LinkedIn messages, also known as InMails, are an important communication tool on the platform. InMails allow you to directly contact other members, even if you’re not connected. This opens up networking and relationship-building opportunities.
But InMails are not free. You only get a limited number each month with your account. So you want to use them wisely and make sure your messages are going to the right people.
This raises an important question – how long do InMails remain visible in someone’s inbox before expiring? Knowing the answer allows you to better target your messages and maximize your use of InMails.
The Basics of LinkedIn InMail
Before getting into how long InMails last, it helps to understand what InMail is and how it works.
LinkedIn InMail allows you to send private messages to any LinkedIn member, even if they are not in your network. Regular LinkedIn messaging only works between connected members.
To use InMail, you click the “Send InMail” button on a member’s profile. This opens up a private message window to compose your note.
The recipient will see the InMail in their LinkedIn inbox, just like an email. They can read your message and reply directly back to you.
LinkedIn limits the number of InMails you can send per month:
- Free Account: 0 InMails per month
- Premium Business Account: 15 InMails per month
- Sales Navigator Account: 25 – 100 InMails per month (depending on plan)
- Recruiter Accounts: 50 – 200 InMails per month (depending on plan)
Additional credits can also be purchased if needed.
InMail Availability Duration
Now let’s address the original question – how long do InMails stay available to the recipient before expiring?
LinkedIn InMails remain visible in the recipient’s inbox for 30 days. If the recipient does not open or respond to the InMail within 30 days, it will automatically expire.
This 30 day window gives the recipient adequate time to check their inbox and engage with your message. But it also prevents your InMails from sitting idle indefinitely.
If the recipient opens your InMail within the 30 days but does not respond, that will also reset the clock. Now the message will remain available for another 30 days from the time they opened it.
Essentially, an open InMail gets another 30 days before it expires. This allows for some extra time for the recipient to craft a response.
What Happens When an InMail Expires
After 30 days without being opened, or 30 days after being opened with no response, the InMail will expire. Here is what happens next:
- The InMail is automatically deleted from the recipient’s inbox. They can no longer view or respond to your message.
- You will see the InMail tagged as “Expired” in your sent messages folder. This indicates it was never opened.
- Your InMail credit is returned to your account. An expired InMail does not count against your monthly limit.
Essentially, an expired InMail disappears and your credit is refunded. It is like the message never existed in the first place.
Getting the Most from Your InMails
Knowing that InMails expire after 30 days, here are some tips to maximize your use of them:
- Follow up within 30 days if no response – don’t let an opened InMail expire before following up.
- Target active LinkedIn users – they tend to check inbox frequently.
- Personalize each message – this increases open rates.
- Adjust timing for industry norms – some industries don’t check as frequently.
With the right targeting and follow-up, you can significantly boost your InMail response rates. The 30 day expiration puts the onus on you as the sender to follow up promptly.
InMail Character Limits
In addition to the time limits, LinkedIn also imposes character limits on InMail messages. This includes:
- Subject Line: 100 characters
- Message Body: 5,000 characters
These character limits keep messages concise. Subject lines of 100 characters or less have higher open rates. And a 5,000 character body provides ample space to make your pitch or ask.
Formatting Options
When composing your InMail, you have some basic formatting options to optimize your message. These include:
- Bold – Add emphasis to key words or phrases.
- Italics – Call out quotes, references, or titles.
- Bulleted lists – Break down key points and make skimmable.
- Hyperlinks – Direct to your profile, website, or content.
Use these formatting tools sparingly to highlight important elements. Overformatting can make InMails look messy and less readable.
InMail vs Regular Messaging
It’s important to understand the key differences between InMail and regular LinkedIn messaging between connections. They have different purposes and limitations.
InMail
- Send to any member, regardless of connection status
- Limited number of credits per month
- Expires after 30 days if unopened
- 5,000 character limit per message
Regular Messaging
- Only send to 1st-level connections
- Unlimited – no credits required
- No expiration
- Unlimited length
For most day-to-day communication with your network, regular messaging is the way to go. But when you want to reach beyond your connections, InMail provides that ability.
Can You Resend an Expired InMail?
If an InMail you sent expires before the recipient opens it, you may want to resend the message. But does this work?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not allow you to resend the exact same InMail after it expires. Once an InMail disappears from the recipient’s inbox, it cannot be sent again.
However, you can send a new InMail following up on the previous outreach. Here are some tips on how to follow up on an expired InMail:
- Don’t simply copy/paste the previous InMail. LinkedIn’s algorithm may flag this as duplicate content.
- Mention you previously reached out but wanted to try connecting again.
- Change up some of the wording and structure of the message.
- Follow up within a week or two of expiration to increase odds of response.
- Consider adding new information of value to reengage the recipient.
While not ideal, following up with a new note is your only option after an unopened InMail expires. Just make sure you add meaningful new value for the recipient.
InMail: An Essential LinkedIn Tool When Used Right
InMail gives LinkedIn members a powerful tool for connecting beyond their immediate network. Like any tool, it must be used strategically to maximize value.
Knowing that InMails expire after 30 days focuses your outreach. You must grab the recipient’s attention quickly and provide value that warrants a response.
So approach InMail outreach thoughtfully. Research the recipient, craft relevant personalized messages, and follow up if needed. This will lead to more fruitful connections that expand your LinkedIn network.
Conclusion
LinkedIn InMail provides a way to message connections and non-connections alike. But these messages come with a time limit. Unopened InMails expire after 30 days. Opened InMails expire 30 days after the open if no response.
Knowing this time constraint allows you to target your messages strategically. Follow up promptly to prevent expiration. And if an InMail does expire, you can always send a new message following up.
When used properly, InMail massively expands who you can reach and connect with on LinkedIn. It pays to understand the ins and outs of how long InMails remain available.
