Everyone talks about "the algorithm" like it's a mysterious god that must be appeased with the right sacrifices.
But here's the thing: the algorithm isn't mysterious. It's just software trying to answer one question:
"What content will keep people on LinkedIn longer?" (Richard van der Blom, 2025)
Once you understand that, everything else makes sense.
How the algorithm actually works:
Think of it like a filter with stages.
Stage 1: The Quality Test
When you post, LinkedIn immediately scans it. Is it spam? Is it offensive? Is it a link that will take people off-platform? If it passes, it moves to stage 2.
Stage 2: The Small Test
Your post shows to maybe 5-10% of your network first. LinkedIn watches what happens.
Stage 3: The Engagement Score
In the first 60-90 minutes, LinkedIn measures:
- Who liked it (and how quickly)
- Who commented (and how substantive)
- How long people spent reading it
- Whether they clicked "see more"
- Whether they saved or shared it
Stage 4: The Expansion Decision
If engagement is strong? Your post goes wide—to more of your network, then to extended network, potentially to non-connections who might be interested.
If engagement is weak? Your post quietly dies.
What the algorithm prioritizes:
- Comments > Likes - A comment requires more effort, signals more engagement
- Dwell time - Posts people actually read, not just scroll past
- Creator replies - If you reply to comments, it looks like a conversation (algorithms love conversations)
- Early momentum - First 60 minutes are critical
- Completion rate - Do people read to the end or bounce early?
What hurts your reach:
- External links - LinkedIn wants to keep you ON LinkedIn
- Posting and ghosting - Not replying to comments signals dead content
- Heavy editing after posting - Looks like you rushed or are trying to game
- Engagement pods - Artificial patterns get detected (and punished)
The "see more" factor:
Here's a clever trick: when people click "see more," it signals interest. Your first 210 characters are your hook. If they click for more, you've already won points with the algorithm (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
A reality check:
The algorithm changes constantly. What works today will not work in 6 months. But the fundamentals stay the same:
Create valuable content. Engage authentically. Show up consistently.
Tactics are temporary. Principles are permanent.
"The LinkedIn algorithm rewards conversation, not broadcasting. The more genuine replies your post generates, the wider it travels."
— Richard van der Blom, LinkedIn Algorithm Researcher, Author of the annual LinkedIn Algorithm Report
Related resources:
- Boost engagement: How to Increase LinkedIn Engagement
- Best posting times: When Is the Best Time to Post on LinkedIn?
- Grow your following: How to Grow from 0 to 10K LinkedIn Followers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does editing a post after publishing hurt its reach?
Yes, it can. Many creators report that editing a post in the first 60 minutes after publishing can "reset" its momentum in the algorithm. It's best to double-check your formatting and links before you hit publish (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
Is "dwell time" really that important?
Absolutely. Dwell time—how long someone stays on your post—is a key signal to LinkedIn that your content is engaging. This is why long-form text posts and carousels often perform so well; they naturally keep people on the platform longer (Richard van der Blom, 2025).
Should I put links in the first comment or the post?
The algorithm prefers posts without external links. Many creators put "Link in comments" to avoid being penalized. Alternatively, you can publish the post without a link, wait 10-15 minutes, and then edit the post to include the link once it has gained initial traction (Richard van der Blom, 2025).