LinkedIn Tests New "My Network" Feed To Boost Engagement

LinkedIn is rolling out a new test aimed at improving user engagement by offering an alternate feed where you can view updates exclusively from your first-degree connections.

This update, currently being tested with a select group of users, is designed to allow individuals more control over the content they see in their LinkedIn feed, making it easier to keep up with updates from people they know.
 

What’s New With LinkedIn’s "My Network" Feed?
 

LinkedIn has introduced two distinct tabs in this experimental feature:

1. All - The default feed displaying content from your entire network, based on LinkedIn’s algorithmic recommendations.
    
2. My Network - A tab that only displays content shared by your first-degree connections, as well as people and pages you follow.
    

This update gives users a more personalized experience by focusing on content from connections, making it easier to engage with the updates that matter most.

It’s a new way for members to filter the noise and see posts from people they know without the distraction of content from people outside their immediate network.
 

Why Is LinkedIn Experimenting With This Feature?
 

LinkedIn continuously experiments with new ways to improve user engagement, and this update is no exception.

The company noted that members are often more engaged with content posted by people they know, whether that's colleagues, peers, or former coworkers.

By providing a feed dedicated to first-degree connections, LinkedIn hopes to drive more meaningful interactions within users’ personal networks.

Research from LinkedIn has shown that users are statistically more likely to engage with content shared by individuals they are connected with.

With the introduction of the “My Network” feed, LinkedIn aims to encourage more interaction by providing members with the latest updates from people they trust, while still keeping the default algorithmic feed intact.
 

How Does This Compare to LinkedIn's Previous Experiments?
 

The "My Network" tab is similar in concept to LinkedIn’s "Discover" feed trial from 2022, which also sought to provide users with more control over the content they see. However, this new test is more streamlined.

It doesn’t introduce multiple complex feed options but instead focuses on a straightforward solution to enhance engagement within a user’s immediate network.

Despite the focus on first-degree connections, LinkedIn’s algorithmic "All" feed will remain the default, and the “My Network” feed will be accessible manually each time the app is opened.
 

Changes to Desktop Feed and Sorting
 

As part of this update, LinkedIn has also made changes to how users can sort their feed on desktop.

Some members may notice the removal of the "Sort" filter for their desktop feed. LinkedIn has streamlined this feature to match the experience on the mobile app, which already organizes content based on recency.

However, members in the UK, European Economic Area (EEA), and European Union (EU) regions will still have access to the "Sort" filter, allowing them to organize their feed based on the most recent posts.

This update might be inconvenient for users who prefer desktop sorting, but it aligns with LinkedIn’s push for a more uniform experience across its platforms.
 

What’s Next for LinkedIn’s Multi-Feed Test?
 

The new multi-feed setup is being tested for five weeks. During this time, LinkedIn will gather feedback from users to evaluate whether the “My Network” tab can enhance user engagement and improve the overall LinkedIn experience. Based on the feedback, LinkedIn will determine whether to roll out this feature more broadly or make adjustments.
 

How This Change Could Impact Your LinkedIn Strategy
 

For brands, businesses, and individuals looking to optimize their presence on LinkedIn, this change could have a significant impact.

If the "My Network" tab becomes a permanent feature, it could provide opportunities to target your connections more directly by creating content that is more likely to appear in their feeds.

For marketers and businesses, focusing on engaging your network may prove to be an effective way to increase visibility and interactions. By creating content tailored to your first-degree connections, you can ensure that your posts are seen by the right people, potentially increasing your engagement rate.
 

Conclusion
 

LinkedIn’s test of the "My Network" feed is a step toward giving users more control over the content they see while fostering greater engagement within their immediate network.

While the change is still in its testing phase, it offers interesting implications for how professionals engage with their LinkedIn connections.

Whether or not this feature becomes permanent, it highlights LinkedIn’s ongoing efforts to create a more personalized, user-centric platform.