If you’re sending LinkedIn messages to get leads, you know how easy it is to blend in with everyone else. Wall of text? Delete. Generic pitch? Ignore. But a quick video? Now you’ve got a shot at standing out. This guide is for salespeople, founders, and anyone hustling for leads who wants to use Hippovideo recordings to make LinkedIn messages actually get noticed—and, more importantly, replied to.
We’ll walk through the real process for embedding Hippovideo videos into LinkedIn messages (spoiler: “embed” is a stretch—LinkedIn doesn’t let you truly embed videos, but you can get pretty close). You’ll get the practical steps, honest takes on what works, and a few things to ignore.
Let’s get your videos seen. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Why Use Video in LinkedIn Messages?
Before the how-to, let’s be clear about the why. Video stands out because:
- It feels personal—people can see you, hear your tone, and know you’re a real person.
- It’s skimmable. A 30-second video is easier than reading a paragraph.
- It shows effort, and most people don’t bother.
But don’t expect miracles. If your video is boring or your message is generic, it’s still getting ignored. This is just a tool—it won’t fix a bad pitch.
Step 1: Set Up Your Hippovideo Account
First things first, you’ll need a Hippovideo account. The basic signup is quick, and you can use the free trial to test things out. Don’t overthink your setup:
- Use your real name and photo—trust matters.
- If you’re on a team, see if there’s a company account to join.
Pro tip: Don’t waste time customizing branding or templates right away. Get your first video sent and see if anyone bites.
Step 2: Record Your Video
This is the part most people overcomplicate. Here’s what actually works:
- Keep it under 60 seconds. Under 30 is even better.
- Start with their name if you can (“Hey Sam…”).
- Mention something specific—show you’re not spamming.
- End with a clear ask (“Would you be open to a quick call next week?”).
You can record right from Hippovideo’s web app, or use their browser extension if you want to show your screen. Webcam is fine; you don’t need a fancy setup.
What to ignore: Fancy intros, background music, and editing. Nobody cares. Just be human and get to the point.
Step 3: Grab the Right Link or Thumbnail
Here’s where things get a little tricky. LinkedIn doesn’t let you embed videos inside DMs or connection requests. The best you can do is share a clickable thumbnail image that links to your video.
How to Do It:
- After you record your video, go to the video’s share options in Hippovideo.
- Look for the “Copy Link and Thumbnail” or “Copy GIF Thumbnail” option. Hippovideo usually generates a short animated preview (GIF) or a static image with a play button.
- If you only see a link, you can still use it, but a thumbnail grabs more attention.
Pro tip: Test the thumbnail by pasting it into a blank email or a note first. Make sure it shows up as an image, not just a link.
Step 4: Paste into Your LinkedIn Message
Now, head to LinkedIn and start your message. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Connection Requests: LinkedIn only lets you send a short text note (300 characters). You can’t add images or links here. Save your video for after they accept.
- Direct Messages: Once you’re connected, you can add images and links.
For Direct Messages:
- Paste the thumbnail image (if you have one): On desktop, you can often paste the GIF or image right in, and LinkedIn will display it inline. If that fails, use the “Attach Image” button (the little picture icon), then paste the video link below it.
- Paste the video link: Always include the video link separately, even if you use a thumbnail, just in case the image doesn’t work.
Sample message:
Hey Sam, I made you a quick video (below) about [something relevant]. Would love your thoughts!
[thumbnail image] Here’s the link: https://share.hippovideo.com/yourvideo
Heads up: On mobile, LinkedIn sometimes hides images or formats things weirdly. Always include the direct link so they can click through.
Step 5: Test What Actually Sends
Don’t trust what you see in the LinkedIn message composer—send yourself a test message first. Here’s why:
- Sometimes the thumbnail shows up for you, but not for the recipient.
- Links can get unfurled or flagged as suspicious if you’re too salesy.
- You want to see exactly what your message looks like to a real human.
If the thumbnail never works, just lead with a short, punchy line and put the link right after. Don’t get hung up on the “embed” part.
Step 6: Track Engagement (But Don’t Obsess)
Hippovideo will tell you if someone’s viewed your video. That’s handy, but don’t get sucked into refreshing dashboards all day. Instead:
- Use the view notification as a nudge to follow up a day or two later.
- If someone watches but doesn’t reply, send a brief follow-up (“Saw you checked out my video—any questions?”).
- Don’t stalk people. If they’re not interested, move on.
Remember, no tool can make people care if your pitch isn’t right for them. Analytics are interesting, but replies are what matter.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ignore
What Works
- Keeping it short, personal, and specific.
- A moving thumbnail or GIF (if LinkedIn allows it) grabs more attention than a plain link.
- Following up politely if you see they watched but didn’t reply.
What Doesn’t
- Sending generic videos—people can spot a mass-produced message a mile away.
- Overdoing the production value. You’re not making a TV commercial.
- Trying to “embed” an actual video player in LinkedIn DMs. Not possible as of now.
What to Ignore
- Hippovideo’s more advanced marketing features (workflows, automation) unless you’re at scale. Focus on doing a handful well, not blasting hundreds badly.
- Advice that says video in LinkedIn DMs will triple your replies. It helps, but it’s not magic.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Batch your outreach: Record a few personalized videos in a row to stay in the groove.
- Use first names: Even if it means recording more, it goes further than “Hi there.”
- Don’t apologize for video: No need to say “Sorry for the video…” Just act like it’s normal.
- Follow up, but don’t nag: 1-2 follow-ups max. If they’re not into it, let it go.
Keep It Simple and Keep Going
The only way to know if this works for you is to try it, keep it simple, and adjust as you go. Don’t get tripped up by perfect thumbnails or analytics dashboards. Send one video, see what happens, and tweak from there. The goal isn’t to be a video pro—it’s to get replies from real people. That’s it.
Now, go make a video and send it. The rest is just details.