LinkedIn is primarily known as a professional networking platform, but it also has some social media features like messaging and groups. One common question that comes up is whether you can create a group chat on LinkedIn to easily communicate with multiple connections at once.
The short answer is no, LinkedIn does not currently have a built-in group chat feature like you find on platforms like Facebook Messenger. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can use to simulate group message threads on LinkedIn.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- Why LinkedIn doesn’t have group chats
- The limitations of LinkedIn messaging
- How to create a group chat using LinkedIn groups
- Third-party apps that enable LinkedIn group chats
By the end, you’ll understand why true group chatting isn’t a part of LinkedIn messaging, and how to create workarounds to message multiple LinkedIn connections at once.
Why Doesn’t LinkedIn Have Native Group Chats?
LinkedIn focuses on professional networking and job searching. While it has some social media features like messaging, profiles, news feeds, and groups, facilitating casual chats between connections isn’t LinkedIn’s main priority.
Here are some key reasons why LinkedIn doesn’t offer a built-in group chat feature:
- It wants to maintain a professional environment. Frivolous group chats could undermine this.
- Group chats require more resources to manage abuse/harassment reports.
- The platform isn’t designed for real-time discussion between connections.
- PMs and group posts suffice for most professional communication needs.
Essentially, casual group chats don’t align with LinkedIn’s professional focus and could introduce moderation challenges. Individual messaging already enables professional communication between connections.
While native group chats aren’t likely to come to LinkedIn soon, there are still a couple of ways to message multiple LinkedIn connections at once. But first, let’s look at why regular LinkedIn messaging has limitations.
The Limitations of LinkedIn Messaging
LinkedIn allows members to send private messages to their 1st-degree connections. However, there are a couple of key limitations:
- You can only message one connection at a time.
- There’s no way to add multiple recipients to a message thread.
- You can’t see when a connection is online/available for messaging.
- There are no read receipts or typing indicators.
- You can only attach one file per message.
For professional use, 1-to-1 private messaging is fine. But if you need to communicate news or ideas to several connections at once, LinkedIn’s messaging falls short.
That’s where creating make-shift group message threads could help. Let’s look at two options.
Option 1: Use LinkedIn Groups
One way around LinkedIn’s lack of group chats is to use LinkedIn Groups for group messaging. Here’s how it works:
- Join or create a private LinkedIn Group with the connections you want to message.
- When you want to send a message, create a new post in the group.
- Your connections will be notified and be able to reply within the post.
- You can also upload files, images, links, and videos in group posts.
While not a true chat, this uses LinkedIn’s existing tools to engage with multiple people in one place. The advantages of group messaging include:
- All members see the same post and replies.
- You can include up to 100 people in a private group.
- It feels more like a chat than 1-to-1 messaging.
- You can share visual content like images.
The downsides are that it’s not a real-time chat, and members must manually check the group for new posts. But overall, it gets the job done for basic non-urgent communication with your key connections.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a LinkedIn group for group messaging:
- Go to LinkedIn Groups and click “Create group”. Choose a private group.
- Name your group chat and add a description.
- Under privacy, select “Private” so only approved members see activity.
- Invite connections by adding their LinkedIn profile links.
- Once your connections accept, you can start posting messages.
- To simulate a chat, post often and ask questions to prompt replies.
- Members will get notifications when you post so they can reply.
While not perfect, a private LinkedIn group creates a space to message multiple people without one-to-one messaging. Just keep usage professional, as LinkedIn still monitors groups.
Option 2: Use Third-Party LinkedIn Group Chat Apps
If LinkedIn groups don’t provide enough of a “chat” experience, several third-party apps enable group chatting between LinkedIn connections. Here are some top options:
Bryte
Bryte is a standalone app that connects to your LinkedIn account. It allows you to add connections and start real-time group chats.
Key features include:
- Send messages, photos, GIFs, and files to groups.
- See typing indicators and read receipts.
- Schedule and delete messages.
- Seamless LinkedIn integration to find connections.
Bryte gives you the instant, back-and-forth group chat experience lacking on LinkedIn. It replicates what you’d expect on other messaging platforms.
Chanty
Chanty also provides group chat integration for LinkedIn. Features include:
- Chat in channels or direct messages.
- Search message history.
- Polls, GIFs, videos, voice, and screen sharing.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) and project management integrations.
It’s ideal for teams who want to chat in a project management environment linked to LinkedIn.
Hoop Messenger
Hoop Messenger is another option for LinkedIn group chats via mobile or web apps. Benefits include:
- Real-time messaging with read receipts.
- Message scheduling.
- Easy connections invite.
- Off-the-record encryption.
These apps provide more flexibility for group chats between your LinkedIn connections. Evaluate them to see which features and interface you prefer.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about creating group chats on LinkedIn:
Is a LinkedIn group chat the same as Messenger?
No. A LinkedIn group functions more like a discussion forum vs. real-time chat. Third-party apps offer better group chat experiences.
Can I add non-connections to a LinkedIn group chat?
No. All members of a private LinkedIn group must be 1st-degree connections. Third-party LinkedIn chat apps may allow you to invite anyone.
Are LinkedIn group chats private?
For true privacy, use an external app. LinkedIn can monitor activity in groups, even private ones, to ensure professional behavior.
Do I have to download an app for LinkedIn chat?
Not necessarily. You can use LinkedIn’s website to message connections and participate in Groups. However, third-party apps will provide a better experience.
Conclusion
While native group messaging isn’t a LinkedIn feature, you have a couple of options to message multiple LinkedIn connections at once. Creating a private group allows you to post messages and have threaded conversations.
Alternatively, third-party apps like Bryte seamlessly connect LinkedIn contacts for instant group chats. While LinkedIn focuses on professional networking instead of socializing, these workarounds allow you to keep conversations with your connections in one place.
At the end of the day, LinkedIn aims to be a platform for career networking, job searching, and professional development. Group chats are suited for more casual social media platforms. But using LinkedIn Groups or external apps, you can still achieve group messaging between your business contacts and teams.