

LeadConnect, a LinkedIn automation Chrome extension, helps you promote your scheduled LinkedIn Live event by allowing you to send personalized connection requests and follow-up messages at scale. Instead of reaching out to 20 people manually, you can reach hundreds of targeted professionals in a few seconds. You can use filters like job title, location, or industry with a tailored message inviting them to your live stream.

Use LeadConnect to:

• Share your event page link in warm, personalized outreach messages. You can design a template and roll out invites at a scheduled time.
• Remind invitees about the scheduled start time or updates through email messages.

By automating this part of the process, you not only save time but also increase attendance and engagement for your LinkedIn Live broadcast.

3. Share to Your Feed

Promote your event on LinkedIn using teaser posts, countdowns, or behind-the-scenes clips. Use terms like “Go Live with us on [Date]” or “Join our LinkedIn Live Broadcast at [Time]”.

How to Spontaneously Go Live on LinkedIn

Here’s how to go live to your scheduled LinkedIn event using your preferred broadcasting software:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Open your LinkedIn event page.
2. Launch your streaming software (e.g., StreamYard or OBS).
3. Paste in your stream URL and stream key from LinkedIn.
4. Hit “Start Streaming” in your third-party tool.
5. Go to your LinkedIn Event dashboard and click Go Live.

Now you’re live to your scheduled LinkedIn event and broadcasting directly to your professional network.

Live Streaming Tips for LinkedIn Success

Creating a scheduled LinkedIn Live event is only half the job; the real magic happens when you go live with a strong presence, valuable content, and real-time engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned LinkedIn Live broadcaster or just starting out, these tips will bring benefits to your live stream impact and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

1. Prioritize Audio and Video Quality

Poor audio or video can cause viewers to drop off within seconds. Invest in a decent microphone and camera; even budget-friendly options can significantly improve production quality. Use good lighting and ensure a stable internet connection for a smooth LinkedIn Live streaming experience.

Tip: Use your streaming software or encoder (like OBS or StreamYard) to preview your setup before hitting “Start Streaming.”

2. Plan Your Content Flow

Live sessions may be spontaneous, but a lack of structure can result in confusion and disengagement. Outline your content in segments: introduction, key talking points, engagement breaks, and a call to action.

Create a production workflow for streaming, especially if you’re hosting a custom stream with multiple scenes or guests.

Tip: Include timestamps in your event description to let viewers know what to expect and when.

3. Engage With Your Audience in Real Time

One of the greatest advantages of LinkedIn Live video is the ability to connect directly with viewers. Greet early joiners, answer comments as they come in, and encourage interactions like polls or live Q&A.

Use phrases like “Drop a comment below if you’ve experienced this too” or “Give a thumbs up if this resonates.”

4. Reintroduce Your Topic Periodically

People may join your live event at different times. Briefly reintroduce yourself and the topic every 10–15 minutes so latecomers can catch up. This is especially useful during longer LinkedIn Live sessions or when the session is being re-streamed later.

5. Use Branding and Visual Elements

Branding your stream enhances credibility. Add logos, name cards, lower thirds, and relevant slides using your streaming tool. Most third-party streaming tools like StreamYard or Restream offer these features built-in.

Tip: Customize your overlays to match your LinkedIn page or profile theme.

6. Be Mindful of Timing and Energy

Aim for a session length between 20 and 45 minutes. Too short and you risk missing depth; too long and attention spans dip. Maintain a lively tone and pace—especially in the first 5 minutes, where viewer retention is critical.

Remember, you can go live to your scheduled LinkedIn Live event up to one hour before your scheduled start time to prepare and check your energy.

7. End With a Strong Call to Action

Wrap up your live stream on LinkedIn with a clear CTA: whether it’s subscribing, signing up, booking a demo, or attending your next LinkedIn Live event. Add links in the comments or description, and remind viewers to follow your LinkedIn page or profile for future updates.

When to Go Live on LinkedIn

Here are a few ideal scenarios to use LinkedIn Live streaming:

• Product Launches: Demo new features with live Q&A.
• Expert Interviews: Feature industry leaders and grow visibility.
• Webinars: Turn educational content into live video sessions.
• Recruitment Events: Highlight company culture and open roles.
• Town Halls or AMA: Foster transparency and trust.

Whether you’re a LinkedIn Live broadcaster, business owner, or content creator, the opportunities are massive.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Go Live on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Live isn’t just another video tool; it’s a real-time connection engine. If you want to build authority, convert followers into leads, and amplify your message, go live on LinkedIn.

With the right streaming tool, proper scheduled LinkedIn Live event setup, and a well-thought-out content plan, your live stream can deliver exceptional ROI.

Don’t let tech hesitation hold you back. Start streaming today and broadcast LinkedIn Lives that leave a lasting impression.

Ready to go live?

Set your scheduled start time, choose a trusted third-party streaming tool, and stream directly from LinkedIn like a pro.