Step-by-step guide on how to host your first LinkedIn Live Event. Plus, what’s changing on 22 June 2026

By The Freelance Informer On May 16, 2026

LinkedIn Live is changing its rules so learn what's changing.

Everything you need to go live with confidence.

What are LinkedIn Live Events?

They are interactive, real-time video or audio broadcasts streamed directly on LinkedIn, where many of your target clients will already be connected. Their purpose is to allow creators to share insights, host workshops, or conduct Q&As right in their connections’ feeds, giving freelancers a space for engagement.

LinkedIn Live is changing on 22 June 2026
Spontaneous (unscheduled) live streams will no longer be possible. All live events must be scheduled in advance — even if just minutes before going live. Plan ahead
One live event can give you weeks of content

For freelancers hosting these events, it could be a massive shortcut to client leads and even acquisition. Ultimately, LinkedIn Live allows you to stop chasing gigs with cold pitches and start drawing clients in by demonstrating your value in real time.

Here is why you should consider hosting and be one of the freelancers who hit the “Go Live” button:

Instant authority: It shifts you from a hidden service provider to a visible industry expert by showcasing your problem-solving skills live and unfiltered
Trust building: High-paying clients want to know who they could be engaging. Live interaction humanises your business in a way a static portfolio can’t
Warm inbound leads: It can turn passive network connections into a highly engaged audience, creating a natural funnel where prospective clients come to you.

What do freelancers who host live events get out of them?

Freelancers can use virtual events to showcase their skills, experiences and expertise. This can be in different formats, including:

Webinars: Teach valuable skills to your target audience
Q&A sessions: Answer questions in your area of expertise
Panel discussions: Collaborate with other experts
Networking events: Bring together professionals in your industry

Live online events can boost your visibility (UpHunt):

Weekly shows: Consistent programming builds audience
Guest interviews: Feature clients and industry experts
Behind-the-scenes: Show your actual work process
Q&A formats: Answer audience questions in real-time

Live events can be hosted by anyone, for example:

Freelance videographer: Showing the workflow and work process that goes into a project
Creating an AI Agent: from the process of defining a specific purpose, to selecting an LLM, to choosing a no-code platform
Using Canva for social media and other products: Step-by-step guide to create or repurpose templates and features to market products and brands
Cooking & baking: Live cooking demonstration of simple and easy recipes for freelancers to cook in a rush
Writing: How to tailor your writing style for different clients
LinkedIn and portfolio updates: A live step-by-step LinkedIn profile update and the reasoning behind each change

#1: Check your eligibility (do this before investing in software)

LinkedIn Live isn’t available to everyone by default. Your profile or Page must meet all four criteria below before you can trigger an access review. Check these before investing time in any setup.

Audience base

More than 150 followers and/or connections on your profile or Page
Good standing
No bans, warnings, or policy violations on your account history
Account age
Your LinkedIn account must be at least 30 days old
Geography: LinkedIn Live is not available for accounts based in mainland China

#2 Choose your broadcast tool

Once you get approved, it’s time to look into live third-party broadcasting software since LinkedIn doesn’t let you stream directly from its platform. Beginners should pick a preferred partner like StreamYard, Restream, or Switcher Studio. Advanced users can connect any RTMP encoder (OBS, Zoom, etc.) via LinkedIn’s custom stream page.

Best for beginners

StreamYard

Browser-based, no install needed. Invite guests, add branded overlays, and go live to LinkedIn with a few clicks. Free tier available.

Multistream + repurpose

Restream

Stream to LinkedIn and other platforms simultaneously. Great if you already have an audience on YouTube or Twitch.

Mobile-first

Switcher Studio

Produce from your iPhone. Multi-camera, graphics, and LinkedIn integration built in. Ideal for freelancers on the move.

Advanced / free (via RTMP)

OBS Studio

Free and powerful, but requires setup. Connect via LinkedIn’s custom stream page with your RTMP stream key. Full creative control.

#3 Create a LinkedIn Event and schedule your live

From your profile or Page, create a LinkedIn Event and set a date and time. After 22 June, 2026, this step is mandatory; you can no longer go live without a scheduled event. Scheduling ahead gives you a promotion window, which means more viewers.

#4 Connect your broadcast tool to the event

In LinkedIn, navigate to your scheduled event and link it to your chosen streaming tool. If using a preferred partner, follow their built-in LinkedIn integration. For RTMP, copy your stream key from LinkedIn’s custom stream page and paste it into your encoder settings.

#5 Run a full tech rehearsal

Test your camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection before your event. Do a private test stream if your tool allows it. Check your encoder settings match LinkedIn’s recommended specs. A 5-minute tech fail at the start costs you half your audience.

#6 Go live and engage your audience

Start your broadcast 2–3 minutes early so early joiners aren’t greeted by silence. Welcome viewers by name, answer comments live, and keep energy high. Your stream is recorded automatically and stays on your profile as a replay.

Pre-event checklist

Eligibility confirmed — 150+ followers, account 30+ days old, good standing
Event created and scheduled at least 1 week in advance
Broadcast tool connected and stream key entered
Camera, mic, and lighting tested
Stable wired internet connection (10 Mbps upload minimum)
Two-factor authentication is enabled on the LinkedIn account
Promoted on LinkedIn feed, newsletter, or email list
Run-of-show / talking points prepared
Test stream completed in the broadcast tool

Tips for successful live broadcasts

Schedule early, promote often
Post about your event 1–2 weeks out, the day before, and the morning of. LinkedIn notifies your followers when you go live, but warm reminders beat cold notifications
Lead with what people will get out of the event, not a pitch
The format that converts best: teach something useful for 80% of your time. Viewers who learn from you trust you. Trust then converts to clients
Repurpose your replay

Where does your LinkedIn Live stream go?

Your stream stays on LinkedIn as a video. Depending on the broadcast tool you choose, you can post it on multiple social media and video platforms.

Clip highlights for posts, strip the audio for a podcast, or turnkey points into a carousel. One live broadcast can become a source of weeks of content.