LinkedIn has debuted the 'LinkedIn Podcast Network' pilot project. This section of the website was launched following the success of previous podcast experiments under the 'LinkedIn News' network. Podcasts hosted on this network will be targeted towards working professionals, as such, they will be hosted by experts both at LinkedIn and in certain industries.
The podcast network will have features similar to other media platforms such as YouTube, meaning listeners can comment on podcasts to keep the conversation going long after the broadcast has ended. The podcasts hosted on this network will not be exclusive to the network, though, as they will also be uploaded to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other popular platforms. The incorporation of a podcast network into LinkedIn is mainly geared towards delivering this type of long-form content to people who may typically not go out of their way to find it on other media platforms. On top of this, the LinkedIn Podcast Network will be an excellent organizational tool for locating nonfiction, information-based podcasts.
Professional Podcast Platforms
LinkedIn's Newest Pilot Delivers Professional-Targeted Podcasts
Trend Themes
1. Professional-targeted Podcasts - There is an opportunity for other social media platforms to focus on professional-targeted podcasts as a means of delivering long-form content.
2. Nonfiction, Information-based Podcasts - There is an opportunity for the growth of nonfiction, information-based podcasts, especially those hosted by industry experts on topics relevant to working professionals.
3. Integration of Podcasts - There is an opportunity for other companies to integrate podcasts into their platforms as a way of delivering long-form content in a unique way.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Social media platforms have an opportunity to capitalize on professional-targeted podcasts and information-based content to differentiate their media content offerings.
2. Podcasting - The podcasting industry has an opportunity to target working professionals by creating informative, nonfiction content that can be incorporated into other platforms.
3. Human Resources - The human resources industry has an opportunity to use podcasts to provide training, education, and professional development to employees in the form of nonfiction, information-based content.