LinkedIn to test stories feature over next few months

Remember the meme that everything will eventually include the stories feature? Well, that reality is finally upon us – even LinkedIn is throwing its hat into the ring.

Stories originally began as a novel feature on Snapchat. The idea that you could post exclusive content that was viewable at any time for a limited time was oddly appealing. It helped us document our days easier, be public and private at the same time, and promptly took off like wildfire.

It’s probably most widely used nowadays on Instagram. In the years since its inception its gotten more complex, with GIFs, location tools, and song placement features all readily available. Telling people exactly where you are and what you’re doing has never been easier – and you can do it all while keeping brand friendly.

Which is probably why LinkedIn has just announced it will be trying out a stories feature on its platform. It may seem a bit perplexing at first, but it does make a lot of sense when you think about it. LinkedIn is currently the second most used B2B social site online and though it’s almost always strictly professional, it does enjoy viral, business-orientated stories about hustling, advertising, and networking in general.

There’s even a LinkedIn Influencers initiative, which lists and recognises the most influential personalities on the platform. It’s essentially the same as Instagram, except it’s a lot more white guys in suits and less celebrities with brand deals. The point I’m trying to make is that LinkedIn is becoming more sociable as a site, and I’ve no doubt it hopes that stories will further push this momentum.

Head of content products at LinkedIn, Pete Davies, has stated that the feature is currently being tested to try and create more light chat between individuals on the platform. Basically, he’s hoping that stories will add a little more personality to the site and free up any reservations users might have about posting content associated with their company.

‘Last year, we started asking ourselves what stories might look like in a professional context,’ he stated in a press release. ‘Sometimes we want a way to make a connection with a colleague and move on’.

The feature will be tested internally with employees before being pushed through to selected users in the coming months. It may be the case that the feature never actually sees the light of day for the wider public – but we’ll have to wait and see.

Hopefully soon I can put my edgy music-based Instagram stories on LinkedIn, where everyone can enjoy my pretentious takes. I’m not too sure that’ll ever make me a LinkedIn influencer, mind.