[FAQ]

Hey everyone,

I create video content for my YouTube channel and I want to share it with my professional network on LinkedIn to get more visibility. I’m trying to figure out the best way to do this in 2025 for maximum reach and engagement on the LinkedIn platform itself.

Is it better to upload the video file directly to LinkedIn as a native post, or should I just share the link to the YouTube video? I’m wondering if the LinkedIn algorithm treats these two types of posts differently and if one gets penalised or prioritised over the other.

Curious to hear what strategies work best for you all. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

For achieving the best reach and engagement on the LinkedIn platform, it is almost always better to post your video directly to LinkedIn as a native upload rather than sharing a link to YouTube.

There are a few key reasons for this. First, and most importantly, is the preference of the LinkedIn algorithm. Social media platforms, including LinkedIn, are businesses that want to keep users on their site for as long as possible. A native video plays directly within the LinkedIn feed, keeping the user on the platform. A link to YouTube, however, is explicitly designed to send a user away from LinkedIn to a competing video platform. As a result, the algorithm generally gives significantly more visibility and organic reach to natively uploaded videos compared to posts containing external links.

Second, consider the user experience. Native LinkedIn videos are optimised for a seamless experience within the feed. They typically autoplay silently as a user scrolls, which is more effective at capturing attention. A post with a YouTube link usually just displays a static thumbnail image that requires a user to make an extra click to watch, and it often opens in a new tab, creating more friction and a less integrated experience.

Third, when you upload a video natively, you get access to LinkedIn’s specific video features. This includes the ability to add your own SRT file for accurate, native captions, which is crucial for accessibility and for the large number of users who watch videos with the sound off. You also get access to LinkedIn’s own video analytics, allowing you to see metrics like views, watch time, and audience demographics directly on the platform.

The main situation where sharing a YouTube link directly would make sense is if your only goal is to drive traffic and views specifically to your YouTube channel, perhaps to increase watch hours or subscribers there. However, you must accept that the reach of that post on LinkedIn will likely be much lower.

A common and effective hybrid strategy is to upload a short, engaging clip or a trailer of your full YouTube video as a native LinkedIn video. This gets the algorithmic benefits of native content. Then, in the text of your post or in the first comment, you can mention that the full video is available on your YouTube channel and provide the link for those who are interested in watching the entire piece.

In summary, for maximum reach and engagement on LinkedIn itself, always choose to upload your video natively. If driving traffic to your YouTube channel is the primary objective, share the link, but be prepared for lower visibility within the LinkedIn feed. The native teaser clip is often the best compromise.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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