> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.sendspark.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Tips for sending Videos over LinkedIn Messages
> Best practices for sending Sendspark videos via LinkedIn messages. Learn formatting tips, thumbnail optimization, and timing to boost engagement.
The best way to send a Sendspark video over LinkedIn is with the Sendspark Chrome extension: click the Sendspark button in the LinkedIn composer, pick your video from the Video Library, and send. Don't paste the raw video link, that drops personalization, and only send to LinkedIn connections so the thumbnail isn't blocked.
## Key takeaways
* Install the **Sendspark Chrome extension** first, it adds a Sendspark button to your LinkedIn message composer.
* Add the **`firstname` merge tag to the Header** of your video so the recipient's name shows on the thumbnail.
* Never copy the video link directly from Sendspark and paste it into LinkedIn, that loses personalization. Always insert via the Chrome extension.
* You can't edit and resend the same link, LinkedIn caches it. Duplicate the video in Sendspark to generate a fresh link.
* Only send videos to your LinkedIn connections. Sending to non-connections can cause LinkedIn to block the thumbnail.
Sharing Sendspark videos on LinkedIn is straightforward, provided you follow the right steps. This guide will walk you through the process and highlight common mistakes to avoid.\
## Prerequisites
**Chrome Extension**: Ensure you have the Sendspark Chrome extension installed. This adds a convenient Sendspark button to your LinkedIn interface.\
[Click HERE to download the Chrome Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/sendspark-video-and-scree/blimjkpadkhcpmkeboeknjcmiaogbkph)
## Steps to Send Videos
1. **Accessing the Video Library**
* Click on the Sendspark button within your LinkedIn post or message composer.
* Select "Video Library."
* Choose the video you want to share.
1. **Personalizing Your Video**
* Add the tag "firstname" merge tag to the Header in the edit section of your video in order to see the name personalization in the Video Thumbnail
* You will see a link and a parameter that says "first name."
* Click "Send." LinkedIn will take a few moments to populate the thumbnail.
2. **Custom Domain**
* Ensure your workspace is verified and connected for branding. If not, Sendspark's default domain will be used.
[Refer to this Help Article to add your Custom Domain](/use-a-custom-domain-for-videos)
## What Not to Do
1. **Incorrect Link Sharing**
* Avoid copying the video link directly from Sendspark and pasting it into LinkedIn. This method does not retain personalization.
* To properly include personalization, always use the Chrome extension to insert your video.
2. **Editing After Sending**
* If you realize you've made a mistake (e.g., forgot to include the recipient's name), you cannot simply edit and resend the same link.
* Due to LinkedIn's caching, changes will not take effect. Instead, duplicate the video in your Sendspark library to generate a new link.
## Additional Tips
* **Thumbnails and Banners**:
* When adding a banner or thumbnail, personalization (like first name) will not appear on the banner. It will only show in the main content area.
* Ensure your thumbnails and banners are correctly set before sending.
* **Connection Requirement**:
* Only send videos to LinkedIn connections. Sending to non-connections may result in LinkedIn blocking the thumbnail.
By following these steps, you can efficiently share personalized videos on LinkedIn, ensuring your message is both professional and engaging.
## Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Sendspark Chrome extension adds a Sendspark button to your LinkedIn interface, which is what lets you insert a video with personalization intact. You can download it from the Chrome Web Store.
Add the `firstname` merge tag to the Header in the edit section of your video. Once it's in the Header, the name personalization will appear in the video thumbnail. After you click Send, LinkedIn takes a few moments to populate the thumbnail.
Copying the video link directly from Sendspark and pasting it into LinkedIn does not retain personalization. To keep personalization, always use the Chrome extension to insert the video.
No. Because of LinkedIn's caching, edits to an already-sent link won't take effect. Instead, duplicate the video in your Sendspark library to generate a new link, then send that.
LinkedIn may block the thumbnail if you send to someone who isn't a connection. Only send videos to your LinkedIn connections. Also note that personalization like first name shows in the main content area, not on a banner or thumbnail banner.
*Updated July 2026.*
1. **Personalizing Your Video**
* Add the tag "firstname" merge tag to the Header in the edit section of your video in order to see the name personalization in the Video Thumbnail 
* You will see a link and a parameter that says "first name."
* Click "Send." LinkedIn will take a few moments to populate the thumbnail.
2. **Custom Domain**
* Ensure your workspace is verified and connected for branding. If not, Sendspark's default domain will be used.
[Refer to this Help Article to add your Custom Domain](/use-a-custom-domain-for-videos)
## What Not to Do
1. **Incorrect Link Sharing**
* Avoid copying the video link directly from Sendspark and pasting it into LinkedIn. This method does not retain personalization.
* To properly include personalization, always use the Chrome extension to insert your video.
2. **Editing After Sending**
* If you realize you've made a mistake (e.g., forgot to include the recipient's name), you cannot simply edit and resend the same link.
* Due to LinkedIn's caching, changes will not take effect. Instead, duplicate the video in your Sendspark library to generate a new link.
## Additional Tips
* **Thumbnails and Banners**:
* When adding a banner or thumbnail, personalization (like first name) will not appear on the banner. It will only show in the main content area.
* Ensure your thumbnails and banners are correctly set before sending.
* **Connection Requirement**:
* Only send videos to LinkedIn connections. Sending to non-connections may result in LinkedIn blocking the thumbnail.
By following these steps, you can efficiently share personalized videos on LinkedIn, ensuring your message is both professional and engaging.
## Frequently asked questions