LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform owned by Microsoft. However, the LinkedIn app is not currently available to download directly from the Microsoft Store. There are a few reasons why LinkedIn may not be downloadable from the Microsoft Store:
LinkedIn Has a Separate Mobile App
LinkedIn has its own dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices. This standalone LinkedIn app allows the company to have full control over the user experience on mobile without going through Microsoft’s store approval process. Having a separate app also allows LinkedIn to frequently update and test new features without relying on the Microsoft Store update schedules.
Encourages Direct Usage of LinkedIn
By not being available on the Microsoft Store, LinkedIn encourages users to directly visit LinkedIn.com or download the LinkedIn app instead. This allows the company to build a more direct relationship with users rather than being just another Microsoft service. Direct access enables LinkedIn to grow its user base with customized onboarding, tutorials, and prompts to connect with others.
Microsoft Store Has App Guidelines
The Microsoft Store has certain app guidelines that may limit some of LinkedIn’s functionality if it were made available there. For example, the Microsoft Store does not allow in-app purchases or subscriptions. As a premium service, LinkedIn relies heavily on subscription revenues from its Premium tier offering. Not being able to offer premium subscriptions directly within a Microsoft Store app would significantly impact LinkedIn’s business model.
User Data and Privacy Restrictions
Microsoft Store apps must adhere to Microsoft’s privacy policies and data collection restrictions. LinkedIn gathers extensive user data to provide personalized recommendations and advertising. Being constrained by Microsoft’s data policies could limit LinkedIn’s ability to leverage user data to deliver on its value proposition. Maintaining its own app gives LinkedIn more control over user data.
Promoting MS Products Over Competitors
The Microsoft Store sometimes limits or prohibits apps that compete directly with Microsoft products and services. For example, rival web browser apps are restricted in functionality. Since LinkedIn competes with some Microsoft offerings like Dynamics 365 for recruitment and marketing, it may have faced restrictions promoting those services through a Microsoft Store app.
Technical and Development Resources
Creating and maintaining a Microsoft Store app requires different technical skills and resources than LinkedIn’s current mobile apps. As LinkedIn is highly focused on its own stack, it may not have the resources available to develop an app specifically for the Microsoft Store. Building custom integrations with Microsoft products like Outlook may also require more work than simply leveraging APIs.
User Base Overlap
LinkedIn and Microsoft have significant user base overlap among professionals and enterprises. By not having a Microsoft Store presence, LinkedIn avoids being seen as just another Microsoft product. LinkedIn preserves its own unique brand identity and reputation as a separate networking platform.
Development Roadmap Priorities
LinkedIn appears to be prioritizing development of new features and improvements for its core platform offering. Building an app for Microsoft Store may simply not be high on LinkedIn’s roadmap right now. With limited resources, LinkedIn is likely focused on enhancements that drive user growth and engagement over an ancillary distribution channel.
Encourages Microsoft Account Integration
By not being directly available as a Microsoft Store download, LinkedIn creates an opportunity to integrate with Microsoft accounts via sign-in. Convincing users to sign in with their Microsoft account makes it easier for Microsoft to leverage LinkedIn data to enhance Office 365 and Dynamics 365 products.
Supports Other Microsoft Strategic Priorities
Although not definitive, limiting LinkedIn’s availability in the Microsoft Store could be part of a broader strategic alignment between the two companies. Perhaps Microsoft wants to drive LinkedIn users to Windows in other ways like Cortana skills. Or maybe LinkedIn data will play a role in Microsoft’s revamped Bing search engine. Having LinkedIn as an independent app gives Microsoft more flexibility.
LinkedIn Lite App Exists
While the full LinkedIn app is not in the Microsoft Store, there is a “LinkedIn Lite” app available for download. This provides basic LinkedIn access in a streamlined app that retains the LinkedIn branding. So users that want LinkedIn on their Microsoft device do have an official option, just with limited functionality.
Preinstalled on Some Microsoft Devices
Although not in the Microsoft Store itself, LinkedIn does come preinstalled on some Microsoft Surface and partner devices. So users of select Microsoft hardware can still access LinkedIn without having to download anything additional.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn maintains its own fully-featured mobile app and seems to have prioritized that over creating a Microsoft Store version. This gives LinkedIn more control over the user experience while also encouraging direct relationships with users. And by not being in the Store, LinkedIn avoids Microsoft’s app guidelines that may limit subscriptions, data usage, and competing services. While not definitive, the current situation likely supports other strategic priorities for both Microsoft and LinkedIn.