LinkedIn Algorithm - How It Works and How To Master It in 2025

For B2B brands aiming to grow their reach and foster meaningful engagement, LinkedIn is an essential part of any social media strategy.

But here’s the catch: with so much happening on LinkedIn, how do you ensure your content rises above the noise? It starts with cracking the code of LinkedIn’s new algorithm.

In this guide, we’ll demystify how it works and share actionable strategies to help you craft a LinkedIn marketing strategy that delivers results. Let’s get started!

What is the LinkedIn algorithm?

The LinkedIn algorithm is a system that decides which posts each LinkedIn user sees, how far your own posts travel, and, ultimately, what gets the spotlight.

As LinkedIn rolls out new features, the algorithm evolves, opening doors for previously overlooked content to finally grab some attention.

At its core, the algorithm’s job is simple: find the most relevant social media content for each user. It analyzes user’s past activity—likes, comments, shares, and the accounts they follow—to serve up a feed tailored to their interests.

How does the LinkedIn algorithm work?

LinkedIn's algorithm curates user’s feeds with content that's tailored to their interests and goals. This helps spark meaningful conversations instead of cluttering their screen with fluff.

In fact, in 2025, LinkedIn is doubling down on quality, prioritizing posts that showcase expertise and drive meaningful engagement while pushing back on low-value viral distractions.

Here's a breakdown.

Content classification

When you hit "post," LinkedIn’s algorithm kicks into action, classifying your content to determine if it’s spam, low-quality, or high-value. And spammy posts are swiftly booted out. While low-quality content might stick around, it won’t make waves. High-quality posts, however, move to the next evaluation phase.

This step ensures users see valuable content, not noise. For social media managers, the takeaway is simple: original, insightful, and professional content gets you past this gatekeeper.

Initial engagement assessment

LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards engagement. Once your post clears the first hurdle, the algorithm tests the post's engagement by sharing it with a small slice of your LinkedIn network. How does it perform? Do people like, comment, or share it quickly?

The more meaningful engagement it earns early on, the better it fuels your organic social media growth.

So yes: quick engagement matters. Aim to craft posts that hit home right away—ask questions, share unique insights, or spark discussions. Your audience’s initial reactions can make or break your reach.

Tailors for relevance and personalization

The algorithm considers a user’s connections, followed pages, groups, and past interactions too when choosing the users whose feeds your content will be displayed. The result? A feed that feels relevant and professionally useful.

That's why you need to know your audience deeply. Understand their interests, tailor your posts, and your content will have a better chance of being seen.

Quality over quantity

The latest LinkedIn update loves expertise. It actively prioritizes content that delivers real value, from insightful industry updates to niche know-how. The focus is on elevating posts that make users pause, think, and engage deeply.

Consider this your cue to showcase what your organization knows best. Share actionable social media insights and highlight your team’s expertise—all while keeping it super relevant. The more value you bring to your audience, the more LinkedIn will reward you with visibility.

Types of content that doesn't work on LinkedIn

Getting a grip of how the LinkedIn algorithm changes helps you learn the rules of the game and start playing equipped with all the knowledge.

You must also know how the LinkedIn algorithm updates over time and what you can do to make sure you're not blindsided by any sudden changes.

Here's an up-to-date list of LinkedIn posts the algorithm gods don't look favorably upon.

Avoid LinkedIn posts that undermine community-building

LinkedIn is a professional platform—professional connections, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. But not every post contributes to this vibe. Knowing what not to post is just as critical as knowing what works.

Let’s break down the offenders.

Promotional or off-topic content

Overly promotional posts or content that veers far from professional interests disrupts LinkedIn's core purpose. A post like “Buy our latest product!” with no context or professional tie-in feels spammy and irrelevant.

Even if you want to share promotional posts, make them useful. Share how your product solves industry challenges, offer a compelling case study, or provide actionable insights.

For example, instead of “We just launched this feature!” try “Here’s how our new feature helps marketers overcome 10+ social media marketing challenges.”

Add value, and you’ll earn trust (and eyeballs).

Engagement bait

You’ve seen it: “Comment ‘yes’ if you agree!” or those pointless polls asking whether people prefer coffee or tea.

These tactics are designed to game the algorithm, but they’re shallow and work against LinkedIn’s goal of meaningful interaction.

Even worse, LinkedIn’s algorithm is onto this trick. It deprioritizes engagement-bait posts, tanking their reach. Instead, focus on content that sparks authentic discussion.

