LinkedIn Live Audio Events: Why they were discontinued and what CEOs should do in 2025

Quick Answer

LinkedIn Live audio events were officially discontinued in December 2024. The feature, which allowed professionals to host audio-only conversations on the platform, has now been merged into the broader LinkedIn Live offering. While you cannot schedule audio-only events natively anymore, CEOs and executives can still create audio-first experiences by using LinkedIn Live together with third-party tools such as StreamYard, Restream, or OBS Studio.

What Happened to LinkedIn Live Audio Events?

LinkedIn introduced Audio Events in 2022 to compete with platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. The feature allowed professionals to host live, audio-only conversations directly on LinkedIn.

In December 2024, LinkedIn officially discontinued Audio Events.

• No new audio events could be scheduled after December 2, 2024.
• Existing events were supported only until December 31, 2024.
• The platform encouraged users to transition to LinkedIn Live.

LinkedIn wanted to simplify its live event formats by consolidating everything under LinkedIn Live. Instead of splitting between video and audio, the company focused on a single, flexible live format.

For official confirmation, see TechRadar’s coverage.

Why were LinkedIn live audio events discontinued?

There are four main reasons why LinkedIn retired this feature:

1. Low adoption rates – Despite the hype around Clubhouse in 2021, the momentum for audio-only platforms slowed significantly. Video events continued to outperform audio in engagement.
2. User experience confusion – Two different live formats (Audio Events and LinkedIn Live) created unnecessary overlap. Many users did not know which option to choose.
3. Video-first strategy – LinkedIn found video content generates higher visibility and stronger networking opportunities.
4. Third-party ecosystem – Tools like StreamYard, Restream, and Riverside already allow creators to run audio-first events with more professional branding and features.

What This Means for CEOs and Executives

If you are a CEO or senior executive, the removal of LinkedIn Live audio events changes how you plan your thought leadership strategy. However, the shift is not a disadvantage. In fact, it can be an opportunity to upgrade your approach.

• Move from casual chats to branded leadership sessions – LinkedIn Live with visuals, logos, and slides gives you a more professional image.
• Adopt hybrid formats – run video-first sessions but provide audio replays or podcast versions to maintain accessibility.
• Leverage third-party tools – StreamYard and Restream allow you to create events that feel more polished than the original Audio Events ever did.

How Can CEOs Host Audio-Only Events on LinkedIn Now?

Although the native LinkedIn live audio events feature is gone, CEOs and executives should still prioritize LinkedIn as a tool for boosting their business, and can still run audio-first events using LinkedIn Live combined with streaming tools.

Step 1: Apply for LinkedIn Live Access
Accounts generally need 150+ followers and a good compliance history to qualify.

Step 2: Select a Streaming Tool

• StreamYard: Easiest to use, browser-based.
• Restream: Best for broadcasting to multiple platforms.
• OBS Studio: Free and open-source, but requires technical setup.

Step 3: Configure for Audio-Only
Instead of broadcasting video, use a static image, branded banner, or simple slide deck. This simulates an audio-only experience.

Step 4: Promote Your Event
Create a LinkedIn event, invite connections, and share teasers on LinkedIn posts and your newsletter.

Step 5: Repurpose the Recording
Use the replay as a podcast episode, write a newsletter recap, or create a LinkedIn carousel with quotes from the session.

CEO Event Ideas for LinkedIn Live in 2025

Many executives relied on LinkedIn Live audio events to connect authentically with their audience and build an impactful personal brand online. Even though this format has changed, CEOs can still leverage audio-first and hybrid events to build influence:

• Leadership fireside chats about industry changes and innovation.
• Ask Me Anything sessions with employees, customers, or peers.
• Weekly CEO Insights digest, a 15-minute thought leadership talk.
• Executive roundtables with other industry leaders.

Keep sessions short and highly focused, ideally 30–40 minutes.

LinkedIn Live Audio Events vs LinkedIn Live Video

Before discontinuation, LinkedIn Live audio events were simple, native, and easy to run. Now, with LinkedIn Live, executives have a more professional but slightly more technical option.

• Audio events were simple but lacked branding options.
• LinkedIn Live offers more engagement features such as comments, reactions, and the ability to display slides or visuals.
• Third-party integrations make it possible to stream audio-first events with added polish.

The trade-off: more setup, but far greater control and professional impact.

FAQs on LinkedIn Live Audio Events

What happened to LinkedIn Live Audio Events?
LinkedIn discontinued Live Audio Events in December 2024, merging the feature into LinkedIn Live. Users must now use LinkedIn Live with third-party tools for audio-first sessions.

Can I still host audio-only events on LinkedIn?
Yes, but not natively. Executives can create audio-first sessions by streaming with tools such as StreamYard, Restream, or OBS Studio and using static visuals.

Why did LinkedIn retire Audio Events?
The feature had low adoption, created overlap with LinkedIn Live, and video formats consistently showed stronger engagement.

Is LinkedIn Live better than Audio Events?
Yes. LinkedIn Live offers richer engagement, branding features, auto-recording, and better discoverability.

What are the best tools for CEOs hosting LinkedIn Live?
StreamYard is beginner-friendly, Restream is best for multistreaming, and OBS Studio is free but requires more technical skill.

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