LinkedIn's Algorithm Will Now Punish "Reaction Bait"
LinkedIn has recently announced a number of new features and clarifications that aim to improve the experience of the LinkedIn feed as well as to clarify how the algorithm works.
This includes new rules, new features, and new information.
New Rules fighting “low quality content” – This takes direct aim at “Reaction Bait” posts, meaning posts that ask users to like or react “with the exclusive intent of boosting reach on the platform.” LinkedIn is saying this content will not be promoted in the feed and encourages people “to focus on delivering reliable, credible and authentic content.”
Fewer polls – In response to feedback that there are too many polls in the feed, the LinkedIn team is “taking steps to be smarter and show you only those that are helpful and relevant” such as showing fewer polls from people you don’t know.
Option to turn off political content – This is only in the testing phase for now, but in response to users who want to remove politics from their LinkedIn feeds, you may now see an option to tell LinkedIn you don’t want to see political posts. From the announcement, it appears that this will be an option when you use an applicable post’s “I don’t want to see this” option (found in the three-dot menu).
Promoting the ability to “Follow” – As a way to help users recive news and insights from “people you want to learn from,” the ability to follow thought leaders and other creators outside your direct network will become more prominent.
“Mythbusting the Feed” series – A series of blog posts and videos aimed at providing more transparency into how the LinkedIn feed algorithm works is rolling out now. The first two videos cover two questions: “What kind of conversations are welcomed on LinkedIn?” and “What does it mean to be professional when it comes to content on LinkedIn?”
New Professional Community Standard resources – An updated Professional Community Policies website includes sections dedicated to explaining how users are expected to “Be safe,” “Be trustworthy,” and “Be professional.” The page includes specific examples of comments and behaviors that will result in penalties such as account restrictions.
Why it Matters
LinkedIn appears to be experiencing strong growth in users and engagement. These efforts to help users improve their feed and better understand how it works are likely aimed at improving overall satisfaction with the platform.
LinkedIn remains the best '“professional” social network, and successfully driving deeper, genuine engagement will only help the platform keep its strong position in the online landscape.
As for immediate, actionable next steps? Be sure to avoid reaction bate, and look out for a decrease in the reach from Poll posts.
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