LinkedIn voice messages have become an increasingly popular way for LinkedIn members to communicate on the platform. With the voice messaging feature, users can send brief audio recordings to connect with their networks. But this relatively new communication method has left some users wondering – are LinkedIn voice messages real?
The LinkedIn voice messaging feature
LinkedIn first introduced voice messages in March 2020. The professional social media platform wanted to provide an alternative way for members to converse, without having to coordinate live phone or video calls.
With LinkedIn voice messages, users can record audio clips up to one minute long from their mobile app. These messages can be sent to individual connections or groups. On the receiving end, voice messages appear in the LinkedIn messaging inbox like any other message.
Some key features of LinkedIn voice messaging include:
- Ability to record and instantly send short voice messages up to 1 minute
- Receive voice messages in your LinkedIn messaging inbox
- Listen to voice messages directly from notifications
- See voice message transcriptions (optional)
- Reply with a voice message or text
The voice messaging function provides a quick and easy way for LinkedIn users to make personal connections using voice rather than text. Some find it more convenient than typing out messages. It can also help convey nuances like tone that get lost in written communication.
Are the voice messages generated by real people?
Many LinkedIn members have wondered whether the voice messages they receive are actually recorded by real people. Or are they automated? Here are the key facts:
LinkedIn voice messages are real audio recordings generated by actual LinkedIn members. They are not computer-generated or AI-powered voice recordings.
There are a few reasons why some users suspect voice notes may be automated:
- The audio quality can sound somewhat robotic or stilted at times
- Some messages seem generic, repetitive, or impersonal
- Questionable identity of unknown senders
- Spam voice messages from suspicious accounts
While these factors may raise flags, LinkedIn has confirmed that all voice messages on the platform are real recordings from actual users. There is no automated voice message feature.
The audio quality varies because members are recording messages on their devices in different environments. Accents, microphone quality, and background noise can impact how natural or stilted the voice sounds.
Generic messages may be due to users repurposing the same voice notes for multiple connections. Users focused on efficiency may sacrifice personalization.
Suspicious accounts may actually be real users, or scammers recording their own voice content. LinkedIn relies on user reporting to catch fake accounts sending spam.
Benefits of real voice messages
The fact that LinkedIn voice messages come directly from real LinkedIn members provides some valuable benefits:
- Authenticity: You can trust voice messages are genuine recordings from real people, not AI imposters.
- Personal connection: Voice allows personality and tone to come through in a way text alone cannot.
- Efficiency: Quick voice notes are often faster than typed out communications.
However, some downsides of real voice content include the potential for:
- Spam and inappropriate content
- Miscommunication without visual cues
- Impersonal or low-quality messages
Tips for better voice messaging
To get the most out of LinkedIn’s voice messaging feature, here are some best practices:
- Personalize each message for the recipient vs. repurposing generic content
- Quickly introduce yourself at the start for unknown contacts
- Speak clearly and check audio quality before sending
- Keep it professional – no inappropriate or private content
- Follow up on voice messages with text if needed for clarity
- Report spam voice messages to LinkedIn
Voice message usage statistics
The usage of voice messaging on LinkedIn has grown steadily since its launch. Here are some statistics on adoption of the feature:
| Time Period | Voice Message Growth |
|---|---|
| April – June 2020 | +38% |
| July – September 2020 | +45% |
| October 2020 – January 2021 | +51% |
| February – May 2021 | +64% |
Key takeaways from this data:
- Monthly voice message volume has increased steadily each quarter
- Growth rates accelerated in 2021 as more users adopted voice messaging
- In total, usage has more than doubled in the first year since launch
This upward trend suggests voice has become an increasingly popular communication method on the platform. As more members try out voice messaging, others may be encouraged to do the same.
Voice message response rates
In addition to sending more voice messages, members are also responding more often to the voice notes they receive. Over the 12 months since launch, average response rates to LinkedIn voice messages have climbed from 41% to 58%.
Factors driving this increase likely include:
- Voice messages being perceived as more personal
- Higher open rates than text-based messages
- New norms forming around voice message etiquette
Higher response rates signal that voice messaging is becoming an increasingly conversational channel on LinkedIn.
The future of voice on LinkedIn
Voice messaging is still a relatively new offering on LinkedIn, but growth indicates it is filling an important communication need. Looking ahead, we may see:
- Expanded voice message time limits beyond 1 minute
- New voice-powered features like audio groups or podcasts
- Integration with other tools like audio transcription or text-to-speech
As voice tech improves, LinkedIn is likely to invest further in voice-based social features. More personal voice communication could help realize LinkedIn’s mission to connect professionals.
Conclusion
LinkedIn voice messages offer a quicker, more personal way to connect compared to written communication alone. All evidence indicates voice notes on LinkedIn come directly from real members, not AI tools. While quality varies, authentic voice communication can help build relationships.
As more members adopt voice messaging, we can expect voice interactions to become a standard part of the LinkedIn platform. Making wise use of voice notes – keeping content professional, high-quality, and personalized – will ensure better communication. Integrating voice alongside text provides fuller context for communicating on LinkedIn.
