LinkedIn unveils video-first ad strategy

LinkedIn just announced a bold new set of  video ad tools, led by its most in-your-face format yet: “First Impression Ads.” These full-screen, vertical video ads are guaranteed to be the first thing you see each day when you open the app.

These ads are designed for “maximizing impact during product launches or big announcements,” which is corporate speak for “we’re going to make absolutely sure you can’t ignore this.” It’s perfect for companies that have given up on subtlety and embraced the “go big or go home” philosophy of modern marketing.

Not to be outdone by their own ambition, LinkedIn is also launching “Reserved Ads,” which lock in premium feed placement for various types of sponsored content including Thought Leader Ads, Single Image Ads, and Document Ads.

Perhaps most surprisingly, LinkedIn is expanding its Connected TV (CTV) advertising to be widely available across certain markets. So now you can enjoy the jarring experience of watching a LinkedIn ad about enterprise software solutions right between episodes of your favorite show.

What LinkedIn is really doing here is acknowledging a harsh truth: professional doesn’t mean boring anymore, and if you want to reach decision-makers, you need to compete with TikTok, Instagram, and whatever show they’re binge-watching after work.

You can read more here.

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