How LinkedIn Algorithm Works And What’s Changed in the Latest Update

Why the LinkedIn Algorithm Update Matters for Professionals and Brands

📅 Last updated: March 2025 

Understanding how LinkedIn algorithm works is key to making your content more visible on the platform. Staying on top of LinkedIn algorithm changes is crucial if you want to maintain strong engagement. These updates affect how your content is ranked and distributed across the feed.

These are the metrics to focus on in 2025:

• Relevance: LinkedIn prioritizes posts that align with a user’s interests and past interactions, surfacing content that feels relevant to each professional.

• Engagement Signals: Likes, comments, shares, and saves indicate content quality. Posts with higher engagement are pushed to more people.

• Timeliness: Newer content is favored, as LinkedIn aims to show users what’s fresh and current in their network.

• Connection Strength: LinkedIn values content from connections with whom users interact frequently, boosting posts from closer, more engaged connections.

Key Insight: Without understanding these changes, your posts may not gain traction. Brands and professionals who adapt to LinkedIn’s evolving priorities can maintain visibility and foster long-lasting connections with their audiences.

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Strategy Based on the Latest Algorithm Update

To align your content with LinkedIn’s latest updates, here’s a phased roadmap that can help you make a greater impact:

Phase 1: Drive Deeper Engagement to Satisfy the LinkedIn Algorithm

The LinkedIn algorithm rewards posts that prompt genuine engagement. When professionals engage with your content in meaningful ways, LinkedIn sees it as valuable and pushes it to more users.

1. Create Engaging Content That Sparks Conversation
   • Use posts that invite discussions, share insights, or ask questions relevant to your network’s interests. LinkedIn prioritizes content that fosters dialogue.
   • Example: LinkedIn influencers like Justin Welsh use thought-provoking questions to prompt conversations and increase engagement.
   • Action: Experiment with interactive posts, such as polls or open-ended questions. Phrases like “What are your thoughts on…?” or “How would you approach…?” can increase interaction and extend your post’s reach.
2. Use Rich Media to Boost Engagement on LinkedIn
   • Visuals and videos attract more engagement than text alone. Posts with images, videos, or slides perform well, especially when paired with a compelling caption.
   • Resource: Canva offers LinkedIn-optimized templates for visually appealing posts.

Phase 2: Stay Consistent and Deliver High-Value LinkedIn Content

Consistency and quality are essential for building trust and authority on LinkedIn. The platform favors profiles that post valuable, professional insights consistently.

1. Plan a Consistent Content Schedule
   • Regularly posting at optimal times increases visibility. Tools like Buffer and Hootsuite help schedule content, ensuring you stay consistent without overwhelming yourself.
   • Psychology Insight: Consistent, high-quality content fosters credibility. Professionals trust and engage with voices that show up regularly with valuable insights.
2. Create Value-Focused Content That Resonates
   • LinkedIn users seek practical, insightful, and relevant content. Posts that educate or offer actionable advice often receive higher engagement.
   • Example: Professionals like Ann Handley share value-driven insights that attract significant engagement, making them thought leaders in their fields.
   • Action: Share advice, insights, or case studies that provide concrete value. Back up your points with data or real-world examples to enhance credibility.

Phase 3: Improve Content Discoverability with Hashtags and Keywords

Effective use of hashtags and keywords boosts the discoverability of your content, helping the LinkedIn algorithm categorize your posts and match them to users interested in similar topics.

1. Use Strategic Hashtags to Expand Reach
   • Include a mix of broad and niche hashtags that are relevant to your industry. This helps you reach both a wider and more targeted audience.
   • Tool: Display Purposes helps you find effective, related hashtags to maximize visibility.
   • Example: Use specific hashtags like #LeadershipTips, #MarketingInsights, or #ProfessionalGrowth to connect with users seeking insights in these areas.
2. Add Relevant Keywords to Improve Ranking
   • The LinkedIn algorithm favors posts with keywords that match user searches. Include keywords that your ideal audience might search for, boosting your content’s relevance.
   • Tip: Mention keywords naturally in your posts, such as “How to build a strong LinkedIn network,” to attract viewers interested in professional growth.

How to Build the Right Audience Using the LinkedIn Algorithm

Building an engaged network on LinkedIn is about more than just visibility; it’s about connecting with the right people. Here’s how to create a strong professional presence:

1. Engage Authentically to Boost Mutual Visibility
   • LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes mutual engagement. Interacting with your network’s posts boosts visibility and strengthens connections.
   • Action: Regularly engage with others’ content by commenting or sharing posts. Thoughtful comments often lead to reciprocal engagement, making your profile more visible.
2. Balance Personal and Professional Content to Build Trust
   • LinkedIn’s professional community appreciates authenticity. Sharing personal insights, lessons, or milestones alongside industry-related content builds relatability.
   • Example: Professionals like Melanie Deziel blend personal stories with professional advice, connecting on a deeper level with their audiences.

Long-Term Growth: Building a Sustainable LinkedIn Presence

Creating a lasting presence on LinkedIn requires consistent engagement and value-driven content. Here’s how to sustain growth:

1. Track Metrics to Improve Algorithm Alignment
   • Track engagement metrics to identify what content resonates most with your audience. Use LinkedIn’s analytics to refine your approach based on insights.
   • Tool: Shield provides in-depth LinkedIn analytics to help track engagement trends and audience growth.
2. Test Different Formats to Boost Algorithm Signals
   • LinkedIn algorithm favors variety, so experiment with formats like articles, slides, and short posts to see what drives the most engagement.
   • Tip: Try A/B testing different formats to optimize for reach and engagement.
3. Keep Up with LinkedIn Algorithm Changes
   • LinkedIn frequently updates its algorithm, so staying informed is crucial. Follow LinkedIn’s Marketing Solutions Blog for insights on platform changes and trends.
   • Action: Adapt your strategy based on the latest algorithm changes to maintain engagement and reach.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the LinkedIn Algorithm for Ongoing Growth

LinkedIn algorithm is ever-evolving, but by staying adaptable and focusing on engagement, you can keep your network growing. These strategies will help you maximize visibility and build meaningful connections.

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By following this roadmap and leveraging the LinkedIn algorithm effectively, you’ll ensure your content reaches and engages the right audience. Adapt, engage, and watch your professional network thrive.

Now that you understand how the LinkedIn algorithm works, start applying these strategies to boost reach and engagement—especially as LinkedIn algorithm changes continue to evolve, requiring you to adapt and stay visible.

Still have questions about how the LinkedIn algorithm works? We’ve got you covered below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the LinkedIn algorithm work?

To truly understand how LinkedIn algorithm works, you need to know it prioritizes content based on relevance, engagement, and connection strength.

What changed in the latest LinkedIn algorithm update?

The latest update places a stronger focus on dwell time, high-quality engagement (especially comments), and posting consistency. Content that provides value, encourages interaction, and keeps users engaged is rewarded with increased visibility

How can I optimize my content for the LinkedIn algorithm?

To optimize your content, focus on value-driven posts, use relevant keywords and hashtags, post consistently, and encourage real engagement. Rich media formats like videos, carousels, and infographics can also boost performance.