Thought-provoking questions, insights on industry trends, or sharing challenges you’re tackling invite genuine social media interaction. Quality > cheap tricks every time.

Unoriginal content

Don't simply rehash opinions. LinkedIn users value genuine, original content that offers real insights and professional value.

Sharing recycled material can make your brand seem uncreative and unengaged. Additionally, LinkedIn’s algorithm favors posts that encourage meaningful interactions, so generic content often gets less reach and fewer reactions.

Plus, with so many updates and articles competing for attention, it’s easy for repetitive posts to be ignored. To stand out, focus on sharing fresh ideas or tailoring industry insights to their audience.

Avoid content that undermines LinkedIn's professionalism

Certain types of posts can undermine LinkedIn's professional vibe, and avoiding these pitfalls is key to maintaining your reputation.

Unhelpful or dismissive content

is one of the quickest ways to alienate your audience. Posts that harshly criticize without offering constructive feedback don’t add value—they just discourage social media engagement.

For example, saying, “This idea is completely wrong,” without explaining why or suggesting a better approach, doesn’t contribute to the conversation. Instead, try framing disagreements as opportunities for dialogue: “I see your point, but here’s another perspective…” This keeps things respectful and professional while encouraging collaboration.

Sharing adult or overly sensitive topics

This is another common misstep. LinkedIn isn’t the place for explicit content or deeply personal stories that lack professional relevance.

Posts involving graphic details or unrelated emotional narratives can make others uncomfortable and distract from LinkedIn’s purpose.

For example, sharing a personal experience is fine—but only if it ties back to a workplace lesson or industry insight. Vulnerability can be powerful, but it needs to align with professional standards to resonate with your audience.

Keeping LinkedIn professional doesn’t mean avoiding authenticity or differing opinions—it just means presenting them thoughtfully. Focus on staying mindful of the platform’s culture, and you’ll build connections that truly matter.

Avoid reshares without added insights

Resharing content on LinkedIn is a great way to amplify ideas, showcase expertise, or highlight industry news.

But if you’re just hitting the “Share” button without adding your own take, you’re doing it wrong. These bare-bones reshares often fall flat—they lack originality, don’t spark engagement, and might even hurt your visibility and credibility.

Here’s the thing: if you don’t add context, your audience is left wondering, Why does this matter? LinkedIn is a crowded space, and posts that don’t clearly communicate their relevance get scrolled past faster than you can say “networking opportunity.” Worse, a reshare without commentary can come off as lazy or uninspired.

And let’s talk about the algorithm care’s about reshares—it’s not on your side here. LinkedIn prioritizes posts that generate meaningful engagement, like ones with thoughtful comments or questions that encourage a conversation. A plain reshare? It’s unlikely to make the cut.

The fix? Always include your own perspective. Whether it’s a sharp insight, a personal anecdote, or even a question to spark discussion, your commentary makes the post uniquely yours. It not only boosts engagement but also positions you as someone worth following—someone who’s actively contributing to the conversation, not just echoing it.

Avoid posting irrelevant comments and sharing irrelevant links

Commenting on posts is a great way to engage, but it’s important to be thoughtful and genuine.

Dropping irrelevant or insincere comments—like generic praise or off-topic jokes—can make you seem disengaged or unprofessional. Instead, focus on adding meaningful insights or asking thoughtful questions to contribute value to the discussion.

Authentic engagement builds trust and encourages deeper connections with your audience. Overusing tactics like engagement pods—where groups exchange likes and comments for artificial reach—can backfire, making your interactions appear staged rather than authentic.

For example, dropping a random promotional link under a trending industry post without contributing to the conversation? That’s a fast track to being ignored—or worse, flagged. It feels intrusive and self-serving to your audience, leading to low-quality interactions that do more harm than good.

Bottom line: if it doesn’t add value, it doesn’t belong. Keep your contributions meaningful, and you’ll build stronger, more authentic connections.

Avoid images with text lacking business relevance

Sure, a funny meme or a witty take on a trending event might thrive on Instagram or Twitter, but LinkedIn? Not so much.

On a platform built for professional networking, posts with text-heavy images that lack clear relevance to your industry can feel out of place and undermine your credibility.

Humor and cultural commentary can work—but only when tied to professional insights.

For example, a clever post about a pop culture trend that highlights a lesson in leadership or innovation might land well. But if it’s just a joke with no professional takeaway, it risks being seen as frivolous, not fun.

Plus, LinkedIn’s algorithm isn’t built to reward this type of content. It prioritizes posts that spark meaningful conversations and offer real value.

