LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 700 million users worldwide. As a social media platform focused on career and business connections, LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for networking and growing your professional reach. LinkedIn offers several tiers of paid subscriptions under its premium membership offerings, which provide users with additional features beyond the basic free account.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is the paid subscription service from LinkedIn that provides users with additional features and capabilities not available with the free LinkedIn account. There are three levels of LinkedIn Premium subscriptions:
- Premium Career – Focused on job seeking features
- Premium Business – Focused on sales and recruiting features
- Premium Hiring – Focused on recruiting and talent acquisition
Some of the key benefits offered through LinkedIn Premium include:
- Seeing who viewed your profile
- Unlocking full profiles and contact info for your connections
- Advanced search and messaging capabilities
- Insights on your posts and content
- Salary data
- Learning and professional development courses
The Premium subscriptions start at $29.99 per month for Premium Career, $64.99 per month for Premium Business, and $99.95 per month for Premium Hiring (annual plans offer some discounts).
Does LinkedIn Premium Offer Unlimited Connections?
One of the most frequently asked questions about LinkedIn Premium is whether it allows you to make unlimited connections on the platform. The short answer is no – LinkedIn Premium does not provide unlimited connections.
Here are the key facts on LinkedIn connections and Premium:
- The free LinkedIn account has a limit of 30,000 connections.
- LinkedIn Premium does not lift or change this connection limit.
- The 30,000 connection limit applies to all LinkedIn members regardless of whether they have a free or paid Premium account.
- There is no “unlimited” tier or offering for connections at this time.
So in summary, while LinkedIn Premium provides additional features and expanded capabilities for members willing to pay, unlimited connections is not one of the perks offered through any of the Premium subscription plans.
Strategies for Growing Your LinkedIn Connections
While Premium does not provide unlimited LinkedIn connections, here are some tips and strategies for growing your network within the 30,000 connection limit:
- Engage with content and join groups related to your industry or interests. Participating helps you connect with like-minded professionals.
- Make connections through shared connections you already have in your network.
- Follow companies you want to work for or do business with and connect with their employees.
- Connect with alumni from your university or past companies you have worked for.
- Search for and connect with people according to expertise, job titles, skills, etc.
- Connect with attendees and speakers at events, conferences, and seminars.
- Enable the “Open to Mentoring” option to invite mentee requests.
- Use advanced search filters and options to target your invitations.
- Send more personalized connection requests by customizing the invitation message.
The key is being strategic and selective about who you choose to connect with. Focus on quality over quantity and connect with people most aligned to your professional goals and interests.
Should I Pay for LinkedIn Premium?
Whether or not LinkedIn Premium is worth the investment depends on your individual needs and how you use LinkedIn for your career or business. Here are some factors to consider:
| Potential Benefits | Downsides to Consider |
|---|---|
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In general, Premium tends to provide the most value for recruiters, sales professionals, job seekers, and those wanting to establish thought leadership and build their brand. The additional features can accelerate networking and allow you to source talent more effectively.
Casual users or those with narrow goals may find the free account capabilities sufficient without the need for a paid Premium plan. However, a free trial of Premium can help you evaluate if the features warrant the investment for you.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Premium provides users with additional functionality and features well beyond the free account, but unlimited LinkedIn connections is not one of the perks offered through any Premium plan at this time. The platform enforces a standard limit of 30,000 connections for all members. While Premium is not necessary for expanding your LinkedIn network, the paid plans can provide job seekers, salespeople, recruiters, and thought leaders with enhanced capabilities to source talent, build their brand, and leverage the platform more effectively.