LinkedIn is debunking common myths about how its algorithms work in a series of new videos coming out in the coming weeks.
Two episodes of “Mythbusting the Feed” have been released so far, with at least two more confirmed to be in the works.
The series aims to provide a clearer understanding of the type of content LinkedIn displays in people’s feeds, while addressing misconceptions and assumptions.
This article provides a brief review of two videos published so far dedicated to the following topics:
- What kind of conversations does LinkedIn welcome?
- What does professional mean in terms of content on LinkedIn?
let’s start.
What conversation topics like to surface in LinkedIn feeds?
People are free to post whatever they want on LinkedIn, but not all content is created equal. The LinkedIn feed takes precedence over showing certain types of posts over others, as is the case with most social media sites today.
LinkedIn states in its video:
“We welcome all kinds of conversations on LinkedIn, but mostly we want to have conversations that people care about. The things they talk about and what they generate, are things that are real about them and that resonate with them, but also make them feel like they are Connect with their community.”
According to the statement, the LinkedIn feed likes to show content that is authentic and relevant to others in your network.
Examples of such content might be discussions about working from home, or the challenges faced by working-from-home parents.
LinkedIn points to an increase in posts by frontline workers talking about the challenges they face in today’s work environment, bringing visibility to employees people rely on.
Finally, LinkedIn says that posts about topics that can be difficult to talk about tend to be rated well in the feed:
“The other thing we’re seeing is conversations that can be hard to talk about, like mental health and well-being, rather than productivity and how people think about work, but what that really means to them.
We see LinkedIn as a place for conversations, and our tech team is finding ways to make that happen, keep it secure, and make members feel like it’s a place where they can really talk about everything that’s true for them. “
Does LinkedIn only offer “professional” topics?
There is a misconception that LinkedIn posts should be strictly professional.
LinkedIn believes that professional growth and personal growth are intertwined, so it encourages both types of content.
Sometimes career milestones intersect with personal milestones, and this is a great opportunity to show your LinkedIn network your side outside of work.
For example, maybe you overcame a lifelong fear of public speaking by speaking at industry conferences.
It’s a mix of personal and professional content, and LinkedIn is likely to be in people’s feeds.
LinkedIn says in the video:
“Look at LinkedIn as a place to have real conversations, rather than limiting it to one topic or another, because a lot of those things go hand in hand.”
upcoming topics
Future installments of LinkedIn’s “Mythbusting The Feed” will discuss the following topics:
- How the algorithm works and personalized feeds
- Content distribution and how we address bias
resource: LinkedIn
Featured Image: IB Photography
