How the New LinkedIn Algorithm Prioritizes Content in 2025
Let’s be honest just when you thought you’d figured out how LinkedIn works, the algorithm switched things up Again.
In 2025, LinkedIn is not just a job-seeking platform. It’s become a dynamic content engine, a networking powerhouse, and the place to build your professional brand. But if you’re wondering why your posts used to hit 10,000 views and now barely reach 500… you’re not alone. The algorithm has changed a lot and it’s reshaping how content is ranked, seen, and shared.
Here’s a breakdown of how the new LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes content in 2025, and what you can do to stay ahead of the game.
1. Conversation-First, Virality-Second
LinkedIn now favours depth over reach.
In 2025, the algorithm has shifted to promote “meaningful interactions”. This means posts that lead to real conversations comments with substance, not just “Love this!” are rewarded with more visibility.
According to LinkedIn’s May 2025 Creator Report, posts that generate 5+ comments within the first hour see a 36% higher reach on average.
Pro Tip: Ask thoughtful questions or post content that sparks industry-relevant discussions. People replying with longer comments = algorithm boost.
2. Reader Retention Matters More Than Ever
LinkedIn is watching how long people actually spend on your content.
Yes, retention time is now a primary signal. If users stop scrolling to read your post, watch your video, or open your article and stay there for a while LinkedIn flags it as valuable.
In fact, content with a retention time of over 8 seconds gets pushed 2.3x more often than content with quick scroll-pasts.
What this means for you: Craft intros that hook.
For example: “Here’s why your resume isn’t working (and how to fix it).”
3. Native Content Gets the VIP Treatment
If you’re still sharing links to your blog or YouTube channel sorry, but LinkedIn is not a fan.
LinkedIn now heavily favours native content posts, videos, carousels, and documents uploaded directly to the platform.
What is native content? It’s any content you upload directly to LinkedIn like posts, videos, carousels, or PDFs rather than linking out to external sites. Native content keeps users engaged on the platform, which is exactly what the algorithm loves.
Native video posts in 2025 see 74% more engagement than YouTube links.
Tip: Convert blog posts into carousels. Turn YouTube content into 30-60 second native clips with a CTA to comment. Let LinkedIn keep users on-platform.
4. Creator Mode Is Now a Must-Have
If you’re serious about content, it’s time to flip that switch.
Creator Mode used to be optional. Now, it’s the algorithm’s favorite child. Enabling Creator Mode gives you access to advanced analytics, the “Follow” button, and expanded reach especially when you post consistently.
LinkedIn data shows that creators with Creator Mode enabled gain 5x more followers and 2x higher post visibility.
Tip: Update your “Talks About” hashtags to match what your content is truly focused on. The algorithm reads those like a headline.
5. Carousels and Document Posts Are Blowing Up
If there’s one format dominating 2025, it’s carousel posts.
Why? They naturally increase retention time and swipe engagement. LinkedIn loves multi-frame content because it keeps users scrolling on their platform.
Carousel posts now outperform single-image posts by 3x in engagement and reach.
Tip: Turn a blog into slides. Use bold headlines, clear design, and a final slide with a question.
6. Personal + Professional = Gold
Gone are the days when pure work updates ruled.
Now, the best-performing posts blend personal stories with professional lessons.
Think: “The side hustle that paid off my student loans.”
According to the data, Emotional + educational posts saw a 42% higher comment rate in Q2 2025 (LinkedIn Data Team, 2025).
Just keep it classy. Oversharing isn’t rewarded but authentic stories that teach? Those are algorithm gold.
7. Early Engagement Signals Are Critical
The first 60 minutes after posting is prime time.
If your content gets good engagement fast, LinkedIn will serve it to a larger audience. This means timing matters more than ever.
Posts published between 9–11am local time on weekdays tend to receive the highest early interaction rates.
Tip: Let your trusted network know when you’re posting and ask them to engage early. It helps the algorithm decide your post is worth amplifying.
8. Niche is the New Broad
Want more reach? Get more specific.
In 2025, LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards niche authority. Posting consistently on a focused topic for example. For example, instead of posting broadly about “marketing,” focus on a niche like “email marketing for SaaS startups” or “LinkedIn ads for B2B coaches.” The more specific your content, the more precisely LinkedIn connects you with the right audience.
Accor to the research niche-focused creators get +60% more profile views and better post-targeting within relevant circles.
Start small, stay consistent, and dominate your niche.
9. Engagement Rate > Follower Count
Forget chasing follower numbers. LinkedIn is watching your engagement rate per follower.
It doesn’t matter if you have 50k followers if only 50 are liking your posts. The algorithm now looks for high-quality audience relationships, not vanity metrics.
Creators with smaller, engaged audiences outperform large accounts with low interaction by a factor of 4, according to the July 2025 Creator Pulse.
Keep it tight. Talk to your people, not at the crowd.
10. AI-Assisted Content Isn’t Penalized but It Better Be Good
In 2025, a lot of content is clearly AI-generated and LinkedIn doesn’t mind.
“If it performs well”
AI-written posts that provide value and spark genuine conversation still rank high. But spammy, low-effort, templated AI content? The algorithm suppresses it.
According to Algorithm analysis, Posts flagged as “low originality” (e.g., copied templates) are now 40% less likely to be shown beyond your first-degree network.
Finally dear readers remember,
The 2025 LinkedIn algorithm is smarter, faster, and deeply focused on quality human interaction. If you want to grow, stop chasing hacks and start showing up with intention.