If your image doesn’t contribute to constructive discussions, it’s likely to fade into the background, leaving your audience unimpressed and your engagement stats underwhelming.

Avoid content that explicitly asks for likes, shares, comments, or follows

LinkedIn thrives on authentic, meaningful professional interactions. Asking outright for likes, shares, comments, or follows—commonly known as "engagement bait"—works against that mission.

Posts like “Like if you agree” or “Comment to show support” come off as transactional, not genuine. They might give you a quick visibility bump, but they don’t spark the kind of thoughtful conversations LinkedIn users actually care about.

Moreover, this kind of engagement rarely adds value and can even hurt your reach and reputation in the long run. Especially since professionals value content that informs, inspires, or encourages meaningful dialogue—not fluff.

Plus, LinkedIn’s algorithm is onto it. Engagement bait gets flagged and pushed down the feed. If your posts focus on shallow asks instead of offering real value, you'll likely see your reach and engagement drop over time as your audience tunes out. Focus on creating content that resonates instead—it’ll pay off.

Avoid content depicting injuries, death, or similar sensitive material

Graphic content like injuries, death, or distressing topics (yes, even involving animals) throws off the constructive vibe people come to LinkedIn for. While such posts might stir reactions on other platforms, they feel awkward and out of place in a professional context.

Think about it: posting an image of an injured animal to raise awareness might come from a good place, but on LinkedIn, it risks overshadowing your message. Instead of sparking meaningful conversations, it can make your audience uncomfortable, disengaged, or even prompt them to unfollow.

And let’s be real—when people see that kind of content here, they’re more likely to wonder, Why is this on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn’s algorithm also favors posts that foster positivity and professional growth. Sensitive or emotionally charged content doesn’t align with that mission, so it won’t get much traction. Worse, it might harm your professional reputation, making you seem tone-deaf to the platform’s purpose.

So, keep your content professional and relevant. By focusing on content that inspires and engages your network, you’ll build stronger connections and keep the LinkedIn community thriving.

Avoid overly personal posts without professional relevance

LinkedIn is built for professional growth—sharing insights, connecting with peers, and boosting your career. While a personal touch can make your posts relatable, veering into overly personal territory without a clear professional link can backfire.

Think about it: your audience isn’t here for vacation highlights or personal drama unless there’s a work-related lesson to share. Without that connection, such posts feel out of place and may leave your connections disengaged—or worse, questioning your credibility.

LinkedIn’s algorithm is also stepping up its game, prioritizing content that adds professional value. So, before you hit post, ask yourself: does this inform, inspire, or connect to the professional world? If not, save it for platforms where it fits better.

Share authentically, but always with your audience—and their professional expectations—in mind.

7 LinkedIn algorithm tips to maximize engagement

Below are some Linkedin posting best practices you can use to maximize your reach and build an engaged audience.

#1. Create relevant, engaging content that speaks to what people want to see

The LinkedIn algorithm loves engagement (likes, comments, shares), especially in those golden first few hours after posting. Translation? If your content sparks interest, you’ll get noticed. Here’s how to make that happen.

Know what your audience cares about (and deliver it)

Use LinkedIn’s analytics to see which past posts struck a chord. Check out demographic insights—job titles, industries, etc.—to fine-tune your message. For instance, if your network is full of marketers, don’t just post generic advice; something like "X Free Tools for Marketers in 2025" would work better.

Ride the trend wave

Members viewed 22% more feed updates year-over-year, which suggests timely and relevant content, such as industry news, beats timeless on the platform. Got a hot take on the latest AI tool shaking up your sector? Share how it’s changing the game for your audience. Newsworthy content keeps you relevant—and keeps your audience hooked.

Mix up your formats

Experiment with the following post formats to keep your feed fresh and engaging:

• Videos: Video marketing on LinkedIn can help you secure more shares, according to our LinkedIn Benchmarks report.
• Carousels: Step-by-step guides? Chef’s kiss.
• Polls: Quick insights, big interaction.

Serve up actionable advice

Your audience is here to level up. Share content they can use right now, like "5 Tips for Closing Deals Faster" or "How to Streamline Collaboration with [Tool Name]." The more practical, the better.

Foster real conversations (not clickbait)

Skip the “Comment if you agree” fluff and ask real questions instead. Example: “Hybrid work has changed the way we collaborate—what tools or strategies are helping your team thrive?” Authenticity always wins.

