Getting approved to use the LinkedIn API can seem daunting, but it’s an important step to building any LinkedIn-integrated apps or services. The good news is that with some preparation and by following LinkedIn’s guidelines, you can get your API request approved.
What is the LinkedIn API?
The LinkedIn API (Application Programming Interface) allows developers to access LinkedIn data and integrate LinkedIn functionality into their own apps and websites. For example, you could use the LinkedIn API to build an app that retrieves a user’s LinkedIn profile data, shares content to LinkedIn, or enables LinkedIn sign-in.
Some key things the LinkedIn API allows you to do:
- Access member profile data (name, connections, interests, etc.)
- Share content and updates to a member’s LinkedIn feed
- Enable LinkedIn authentication in your app
- Retrieve a company’s LinkedIn page data
- Access member’s LinkedIn network connections and groups
So in summary, the LinkedIn API opens up a lot of opportunities to integrate the powerful LinkedIn social graph into your own apps and services. But to use it, you need to apply for and get approved for API access.
Why You Need API Approval
LinkedIn requires API approval for a few important reasons:
- To ensure appropriate and safe use of their API and member data
- To control access and prevent abuse
- To understand how their platform is being used
So requiring an approval process allows them to vet you and your proposed app/use case before granting API access.
Some key approval criteria they look for:
- Your app provides value to LinkedIn members
- You have a legitimate use case for needing API access
- You will properly respect member privacy and data
- You have appropriate security measures to prevent misuse
Meeting these criteria reassures LinkedIn that you will be a trusted API partner.
LinkedIn API Options
LinkedIn actually offers a few different API options depending on your specific needs:
LinkedIn Marketing Developer Platform
This gives you access to marketing-focused APIs for managing ads, interest categories, lead generation forms, and other marketing assets. Ideal for marketers, agencies, and marketing technology platforms.
LinkedIn Platform API
This is for accessing LinkedIn member profile data, sharing content, enabling sign-in, and more. Perfect for building member-focused apps and integrations.
Partner Program APIs
These additional APIs are available to approved LinkedIn Marketing Partners and Sales Partners. They provide added data and capabilities like contact targeting and lead management.
Advertising API
As the name suggests, this API provides programmatic access to LinkedIn ad management, ideal for advertising platforms and demand-side partners.
So in summary, which API you need depends on your specific use case. The main Platform API should cover most common needs.
Applying for LinkedIn API Approval
To get approved for any LinkedIn API access, you need to submit an API request application. Here are the key steps:
1. Make sure you meet prerequisites
To qualify, you need:
- A registered business
- A LinkedIn company page for your business
- A product or use case that provides value to LinkedIn members
These show you operate a real business with a legitimate need for the API.
2. Determine what API products you need
Review the different API options and decide which specific products you require access to. This will dictate what access your application is requesting.
3. Fill out the LinkedIn API request form
You can find the request form at https://www.linkedin.com/developers/api-requests/new
It will ask for:
- Your name and contact info
- Your company details
- Your LinkedIn company page URL
- The API products being requested
- A description of what you are building and why you need the API
Provide as much detail as possible on your app and use case so they can fully evaluate your need for access.
4. Agree to the API terms of use
Make sure to read and agree to their API terms, which place certain limits and requirements on how you utilize their API.
5. Submit your request
After entering all required info and agreeing to terms, submit your API access request.
6. Wait for their review
It typically takes about 5 business days for them to review and respond to your request. Some applications require extended review.
7. If approved – agree to terms and get development keys
If they approve your request, you’ll need to formally agree to their API terms of use to get your development keys and actually start using the API.
Tips for Getting Approved
Here are some tips to help get your LinkedIn API request successfully approved:
- Clearly explain how your app benefits LinkedIn members and/or LinkedIn’s platform.
- Be specific on which APIs you need and exactly how you’ll use them.
- Emphasize how you’ll properly handle user data and privacy.
- Highlight your company’s credentials and development capabilities.
- Start small – don’t ask for expansive access upfront.
- Discuss only appropriate, relevant use cases.
Essentially, convince them you will be a trusted partner that adds value, doesn’t misuse access, and respects users.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Knowing what gets requests rejected can help you avoid these pitfalls:
- Too vague or speculative on your app idea and API needs
- Requested API access beyond what your use case requires
- Insufficient detail on your development plans and capabilities
- Lack of clear benefit to members and the LinkedIn platform
- Failure to address compliance, privacy, and security appropriately
- Proposing controversial or inappropriate use cases
- Limited company credentials and track record
Essentially, anything that raises red flags about your motives, plans, or ability to properly utilize the API. Do your best to assure them on these points.
Alternatives If You Don’t Get Approved
If your API request gets rejected, don’t panic! You still have options:
- See if they provide feedback on why, and address any concerns
- Modify your use case to be more narrowly focused
- Build an MVP app with mocked LinkedIn data first
- Apply for more limited Partner Program access
- Use the public LinkedIn feed APIs which don’t require approval
- Use their embed features to add some basic LinkedIn data
- Build your app without LinkedIn data first, and integrate later
With iteration and demonstrating the value of your app, approval may come later. Don’t let rejection stop you from building something great!
Conclusion
Getting approved for the powerful LinkedIn API may seem daunting, but really comes down to having:
- A compelling, member-focused use case
- A clear rationale for each API you’re requesting
- Thoughtful plan for security, compliance, and privacy
- Legitimate development capabilities
Do your homework, understand the approval criteria, and present the right information in your request. With some persistence and tweaking, you can get that coveted API approval to take your app to the next level.
