LinkedIn Might Have Stories Soon

Published on February 28, 2020

LinkedIn is testing a new stories feature, in the style of Snapchat or Instagram. The stories would allow users to connect in a different way, posting short little updates, for a new kind of business conversation.

The platform is clearly trying to update. The company wants to stay competitive in the social media universe, which is not an easy feat in the current market. There are new platforms popping up every day, and the old ones must fight to stay relevant.

To that end, LinkedIn is clearly trying to keep it fresh and fun with the stories feature. It’s not their first foray into trying to make the business-focused site a little cooler.

LinkedIn’s Other New Features

In 2019, LinkedIn began courting pro-athletes in an attempt to reach new audiences. The athletes built complete profiles advertising their interests and professional endeavors. The athletes had the opportunity to build their personal brands, and LinkedIn got a boost in the audience and image.

Earlier that year, LinkedIn also rolled out a live video feature. Live video is spontaneous and authentic, and on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram it’s a way to increase engagement and allow followers to get a real look at the user. In that vein, the live feature is mostly used by brands to increase visibility on the platform.

While LinkedIn is clearly trying to stay relevant in the modern market, the stories feature might be an unnecessary step.

Are Stories Right For LinkedIn?

Stories on other platforms embody the more casual side of social media. Posting stories is less formal and tends to show the more real side of things. Stories are less rehearsed, less edited, and more laid back than traditional posts on any social media site. None of these descriptors are usually associated with finding a job or professional networking.

The potential stories feature might be an entirely unnecessary move for the company. LinkedIn occupies such an important space in the social media world. It’s a unique platform that serves a specific purpose that will not easily be usurped by Instagram any time soon.

Where else would Millenials turn to find jobs? LinkedIn is the most prominent professional social networking site by a mile. It doesn’t need to be cool, it needs to be exactly what it is, professional and functional.

Stories aren’t exactly professional or functional, so maybe it’s best to let this idea pass.

Olivia Smith is a Staff Writer at Grit Daily. Based in San Francisco, she covers events, entertainment, fashion, and technology. She also serves as a Voices contributor at PopSugar.

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