
LinkedIn has established itself as the go-to social media platform for professionals worldwide. The Microsoft-owned platform has grown exponentially over the years and underwent significant changes in 2020 that indicated new trends for the future. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of LinkedIn, examine trends in the platform’s use, and make predictions about its future.
The Current State of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is no longer just a job search engine or virtual resume platform. It has evolved into a robust social networking site, with 740 million members worldwide, 55 million registered companies, and 10 million active jobs. Its recent updates, such as LinkedIn Stories, Video Cover Stories, and LinkedIn Live, have put a significant emphasis on video content, adding to the platform's social media feel. Additionally, LinkedIn has launched features to promote more skill-building on the site, supporting initiatives like corporate learning and LinkedIn Learning.
Trends in LinkedIn Use
LinkedIn has seen an exponential increase in user engagement with the platform in recent years. During the pandemic, people turned to LinkedIn for networking opportunities, job searches, and knowledge sharing. LinkedIn's user base has seen spikes in engagement across the globe, with China experiencing a 50% increase in time spent on the platform. Additionally, its users' demographic has widened, with younger generations joining the platform for networking and personal branding.
The Future of LinkedIn
LinkedIn's future seems promising. The platform will maintain its emphasis on creating more educational and professional content while promoting video content to improve user engagement. The platform's integration with Microsoft 365 is expected to provide companies with additional tools and services to advance their digital transformation. LinkedIn is also exploring more AI-driven tools such as automatic messaging to improve user experience. Finally, LinkedIn is looking to continue expanding its capabilities and features to other Microsoft products.