If you’re sending LinkedIn messages that get ignored, you’re not alone. Most people’s inboxes are stuffed with generic pitches and connection requests. But there’s a trick that can help you stand out: using short, personal videos. This guide is for sales reps, recruiters, founders—anyone who wants more replies from LinkedIn. We’ll walk through how to embed a Vidyard video in your LinkedIn messages, what actually works (and what’s just hype), and how to avoid wasting your time.
Why Video in LinkedIn Messages?
Let’s get real: most LinkedIn messages blend into the background. Video, especially when it’s personal, can make people pause. Here’s why:
- It’s different. Not many people bother to send videos.
- It feels personal. Your face on camera beats a wall of text.
- It’s quick. Most folks will watch a 30-second video before reading a 300-word message.
But don’t buy the hype that “video guarantees replies.” It won’t save a bad pitch or replace real research. Video is a tool—not magic.
Before You Start: What You Need
- A Vidyard account (free is fine for basic stuff)
- A LinkedIn account (obviously)
- A decent webcam or smartphone (no need for pro gear)
- 5-10 minutes to record and send
That’s it. No fancy software or editing required.
Step 1: Record Your Vidyard Video
- Log in to Vidyard.
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Go to the Vidyard site and sign in. If you don’t have an account, the signup takes a minute.
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Hit “New Video” or “Record.”
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You can record from your browser with the Chrome extension, or upload a video if you’ve already filmed it.
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Keep it short and personal.
- 30–60 seconds is plenty.
- Mention the person by name if you can.
- Smile. Seriously, it helps.
Pro Tip: Don’t script it word for word. Jot down 2-3 bullet points, look at the camera, and talk like a human.
- Save your video.
- Vidyard gives you a video page and a thumbnail automatically.
Step 2: Get the Right Link (or Thumbnail) for LinkedIn
Here’s the reality: LinkedIn doesn’t let you “embed” a video to autoplay right in the message. What you can do is send a clickable thumbnail that looks like a video preview. When someone clicks it, your Vidyard video opens in a new tab.
Here’s how to get that clickable thumbnail:
- Copy the sharing link from Vidyard.
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After recording, click the “Share” or “Copy Link” button.
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Copy the animated GIF thumbnail (optional but better).
- Vidyard usually generates a moving thumbnail (GIF) of you waving or holding up a sign.
- In Vidyard, click “Copy Thumbnail” or “Copy Animated Thumbnail.”
- This puts a GIF preview on your clipboard.
Heads up: Not every Vidyard plan has GIF thumbnails, and LinkedIn sometimes strips GIF previews. Test it first.
Step 3: Craft Your LinkedIn Message
You’ve got two options here:
Option A: Paste the Link Only
- Paste the Vidyard link straight into your LinkedIn message.
- LinkedIn will generate a static preview image (sometimes just your face, sometimes just a Vidyard logo).
- Add a line explaining what the video is.
Example:
Hi Sam, thought I’d send a quick video instead of a long message—here’s what I had in mind: [Vidyard link]
Option B: Add the Animated Thumbnail (If It Works)
- Paste the animated thumbnail GIF first.
- Then paste the Vidyard link on the next line.
- This looks more like a real video embed.
Example:
[Animated GIF thumbnail] Here’s a quick video I made for you: [Vidyard link]
Warning: LinkedIn’s messaging sometimes eats GIFs or makes them static. It’s inconsistent. If it works, great. If not, don’t stress about it.
Step 4: Send and Track
- Send your message.
- Double-check that the preview looks good.
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Bonus points if you reference something from their profile.
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Track views in Vidyard.
- Vidyard will show you if someone watched your video and for how long.
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Don’t obsess, but if someone watches all the way through, that’s a good sign to follow up.
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Don’t overdo the follow-up.
- A gentle nudge is fine. Don’t spam people if they don’t reply.
What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)
What Works
- Personalization. Say their name, mention something specific.
- Short videos. Under a minute works best.
- Clear reason for reaching out. Don’t be vague.
- A friendly, non-pushy tone. You’re human, not a spam bot.
What Doesn’t
- Mass video blasts. If you’re sending the same video to 50 people, don’t bother.
- Over-editing. Fancy intros and graphics just get in the way.
- Pretending the video is “embedded.” LinkedIn doesn’t support autoplay video in messages—don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
- Wall of text alongside the video. If you’re sending a video, keep the text short.
Ignore This Stuff
- Platforms that claim to “fully embed” video in LinkedIn DMs. They’re usually misleading or break LinkedIn’s terms.
- Overhyped stats (“Replies go up 400%!”). Video helps, but it’s not magic.
Pro Tips for Higher Response Rates
- Use a whiteboard or paper to write the recipient’s name. Hold it up at the start of your video. It’s old-school but effective.
- Smile and look at the camera. You’re talking to a person, not a lens.
- Don’t send video to people who hate video. If someone’s LinkedIn feed is all articles and text, maybe skip the video.
- Test, don’t assume. Try different video lengths, subject lines, and approaches. See what gets replies.
Common Gotchas
- Mobile viewing. Many people open LinkedIn on their phone. Make sure your video is easy to watch on mobile—no tiny text or weird audio.
- Corporate firewalls. Some companies block video sites. If your target audience works in old-school industries, you may see fewer views.
- Privacy settings. If your Vidyard link is set to private, no one will be able to watch it. Double-check sharing settings.
- GIF not showing up? That’s LinkedIn, not you. It’s hit or miss.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
Don’t overthink this. The people who get the best results aren’t the ones with the fanciest videos—they’re the ones who hit send, try new things, and tweak their approach. Use video to stand out, but keep the rest simple and honest. If your pitch is thoughtful and your video feels real, you’ll get more replies. And if you don’t? Change it up and try again. That’s how you actually get better at this stuff.