When we think of social media, the first that often come to mind are Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. These apps have huge user bases and are buzzing with new content daily. With selfies, viral dances, and trending memes, there is always something new and exciting to see. This being said, LinkedIn, for many people, won’t come to mind straight away, as we’d argue it’s a more gated platform in a sense. But, under its formal business attire, LinkedIn holds all of the natural qualities of a social media. Let’s explore why.
What is Social Media?
At its core, Social Media refers to digital platforms that facilitate the creation and sharing of content, where users then can actively engage. These features include:
- User-generation content
- Personal profiles
- Newsfeeds
- Messaging capabilities
- Capabilities to Follow or Connect
- Engagement tools like likes, comments, shares, reposts etc.
Ultimately, LinkedIn holds each of these tools within its functionality.
The Evolution of LinkedIn
LinkedIn initially launched in 2003, as a platform specifically for professional networking. I’d argue they really found a gap in the market, as how else were professionals to connect and network? Facebook wasn’t quite there yet, and even if it was, Facebook is a sharing tool for everything, not just business. LinkedIn helps us separate business from pleasure, and we can essentially gate down our LinkedIn profiles to only include a professional criteria of content.
In it’s time though, LinkedIn has changed a lot. Features like LinkedIn Life, newsletters and Creator Mode have actively transformed LinkedIn into a dynamic sharing platform, which is far more based on professional storytelling and authentic content.
Key LinkedIn Statistics
There’s no arguing that LinkedIn is loved my marketers, industry professionals and those building their career networks. And the stats back this too:
- LinkedIn has more than 1 billion members across more than 200 countries, making it the largest professional network. (LinkedIn, 2025)
- In the UK alone, LinkedIn has over 43 million users, which is mighty, considering our size (LinkedIn, 2025)
- Every minute on LinkedIn, 10,000 people apply for a job and 1,300,000 feed updates are viewed. (LinkedIn, 2025)
- There are more than 69,000,000 businesses on LinkedIn. (LinkedIn, 2025)
The numbers do the talking for themselves really. LinkedIn isn’t just a tool for individual professionals any more, as now, it’s a hub for businesses to get involved too!
LinkedIn’s Tools and Functionality
LinkedIn now boasts a range of it’s own tools and unique functions which have made it fit the criteria of a social media platform even more than it did before, whilst. still being incredibly useful for professionals. These include:
Your Digital CV
LinkedIn is basically your digital CV which is tied into your personal brand. Your tone of voice, post style and role all paint a picture to someone viewing your profile. If you’re thinking of looking for a new role, your LinkedIn is the best tool for showing off who you really are, off paper.
Followers
Followers and connections on LinkedIn just hit a little bit different. You can opt to follow someone if you’d like to keep up to date with their content, or, you can Connect with them and the content flows both ways. This model gives us scope to somewhat gate our content, and it paves the way for LinkedIn influencers.
Direct Messaging
Direct messaging randomers is perfectly natural on LinkedIn, in fact, it’s somewhat the only place to do it. If you’re looking for advice, to meet up, or you have a random query, LinkedIn messages are often warmly accepted. Personally, if someone took the same approach to me on Instagram, I’d likely be a little confused and not reply, but when it’s on LinkedIn, my brain just goes ‘Well, it’s about work.’
Creators
If I’m to think about an influencer and what platform they use, the last to come to mind would probably be LinkedIn. But, that being said, LinkedIn creators and influencers are now probably my favourite. The platform has opened it’s arms to creators, giving them their own Creator Mode with full analytics, audience insights and even the scope to host their own LinkedIn Live events.
LinkedIn for Businesses
LinkedIn is a crucial tool for businesses, especially if you are one looking to grow. It doesn’t matter how big you are right now, it’s worth getting on there are starting to build your digital portfolio. You’ll be able to connect and interact with like-minded businesses, share platform-relevant content and actively engage with your audience. Each element will help you build trust amongst your network!
What are the barriers to using LinkedIn?
LinkedIn can be seen as a more gated platform. This isn’t because it’d difficult to join, like a corporate version of Raya (if you know, you know), but because it isn’t necessarily relevant for everyone. Its primary focus on professional networking makes it more applicable to certain age groups and industries. For example, Generation Alpha is unlikely to be interested in the content it offers, and there are sectors where regular engagement simply isn’t required. If someone isn’t actively job hunting or working in a field where networking is integral, they may not have much use for the platform.
Conclusion
To summarise, LinkedIn is definitely a social media platform. It hosts all of the key features, and it has a huge user base, each of whom uses it to gain insight, connect with like-minded people and engage with their favourite creators. Brands and professionals can leverage the platform to enhance their own digital presence and ultimately network from the comfort of their own home or desk.