LinkedIn is primarily known as a social networking platform for professionals. It allows users to create profiles summarizing their work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments. LinkedIn members can then connect with other professionals in their network.
But is LinkedIn an app or a website? The answer is that LinkedIn operates as both a website and mobile app. Users can access LinkedIn’s features on desktop computers via the LinkedIn.com website. LinkedIn also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices so users can connect while on the go.
LinkedIn as a Website
LinkedIn originally started as a website in 2002 and continues to be accessible via LinkedIn.com today. Some key things to know about LinkedIn as a website:
- LinkedIn.com allows users to create profile pages, connect with other members, join groups, follow companies, and search for jobs.
- Profiles on LinkedIn.com are fully customizable. Members can add photos, list work experience, education, skills, accomplishments, recommendations, and more.
- The LinkedIn.com homepage shows a personalized feed of updates, news, and content based on your network and interests.
- Users can message connections, share content, and participate in LinkedIn Groups through the website.
- LinkedIn.com is accessible from any desktop web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
While LinkedIn started as a website, it has expanded to offer mobile apps as smartphone usage has grown. But LinkedIn.com remains the core hub for LinkedIn’s services.
LinkedIn Mobile Apps
In addition to the LinkedIn.com website, LinkedIn offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. This allows professionals to tap into their LinkedIn network while on the go.
Here are some key things to know about LinkedIn’s mobile apps:
- LinkedIn mobile apps allow you to access core features like your profile, feed, messages, notifications, and search.
- Apps are optimized for mobile screens and touch navigation.
- New features sometimes debut first on LinkedIn’s mobile apps before reaching the website.
- Notifications and messaging may be quicker and more convenient via the mobile apps.
- Some features like reviewing profiles are easier on LinkedIn.com versus the mobile interface.
So in many ways, LinkedIn’s mobile apps complement its desktop website by providing core functionality in a mobile-friendly format.
Key Differences: Website vs. Mobile Apps
While LinkedIn’s website and mobile apps offer many of the same features, there are some key differences in how you can access LinkedIn on each platform:
Factor | LinkedIn Website | LinkedIn Mobile Apps |
---|---|---|
Platform | Access via desktop/laptop computer using a web browser like Chrome or Safari. | Download native iOS and Android apps to access LinkedIn on smartphones/tablets. |
User Interface | Designed for large screens. More info density on page. | Streamlined interface optimized for smaller mobile screens. |
Features | Offers full suite of LinkedIn features. New features often launch here first. | Core features only. New features may be limited at first. |
Notifications | Email notifications for messages, invites, etc. | Push notifications available through mobile apps. |
Search | Powerful advanced search filters and Boolean options. | Simpler search capabilities. |
So in summary, the website provides a more robust experience while the mobile apps offer convenience and quick access on the go.
Should You Use the Website or Mobile Apps?
Whether the LinkedIn website or mobile apps are better depends on your specific needs:
- Website – Use LinkedIn.com on your desktop for tasks that require more focus and details like networking, searching profiles, writing long messages, etc.
- Mobile – Use the iOS or Android apps to quickly check notifications, messages, share content, and access your network while traveling or between tasks.
- Both – Many professionals use LinkedIn.com at work or home for heavy LinkedIn use, complemented by the mobile apps for convenience throughout the day.
In general, the website and mobile apps offer the same core features, just tailored to their respective platforms. Consider when you are most likely to access LinkedIn and how you use it to decide whether to focus on the website, mobile apps, or a mix of both.
Website and App Usage Statistics
To provide some hard data on how people access LinkedIn, here are some website versus mobile app usage statistics:
- As of October 2021, LinkedIn reported having 776 million members around the world.
- LinkedIn’s website (LinkedIn.com) receives approximately 267 million monthly active users.
- LinkedIn’s mobile apps see roughly 70 million monthly active users.
- This puts website usage at 79% compared to 21% on mobile apps among monthly active LinkedIn members.
- However, app usage is growing quickly. The mobile app figure was up 22% year-over-year in 2021.
So currently, most LinkedIn members frequent the website versus the apps. But mobile usage is rising steadily.
Website and App Usage by Age
Looking at LinkedIn’s website and app usage across age groups shows some variances:
Age | Website Usage | App Usage |
---|---|---|
18-29 | 67% | 33% |
30-49 | 77% | 23% |
50+ | 87% | 13% |
Younger demographics are much more likely to use LinkedIn’s mobile apps compared to older users. But even among 18-29 year olds, the website remains more popular. Overall, the website consistently dominates over the apps across all age groups.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn operates as both a website accessed via LinkedIn.com and mobile apps on iOS and Android. The website offers the full suite of features while the mobile apps provide a more streamlined experience.
Most LinkedIn members frequent the desktop website for more intensive tasks and interactions. But mobile usage is on the rise, especially among younger demographics. In general, it’s best to use LinkedIn.com for more focused networking and communication and the mobile apps for convenient access on the go. Together, they provide the optimal LinkedIn experience.