#2. Use analytics to discover what’s working and what’s not

Data is your best friend when optimizing your LinkedIn strategy. Luckily, there are tons of top-notch social media analytics tools that offer in-depth insights into post performance, audience behavior, and content trends. Use them to optimize your approach for better LinkedIn engagement and reach.

For example, here’s how you can use Socialinsider to analyze your LinkedIn performance effectively.

Step 1: Access and set up your Socialinsider dashboard

Log in to Socialinsider and link your LinkedIn business profile to access detailed analytics. Once connected, navigate to the “Engagement,” “Impressions,” or “Content” tabs to explore detailed social media metrics.

Step 2: Analyze LinkedIn post formats

In the “Content” tab, you’ll see your posts grouped by type—social media video, text-only, native documents, multi-image, and more—ranked by engagement. Identify which formats receive the highest interaction rates.

Let's analyze this Socialinsider chart for reference.

Now let's take a look at impressions.

Spikes in impressions indicate successful posts that resonated with your audience. These could result from timely content, such as posts tied to industry updates, major events, or impactful visuals.

Consistent low points in impressions suggest certain types of content or timing may not align with your audience's preferences.

Lastly, but not least, Socialinsider is also useful for gauging engagement. Take this chart, for instance.

It differentiates between engagement with clicks (e.g., likes, comments, shares) and engagement without clicks, which is valuable if you want to have a more accurate understanding of your community's interests in your LinkedIn posts.

3. Share reports and original research to build trust

LinkedIn’s audience thrives on content that feeds their professional curiosity, and the stats back it up: a 2024 study found that 71% of comments on research-related posts come from industry pros. You can understand just how hungry they are for fresh, thought-provoking content.

But it’s not just about filling your content calendar with numbers and charts. Regularly posting original research positions you as an authority in your field, earning you your network's trust and respect. These posts can do wonders for engagement, drawing in shares, comments, and likes that boost your reach.

Plus, your expertise might just catch the eye of potential collaborators, event organizers, or other opportunities that could elevate your business.

To truly make your research shine on LinkedIn, ditch the fluff and keep it smart, engaging, and accessible.

Kick off with a punchy summary that highlights your key takeaways—because nobody has time for fluff. Then add some visuals like infographics or videos to simplify complex data.

Most importantly, don’t just hit “post” and ghost. Ask questions, invite opinions, and get the conversation rolling. The more interaction your post inspires, the more LinkedIn’s algorithm will love you.

4. Prioritize zero-click content on LinkedIn

It’s time to embrace zero-click content. This content type is all about delivering value upfront, right in the LinkedIn feed—no clicking away to external links.

Why does it work? Simple: users love quick, actionable insights that save them time, and LinkedIn loves keeping its audience on the platform. Win-win.

Think about it: instead of sharing a link to your blog on "Top Marketing Strategies for 2025," why not break it down into bite-sized nuggets of wisdom?

Create a carousel post that walks through the main points or a sleek infographic that catches the eye and explains the essentials.

Not only does this make your content more digestible, but it also shows off your expertise where it matters—directly in the feed.

To get started, focus on crafting visually appealing carousels or documents packed with value, condensing complex ideas into snappy posts, or designing engaging infographics.

Even LinkedIn-native features like polls or image-rich posts can boost interaction without pushing users off-site.

What's more, the algorithm rewards you for keeping the party on LinkedIn, amplifying your reach and engagement.

5. Use multi-image posts to increase likes and comments

According to Socialinsider's LinkedIn Benchmarks report, multi-image posts rack up the highest average likes and comments compared to other post types. And it makes perfect sense—this format is visually engaging and perfect for storytelling.

Instead of relying on a single image to make your point, a series of images can walk your audience through a narrative or showcase a process step-by-step.

Think: event recaps, product launches, case studies, or tutorials. Multi-image posts bring these stories to life in a way static posts can’t.

To get the most out of multi-image posts, create a cohesive visual flow. Each image should seamlessly lead into the next, with captions that add context or invite interaction.

Whether it’s a thought-provoking question or a call for opinions, make it easy for your audience to engage.

Lastly, don’t skimp on quality—professionally designed, high-resolution images are key to keeping your content credible and appealing.

#6. Publish employee-centric content

Sharing content that highlights your employees' achievements, experiences, and insights is another effective engagement tactic.

Employee-centric posts humanize your brand, showcasing the people behind the company and fostering a sense of community. This approach enhances internal morale and attracts potential talent and clients who value a company’s commitment to its workforce.

