LinkedIn Ends Spontaneous Live Streams, Requires Scheduled Events From June

LinkedIn is making a significant change to its live streaming feature. Starting June 22, 2026, users will no longer be able to broadcast spontaneously on the platform. Instead, all live events must be scheduled in advance — though the company notes that streams can be planned just minutes before going live, keeping near-real-time broadcasting possible for those who want it.

Why LinkedIn Is Making the Shift

The move is largely driven by engagement data. Unplanned live streams frequently attract little to no audience, as viewers need time to discover and tune in. By requiring scheduling, LinkedIn aims to give creators a better chance of building viewership before their broadcast begins. The company has also found that planned events perform significantly better — event ads, for instance, drive 31% more viewership on average compared to unadvertised streams.

LinkedIn’s broader events strategy appears to be gaining momentum. In October 2025, Chief Operating Officer Daniel Shapero revealed that events shared on the platform had grown 24% quarter over quarter, signalling that LinkedIn is increasingly positioning itself as a professional events hub.

What This Means for Creators and Brands

For marketers and content creators, this change underscores the importance of planning live content strategically. Scheduling streams ahead of time creates room for promotion, audience targeting, and potentially running event ads to boost reach. While the freedom to go live instantly disappears, the trade-off is a more structured environment that rewards preparation.

The update rolls out on June 22, 2026, giving users roughly three months to adapt their live content workflows accordingly.