LinkedIn debunks common myths about how its algorithm works in a new series of videos that will be rolling out over the next several weeks.
There are currently two episodes of “Mythbusting the Feed” released, with at least two more confirmed to be on the way.
The series aims to provide greater clarity about the types of content LinkedIn displays content in people’s feeds, while addressing misconceptions and assumptions.
This article contains a quick summary of the two videos posted so far on the following topics:
- What kind of conversations are welcomed on LinkedIn?
- What does it mean to be a professional when it comes to content on LinkedIn?
Let’s get right to it.
What conversation topics are similar to the LinkedIn feed on the surface?
People are free to post anything they want on LinkedIn, but not all content has equal visibility. The LinkedIn feed is preferential for highlighting certain types of posts over others, as is the case with most social media sites today.
LinkedIn says in its video:
“We welcome all kinds of conversations on LinkedIn, but above all we want to have conversations that people care about. The things they talk about and the content they create are about things that are authentic to them and resonate with them, but also make them feel connected to their communities.”
Based on this statement, the LinkedIn feed likes to show content that is authentic and relevant to other people in your network.
Examples of this content could be discussions about working from home, or the challenges of being a work-from-home parent.
LinkedIn notes that there has been a spike in posts from frontline workers talking about the challenges they face in today’s work environment, highlighting employees people depend on.
Finally, LinkedIn says that posts about topics that can be difficult to talk about tend to be touched up well in the feed:
“Another thing we’ve seen are conversations that can be difficult to talk about like mental health and wellbeing, beyond productivity and how people think about work, but what it really means to them.
We see LinkedIn as a place to have that conversation, and our technology teams are looking for ways to enable that, to keep it secure, and for members to feel like this is a place where they can actually talk about everything that’s real to them.”
Does LinkedIn only feed superficial “professional” topics?
There is a misconception that LinkedIn posts have to be completely professional.
LinkedIn sees professional growth and personal growth as intertwined, so it encourages both types of content.
There are times when professional milestones intersect with personal milestones, which provides a great opportunity to show your LinkedIn network a side of your personality outside of work.
For example, you may have overcome a lifelong fear of public speaking by giving a presentation at an industry conference.
This is something that has a mix of personal and professional content, which is likely to appear on LinkedIn in people’s feeds.
LinkedIn says in the video:
“Think of LinkedIn as a place to have a real conversation and not be limited to one topic or another because a lot of those things go hand in hand.”
Upcoming topics
Future installments of “Mythbusting The Feed” on LinkedIn will address the following topics:
- How the algorithm works and feed personalization
- Distribution of content and how we work to address bias
Source: linkedin
Featured image: IB Photography
