Can anyone use LinkedIn API?

The LinkedIn API allows developers to access LinkedIn data and build applications that integrate with the LinkedIn platform. However, not just anyone can use the LinkedIn API – there are certain requirements and restrictions in place. In this article, we’ll take a look at who can use the LinkedIn API and the prerequisites required.

What is the LinkedIn API?

The LinkedIn API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of programming tools and resources that enables developers to access LinkedIn data and functionality. It allows developers to build software applications that can connect with LinkedIn and utilize LinkedIn features and data.

Some examples of what can be done with the LinkedIn API include:

– Retrieving profile data like work experience, education, skills etc.

– Posting share updates and articles on a user’s behalf

– Searching for LinkedIn members, jobs, companies etc.

– Sending connection invitations and messages

– Analyzing company pages and follower statistics

So in summary, the LinkedIn API provides a way for external applications to programmatically access and integrate with LinkedIn.

Who can use the LinkedIn API?

The LinkedIn API is available to third-party developers and companies who want to build applications that connect with LinkedIn. However, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to get API access approved by LinkedIn:

– You must apply for and be approved for a LinkedIn developer program account. This involves filling out an application form and agreeing to LinkedIn’s API terms of use.

– Your application must provide value to LinkedIn members and enhance the LinkedIn experience. LinkedIn reviews all API applications and only approves those that meet this criteria.

– Usage of the API must comply with LinkedIn’s policies. This includes proper handling of user data, not spamming members, and following LinkedIn’s brand guidelines.

– There are different API usage tiers and quotas in place. You must qualify for the tier required for your intended usage.

– Most LinkedIn API endpoints require user authorization before you can access their LinkedIn data. Your app must implement the OAuth 2.0 protocol for authorization.

So in summary, any legitimate developer or company can apply for LinkedIn API access, but approval is based on meeting LinkedIn’s requirements around providing member value, adhering to policies, and authorization implementation.

LinkedIn API Access Tiers

LinkedIn offers different tiers of API access depending on the type of application and expected usage levels:

Partner Program

This tier is for companies building enterprise-level applications that are deeply integrated with LinkedIn. It requires sponsorship from a LinkedIn account executive.

Standard

The standard tier is for developers building apps that enhance the LinkedIn member experience. It provides higher rate limits than the Lite tier.

Lite

The Lite tier has low rate limits and is best for early prototyping, MVPs, and smaller scale apps. It’s the easiest tier to get approved for.

Internal

This tier is for use by LinkedIn internal teams and products. It is not available to external developers.

The tier required depends on the expected API usage and integration level of the application. LinkedIn reviews all applications and designates the appropriate tier. Higher tiers require more scrutiny and review.

LinkedIn API Authorization

To access most LinkedIn API endpoints, you need to be authorized to access the member data. LinkedIn uses the industry standard OAuth 2.0 protocol for API authorization.

Here’s a high level overview of how OAuth works with the LinkedIn API:

– Your app requests an authorization code grant from LinkedIn’s OAuth 2.0 server.

– The user gets prompted to login to LinkedIn and approve your app’s permissions.

– After consent is granted, LinkedIn sends your app the authorization code grant.

– Your app exchanges the authorization code for an access token.

– The access token allows your app to make API calls on behalf of the user.

– You pass the access token in the request header for each API call.

– Refresh tokens allow getting new access tokens when they expire.

So in summary, OAuth 2.0 provides the authorization and security framework for apps using the LinkedIn API on behalf of members. Implementing OAuth correctly is required.

LinkedIn API Rate Limits

LinkedIn enforces rate limiting on their API to prevent abuse and ensure availability. Rate limits control how many API calls an app can make within a window of time. The specifics depend on the API tier.

Here are the general ranges for rate limit windows and thresholds:

If an app exceeds the rate limit thresholds, further calls will be rejected until the window resets.

Rate limits impact app design considerations around caching, request efficiency, and error handling. Abiding by the rate limits is necessary for maintaining API access approval.

Getting Started with the LinkedIn API

Here are the key steps for getting started with integrating the LinkedIn API into an application:

Step 1 – Apply for Developer Access

Visit LinkedIn’s developer portal and apply for a LinkedIn Developer Program account. You’ll need to describe your app and agree to LinkedIn’s API terms.

Step 2 – Choose an API Tier

Review the details on the different API tiers and choose the one suitable for your application. The Lite tier is a good starting point.

Step 3 – Get API Keys

Once your account is approved, you’ll be issued API keys. These keys authenticate your app for API access.

Step 4 – Implement OAuth 2.0

Follow LinkedIn’s OAuth 2.0 documentation to implement authentication flows between your app and LinkedIn API.

Step 5 – Start Building

Review LinkedIn’s API documentation to find the endpoints you need. Then start making calls from your app and display LinkedIn data!

Conclusion

In summary:

– The LinkedIn API provides programmatic access to LinkedIn data and platform capabilities.

– Legitimate developers and companies can get access by applying for a LinkedIn developer account.

– API access requires abiding by LinkedIn’s policies and authorization protocols.

– Multiple API tiers are available depending on expected usage levels.

– Rate limits need to be considered when designing an API-integrated app.

– With the proper access and following LinkedIn guidelines, many innovative applications can be built on top of the LinkedIn platform.