What Type of Videos Work Best on LinkedIn for Startups?

May 3, 2025

What Type of Videos Work Best on LinkedIn for Startups?

The most effective videos on LinkedIn for startups are short, value-driven, and visually engaging—typically between 30 to 90 seconds. These include thought leadership clips, product explainers, customer success stories, and founder-driven content. The goal is to build trust, show relevance, and spark professional conversations.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • The top video formats startups are using on LinkedIn

  • Why each type works

  • Best practices to boost reach and engagement

Why LinkedIn Is the Perfect Stage for Startup Videos

LinkedIn has transformed from a job-hunting site into a major content and engagement platform. For startups, this is a rare opportunity: a space where early-stage brands can connect directly with professionals, industry leaders, and potential buyers without needing a huge following or ad budget.

Video, in particular, stands out on LinkedIn’s feed. It increases time-on-post and boosts interaction rates compared to static content. More importantly, video enables startups to express their brand personality, clarify complex ideas, and tell stories that stick.

The key is using the right kind of video in the right way. Let’s dive into the five formats that are consistently delivering results.

1. Founder or Team Video Introductions

In the early days of a startup, trust is everything. One of the most effective ways to earn that trust is to put faces to the brand. A short video featuring the founder or key team members helps humanize your startup and build instant relatability. Whether it’s a simple “here’s why we built this” video or a quick update about your mission, these introductions foster emotional connection.

When audiences see the passion behind the product, they’re more likely to engage. These videos also set a foundation for ongoing thought leadership and make future communications feel more personal.

Keep these videos informal, clear, and honest. Avoid scripts that sound robotic. Instead, focus on speaking naturally about your purpose, vision, or a recent win that aligns with your audience’s interests.

2. Product Explainers and Demos

Explainer videos and animated demos are incredibly effective for startups, especially when the product is complex or technical. On LinkedIn, where your audience often includes busy professionals, these videos should get to the point quickly.

Start with the problem your product solves, then show the product in action. The goal is not to list every feature, but to demonstrate how the product makes a meaningful difference. This builds both curiosity and credibility.

Effective product videos highlight user benefits clearly, use motion graphics or screencasts to reinforce key ideas, and always end with a strong call to action—whether that’s booking a demo or signing up for a trial.

3. Customer Success Stories

Nothing builds confidence like hearing from real users. Customer success stories—especially those delivered in short, compelling video format—are powerful tools for social proof. They show your product in action and its real-world impact, which is often more persuasive than any brand statement.

Instead of just a testimonial, structure these stories as a quick narrative: What was the customer struggling with? How did your solution help? What results did they see? This three-part structure is easy to follow and easy to remember.

Featuring customers in your video content also opens the door for user-generated content, deeper client relationships, and potential referrals—making this format both a branding tool and a sales asset.

4. Thought Leadership and Industry Insights

Startups that share knowledge build authority. Short videos offering insights, predictions, or lessons learned are perfect for LinkedIn. These can be drawn from webinars, podcast interviews, internal talks, or even founder reflections on market trends.

This type of content positions your team as experts and provides genuine value to your audience. It’s also more likely to be shared or commented on, especially if it sparks a timely conversation or challenges the status quo.

Keep these clips concise and focused. A strong hook at the beginning is crucial to draw attention. Subtitles and bold typography can help your message land, even when viewed with the sound off.

5. Behind-the-Scenes or Culture Videos

Every startup has a story beyond the pitch deck. Behind-the-scenes content—whether it’s a glimpse into your team’s daily work, a product milestone, or your approach to remote collaboration—adds depth to your brand and makes it more relatable.

These videos aren’t about being polished. They’re about being real. Show the people behind the product, the challenges of building something new, or even the celebrations when things go right.

Such content helps attract talent, engages your network on a human level, and signals that your startup isn’t just solving problems—it’s building a culture people want to be part of.

How to Make LinkedIn Videos Work Harder

To maximize the impact of your videos on LinkedIn, a few key strategies can make all the difference. Always add subtitles—many users scroll with sound off. Open with a compelling hook in the first three seconds to grab attention. Keep messaging focused and avoid overloading your viewer with too much information.

Most importantly, include a clear next step. Whether you want viewers to click a link, comment their opinion, or reach out, don’t leave them guessing.

Engage with your audience after publishing. Reply to comments, repost with additional context, or start a conversation based on the video topic. The more interaction your post gets, the more LinkedIn will surface it in others' feeds.

Best Practices for LinkedIn Video Success

  • Add subtitles: Many people watch with sound off

  • Start with a hook: The first 3 seconds matter most

  • Include a clear CTA: “Learn more,” “Book a demo,” “Join our waitlist”

  • Post natively: Upload videos directly to LinkedIn for better reach

  • Engage in comments: Drive conversation and visibility

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is one of the best places for startups to share video content that educates, builds trust, and drives connections. The key is to keep videos short, targeted, and authentic—always aligned with your brand’s voice and business goals.

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