What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a professional social media platform created to help people build their careers and business connections in one place. Think of it as a mix of a résumé and a networking event—you set up a profile to highlight your work experience, skills, and accomplishments, then connect with colleagues, employers, or industry peers. It’s owned by Microsoft (acquired in 2016), and as of early 2025, more than 1 billion people have created LinkedIn accounts.

What can you do on LinkedIn?

On LinkedIn, you can:

  • Create a detailed professional profile (like an online résumé).
  • Share updates—status posts, articles, photos or short videos—to build visibility.
  • Connect with people you know—or meet new professionals via introductions.
  • Apply for jobs and search listings using tailored filters.

Your profile becomes your digital identity in your field, and creates opportunities whether you’re job hunting or just staying in touch with your industry.

Why does LinkedIn matter for professionals and businesses?

LinkedIn matters because:

  • Job seekers: about 50 million users browse jobs weekly.
  • Businesses: over 67 million companies use LinkedIn to recruit, share updates, network, and market services.
  • Personal branding: sharing thoughtful content and engaging with your network helps build credibility.
  • Marketing reach: you can advertise to a highly targeted professional audience using job title, industry, and more.

How many people actually use LinkedIn?

While over 1 billion accounts exist, actual usage patterns vary:

  • Around 310 million monthly active users (MAU) as of 2025.
  • Roughly 16% of account holders use it daily—about 134 million people.
  • Most typical users are aged 25–34 (about 47–60%), followed by 18–24 and 35–54 age groups. Only around 3–4% are 55+.

Who should use LinkedIn—and who shouldn’t?

Ideal for:

  • Job seekers, freelancers, and career professionals.
  • Business owners, marketers, and recruiters aiming to reach a professional audience.
  • Anyone building a personal or company brand.

Not ideal if:

  • You’re using social media mainly for friends, memes, or casual chat.
  • You’re under 18 (LinkedIn requires users to be 18+).

How do you get started—practically speaking?

  1. Create your profile: include a clear photo, headline, summary, education, past roles, and skills. Think of it as your public résumé.
  2. Grow your connections: start with people you know, then reach out to second-degree contacts.
  3. Share content regularly: posts, articles, or updates relevant to your field.
  4. Engage with others: comment, like, congratulate, and message—you’ll build visibility and relationships.
  5. Optional: upgrade to LinkedIn Premium for features like profile analytics, InMail messaging, and access to educational content.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Keep it professional, but personal: LinkedIn now rewards authenticity—stories about challenges, lessons, or career pivots tend to resonate more.
  • Post regularly, but don’t overshare: even once or twice a week can help you stay visible.
  • Customize your connection messages: a quick note about why you’d like to connect goes a long way.
  • Optimize your profile with keywords: this helps you show up in searches by recruiters or networking peers.
  • Be mindful of tone: comments and posts should stay respectful and on-topic.

LinkedIn blends the structure of a résumé with the engagement of a social feed. When used thoughtfully, it’s not just a place to look for jobs—it’s a platform to build your network, reputation, and influence. Whether you’re just exploring your next step or aiming to grow your professional reach, LinkedIn is a smart tool in your corner.