To get started, you can:

• Feature interviews or articles about employees' career journeys, projects, or personal milestones. This personal touch resonates with audiences and builds a relatable brand image.

• Provide glimpses into daily operations, team events, or company traditions—basically, behind-the-scenes stuff. Such transparency builds trust and showcases a vibrant workplace culture.

• Encourage your employees on LinkedIn to share their experiences and insights. This not only amplifies your brand's reach but also empowers employees as brand advocates.

#7. Bring in-person events to LinkedIn

Sharing highlights from conferences, workshops, or company gatherings lets your network feel like part of the action. This then builds community and sparks engagement beyond the event itself.

Here’s how to make it happen:

• Post-event recaps: Share the good stuff—quick summaries, big takeaways, and a sprinkle of photos or videos. It’s a simple way to keep your audience informed and show off your industry cred.

• Live updates: Capture the excitement in real-time with updates or live streams. Your audience gets to ride the moment with you, and the buzz can send engagement soaring

• Tag participants: Give a shout out to attendees, speakers, and partners. It’s a thoughtful nod to their involvement, plus it amplifies your post’s reach through their networks.

#8. Tag and mention people (use sparingly)

Tagging people on LinkedIn can work wonders for boosting engagement and visibility—if you do it right. It’s like seasoning a dish: too much, and it leaves a bad taste.

When done thoughtfully, tagging notifies the right people, bringing attention to your post and sparking meaningful conversations. Overdo it, though, and it screams "spam" louder than a Monday morning inbox.

Start with relevance. Tag people who are genuinely connected to your content. Did a team member crush it on a project? Tag them to spotlight their hard work and keep the professional karma flowing. Sharing an insightful industry take? Tag an expert whose perspective could add value. This kind of tagging shows thoughtfulness, builds goodwill, and encourages interaction.

Don’t overdo it, though. Tagging everyone under the sun (especially if they have no clear connection to your post) risks annoying your network and making your post feel insincere.

#9. Incorporate relevant keywords from your topic niche

Yes, LinkedIn SEO is a thing.

Keywords make your posts more discoverable while showing off your expertise. LinkedIn’s algorithm loves content that matches what users are searching for, so weaving in the right keywords is a no-brainer for boosting visibility and authority.

Start by digging into what your audience is actually looking for. Look at industry trends, LinkedIn hashtag suggestions, or the buzzwords your niche throws around daily. Once you have your list, work those keywords into your posts naturally—no awkward stuffing here.

For example, if you’re in marketing, you might drop terms like “digital transformation” or “growth marketing” into posts about trends or tips.

And don’t forget hashtags! They’re like topic magnets, pulling in people who care about what you’re talking about. Mix broad ones (#Leadership, #Innovation) with laser-focused ones (#FinTechStrategies, #RemoteWorkTrends) for the perfect blend of reach and relevance.

Final thoughts

In order to grow your brand, it is advisable to use the LinkedIn algorithm to your advantage, making SEO work wonders for you.

In the fast-forward digital world, acing LinkedIn posts is really important. This will help you build a healthy and functioning marketing strategy to grow your brand.

To make sure the LinkedIn algorithm favors your posts, always keep an eye on the latest updates and check your social media analytics to make sure you are on the right track.

FAQs on the LinkedIn algorithm

What is the golden hour of the LinkedIn algorithm?

The golden hour of the LinkedIn algorithm covers the first 60 minutes after a post is shared. In that timeframe, the algorithm scans the content shared and categorizes it as either spam, low-quality content or clear (good to go). It also check its performance in terms of reach and engagement rate.

When was the last LinkedIn algorithm update?

The latest major update to the LinkedIn platform's algorithm occurred in late 2024, focusing on prioritizing high-value, professional content over engagement bait and overly promotional posts. The update emphasized encouraging meaningful interactions, with a stronger preference for original content like documents, carousels, and LinkedIn activity fostering discussions.

What is the best time to post on LinkedIn?

According to a recent study, the best times to post on LinkedIn are:

• Wednesday between 8–10 AM
• Thursday at 9 AM and 1–2 PM
• Friday at 9 AM

However, it's worth doing your own research to see when your competitors are most active on this platform and how well that's working for them.

Will LinkedIn penalize your post if you edit it after publishing?

No, LinkedIn will not penalize your post if you edit it after publishing, as long as the edits remain within reasonable limits. Specifically, modifications should not exceed 15% of the initial content to ensure the post retains its original intent and value. Excessive edits may disrupt the algorithm’s analysis of the post and could reduce its reach, so make updates carefully.

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