LinkedIn Expands Video Ads, AI Tools to Help B2B Marketers

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. LinkedIn’s New Video Ads: Bringing Motion to Engagement
  3. AI-Powered Accelerate Campaigns: The New Frontier
  4. How to Leverage LinkedIn’s Enhanced Offerings
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine a world where your LinkedIn feed isn't just a series of static posts but a dynamic mix of videos strategically placed to grab your attention. LinkedIn's recent enhancements are steering towards this reality, bringing significant opportunities for B2B marketers. The platform, already a hub for over a billion professionals, is now rolling out new video ad capabilities and expanding AI tools, aiming to revolutionize how businesses engage with their audience.

In today's digital marketing landscape, B2B marketers often feel sidelined, with most innovations primarily catering to B2C needs. LinkedIn's latest updates may represent a turning point, prioritizing B2B marketing needs and promising enhanced engagement and better lead generation. Through this blog post, we will delve deeper into LinkedIn's new video ads and AI-driven tools, examining their potential impact on your B2B marketing strategies.

Ultimately, this comprehensive guide will explore the components of LinkedIn's new offerings, their implications for marketers, and the steps you can take to leverage these features effectively. Let's dive in!

LinkedIn’s New Video Ads: Bringing Motion to Engagement

The Power of Video in B2B Marketing

Video content has increasingly become a dominant force in digital marketing. According to recent studies, video content is expected to make up 82% of all online traffic by 2022. For B2B marketers, video offers an engaging way to present complex information, tell compelling stories, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

LinkedIn's introduction of in-stream video ads represents a significant shift. Unlike traditional display ads, these video ads can appear alongside content from leading publishers, ensuring that your brand's message is delivered in a high-visibility, contextually relevant manner.

How In-Stream Video Ads Work

LinkedIn's in-stream video ads will run during breaks in publisher content, much like traditional TV commercials. This strategy permits marketers to tap into a more engaged audience, as these videos play during a user's natural content consumption flow. Such placements are less likely to be skipped, ensuring higher engagement rates compared to standard banner ads.

Initial Performance and Early Results

Early adopters of LinkedIn's in-stream video ads have reported promising outcomes. A notable metric from initial campaigns is the increase in lead form completions, reported to be up by threefold. Additionally, the cost per lead for these video ads is significantly lower, making them an appealing option for budget-conscious marketers.

AI-Powered Accelerate Campaigns: The New Frontier

Expanding Accelerate Capabilities

Building on the success of previous iterations, LinkedIn is extending its Accelerate program to include globally available campaigns focused on lead generation and website visits. At its core, Accelerate leverages AI to optimize various aspects of your campaign, from copywriting to targeting, ensuring that each ad spend translates into tangible results.

Key Features of the Accelerate Update

One of the standout features of this update is the inclusion of AI-powered copywriting tools. These tools generate ad copy in English, promising a refined, persuasive message without the grunt work. This will save marketers time and ensure that ad copy aligns perfectly with user behavior and preferences.

Another key addition is the expanded support for different campaign objectives. While the initial focus was on lead generation and site visits, LinkedIn plans to broaden this scope to include additional goals. This makes the tool versatile and adaptable to various marketing strategies.

The Impact of AI on Ad Efficiency

AI's role in marketing continues to grow, and LinkedIn's new features are a testament to this trend. By automating and optimizing campaign elements, AI not only boosts efficiency but also enhances the precision of targeting. This results in higher engagement rates and more effective use of marketing budgets.

How to Leverage LinkedIn’s Enhanced Offerings

Crafting Compelling Video Content

To make the most of LinkedIn's in-stream video ads, it's essential to focus on creating high-quality, engaging video content. Here are some tips to get started:

  1. Keep it Short and Sweet: Aim for a length that maintains viewer interest without overwhelming them – ideally between 15 to 30 seconds.
  2. Focus on Storytelling: Use narratives that resonate with your audience’s challenges and aspirations.
  3. High Production Quality: Ensure your videos are professionally made to reflect well on your brand.

Optimizing AI-Driven Campaigns

When utilizing LinkedIn’s Accelerate platform, consider the following steps:

  1. Leverage AI-Powered Copy: Use the AI tools to draft compelling ad copy, but don’t shy away from making manual tweaks to better align with your brand voice.
  2. Set Clear Objectives: Define your campaign goals clearly to allow the AI to optimize effectively.
  3. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review campaign performance and make data-driven adjustments to improve results.

Combining In-Stream Video Ads with Traditional Strategies

Incorporating these new ads with your existing strategies can create a cohesive marketing approach. Utilize video ads to build awareness and drive engagement, while leveraging other ad formats for conversion and lead nurturing.

Conclusion

LinkedIn's latest enhancements signal a significant shift toward empowering B2B marketers with innovative tools geared for success. The integration of in-stream video ads and the expansion of AI-driven Accelerate campaigns present promising avenues for building robust engagement and generating quality leads.

By embracing these tools, marketers can craft compelling narratives that captivate their audience, streamline campaign management through sophisticated AI capabilities, and ultimately achieve their marketing goals with greater efficiency. The opportunities are vast, and the time to act is now — leveraging these new features could well be the catalyst for your brand's next major breakthrough in the competitive B2B landscape.

FAQ

What are LinkedIn's in-stream video ads?

In-stream video ads are video advertisements that play during breaks in publisher content on LinkedIn. They are designed to engage viewers organically as they consume content.

How can AI improve my LinkedIn campaigns?

AI can optimize various aspects of your LinkedIn campaigns, from drafting compelling ad copy to targeting the right audience, ensuring higher engagement and more effective use of your marketing budget.

What is the Accelerate program on LinkedIn?

Accelerate is LinkedIn's AI-driven campaign platform that helps marketers optimize their campaigns for specific objectives such as lead generation and website visits. The program uses advanced AI tools to enhance ad performance and efficiency.

How can I create effective video content for LinkedIn?

Effective video content should be brief, engaging, and professionally made. Focus on storytelling that resonates with your audience and maintains high production quality.

Are these new tools available globally?

Yes, LinkedIn plans to roll out these new features globally, making them available to all its customers in the coming months.