What Is the LinkedIn Algorithm?

The LinkedIn algorithm refers to the set of ranking systems that decide which posts appear in each member's feed and in what order. LinkedIn says it aims to show the most relevant professional content and conversations, using signals about the member, their network, the post and how people respond to it.

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LinkedIn algorithm, explained

The LinkedIn algorithm is not one formula but a set of machine learning models that score candidate posts for each member and rank them. LinkedIn has described its feed with the phrase "People You Know, Talking About Things You Care About". Its engineering team has published details on some signals, including dwell time, where predicted short dwell counts against a post, and has described a newer ranking system powered by large language models that better understands what a post is about and matches it to members' interests. LinkedIn has also said the algorithm does not favor any particular format and has encouraged creators to respond to commenters. Separately, LinkedIn says it may limit visibility of posts that show signs of automation or inauthentic engagement. The practical takeaway for founders is consistent across these statements: write clearly for a specific audience, deliver on the opening, and take part in the conversation a post starts.

Example

Two connections post on the same day. One writes about a hiring lesson relevant to your industry; the other shares a generic motivational quote. The feed is likely to rank the first higher for you because it matches your interests and professional context.

In practice

Rumors about the algorithm change monthly; LinkedIn's own engineering and pressroom posts change far less often. The guide on why LinkedIn reach drops lists what LinkedIn has actually said, with sources, and the dwell time entry explains that signal.

Go deeper: Why did my LinkedIn reach drop?

Related terms

Sources

  1. What's in your LinkedIn Feed: People You Know, Talking About Things You Care About, LinkedIn Pressroom,
  2. Engineering the next generation of LinkedIn's Feed, LinkedIn Engineering,
  3. Leveraging Dwell Time to Improve Member Experiences on the LinkedIn Feed, LinkedIn Engineering,
  4. Post and share updates, LinkedIn Help,

All glossary terms