Unfortunately, there is no direct way to know for certain if someone has read your message on LinkedIn. LinkedIn does not have a read receipt feature like some other messaging apps. However, there are a few techniques you can use to get a sense of whether your message may have been viewed.
Check if they viewed your profile
One of the best indicators that someone may have read your message is if they viewed your profile around the time you sent it. On LinkedIn, you can see who has viewed your profile in the last 90 days. Go to your profile and look under the “Who’s viewed your profile” section – this will show you a list of those who have recently viewed you.
If the person you messaged has viewed your profile, there’s a good chance they saw your message too. Of course, viewing your profile doesn’t guarantee they read the message, but it’s a strong signal. They may have clicked into your profile after seeing you messaged them.
See if they interacted with your post
If you messaged someone about a particular post of theirs, check if they interacted with or shared your post after you messaged. For example, if you commented on their post and they liked or replied to your comment, it’s likely they saw your message too.
You can click on your comment and view all activity – if the post owner engaged with you, they probably noticed your comment and any message you sent. The timing of the interaction matters too. If they liked your comment shortly after you messaged, that’s a good sign.
Look for changes to their profile or feed
In some cases, your message may prompt the recipient to update their profile or engage with your content. For instance, if you sent a connection request and they soon after expanded their network size, it’s possible they did so after accepting your request.
Or if you messaged complimenting their work and they begin engaging with your posts or content afterwards, they may have seen your kind words and reciprocated.
While not definitive, if the timing lines up it can be a signal your message was received and prompted a reaction from them.
Monitor if they accept your invite
If you specifically sent a connection invitation, keep an eye on whether they accept it. You’ll get a notification if and when they do. Again timing matters – if they accept soon after you send invite, it’s plausible your message went along with it.
That said, they may also accept an invitation after some delay, so it’s not always immediately clear. But if they eventually accept after initially ignoring, it’s possible your message acted as a reminder to connect.
Check relationship strength on their profile
LinkedIn shows relationship indicators on a person’s profile, from “1st-degree connection” to “3rd+ degree.” If you message someone you don’t know well, check if your relationship changes from “2nd” or “3rd” before and after messaging.
If you go from 3rd to 2nd after reaching out, it’s a sign they may have accepted your request or at least signaled they know who you are now. The shift in relationship strength is subtle, but can be telling if you pay attention.
See if they visit your LinkedIn page or feed
As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn shows you who’s viewed your profile recently. So it’s worth checking your visitor list periodically after messaging someone new.
If that person shows up having visited your profile, there’s a good chance your message prompted them to check you out and click in. The timing of their visit provides a clue if it was in response.
You can also see page view analytics for your LinkedIn Page, which may reveal if someone you messaged began engaging with your content.
Use an email read receipt
If you contacted someone directly through their email listed on their profile, consider sending it with a read receipt. Many email providers allow you to toggle on read confirmation, which tells you when an email was opened.
Just keep in mind some people immediately mark emails from unfamiliar senders as read without opening them. So read receipts aren’t fully reliable.
Follow up to confirm if needed
If after a few days you still have no indication whether your message was received, consider a polite follow up.
Simply say something like “Hi [name], just wanted to make sure you received my earlier message. Let me know if you have any questions!” This shows persistence while also giving them the benefit of the doubt.
If they respond saying they just saw your note, you’ll know your first message slipped through. If they never reply, it’s likely they aren’t interested in connecting at this time.
Don’t overthink it
While the signs above can be helpful to gauge response, don’t obsess over whether someone read your message on LinkedIn. Give it a few days, but don’t continually check for views or profile visits.
If they are interested in your thoughtful note, they will respond or connect in some way. Focus on the value you provide, not how anxiously they read it.
Be genuine and patient
When messaging on LinkedIn, remember real relationship building takes time. Thoughtful messages with no expectation of immediate reply often get the warmest response.
Rather than demand an instant answer, give people space to connect on their own terms. Nurture the relationship, and signs they read your message will naturally follow.