Yes, LinkedIn allows users to react to messages they receive with emoji, similar to reactions on Facebook. Reacting to a message lets the sender know you’ve seen their message without having to send a full reply.
Ways to React to LinkedIn Messages
There are a few different ways LinkedIn users can react to messages they receive:
- Mobile app – In the LinkedIn mobile app, simply long press on a message and select a reaction emoji from the menu.
- Desktop – Hover over a message in the LinkedIn desktop site and click the smiley face icon to open the reaction menu.
- Preset reactions – Choose from Like, Celebrate, Support, Love, Insightful, or Curious emojis.
- Custom reactions – Search for and select any emoji to react with a more customized or expressive emoji.
When to Use Message Reactions
Reacting can be a quick way to acknowledge messages when a full response isn’t needed. Some situations where reacting may be appropriate include:
- The message was just a quick hello or check-in.
- The sender shared good news and you want to show support.
- Replying would require a lengthy response you don’t have time for.
- You want the sender to know you saw their message without having to respond.
Benefits of Reacting to LinkedIn Messages
There are a few advantages to using message reactions on LinkedIn:
- Saves time – Reacting takes just a tap, allowing you to quickly acknowledge messages.
- Shows engagement – It lets the sender know you’ve seen their message and reacted.
- Expresses emotion – Reactions can convey tone and feeling better than words.
- Keeps conversations tidy – Reacting prevents back-and-forth “thanks” messages cluttering up conversations.
When to Avoid Reacting
However, reactions may not always be appropriate. You may want to avoid reacting and instead send a written response when:
- The message requires a thoughtful, detailed response.
- It’s the first message you’ve received from someone new.
- The sender asked questions you need to answer.
- Your reaction could be misinterpreted.
LinkedIn Message Reaction Etiquette
To use reactions politely and effectively on LinkedIn:
- Don’t overuse reactions or react to every single message you get.
- Don’t react to open-ended questions – reply instead.
- If reacting to a lengthy message, add a short reply too.
- Avoid reacting to bad news or serious messages.
- Don’t react with ambiguous emojis that could be misconstrued.
Who Can See Your Reactions?
On LinkedIn, reactions to messages are only visible to you and the recipient of the message. Other LinkedIn members will not be able to see which messages you’ve reacted to or what emoji reactions you used.
Your connections will be able to see reactions you add to their own messages. Reacting to a message does not share or re-post the message.
Removing Reactions
If you change your mind and want to remove a reaction you’ve added, you can do so by:
- Mobile app – Tap and hold the reaction again, then select the remove reaction option.
- Desktop – Hover over the reaction and click the X icon.
The reaction will be removed instantly.
Limits on Reactions
LinkedIn currently allows users to react to all messages. However, there are some limits:
- You can only react once to each message.
- You cannot react to your own messages.
- Reactions are not available on LinkedIn’s Groups pages.
Turning Off Message Reactions
If you prefer not to use reactions, you can disable them in your LinkedIn account settings:
- Go to your account settings.
- Select “Communications.”
- Under “Messaging preferences,” turn off “Show reactions on messages.”
With reactions disabled, you won’t see the reaction icons and won’t be able to react to messages you receive.
Conclusion
Reacting to LinkedIn messages with emoji is a simple way to quickly acknowledge messages that don’t require lengthy responses. Using reactions appropriately can improve your LinkedIn messaging etiquette and keep conversations clutter-free. Just be mindful not to overuse reactions or react to messages that need proper replies.