The LinkedIn app allows users to access LinkedIn’s social networking platform for professionals right from their mobile device. With the LinkedIn app, users can build their professional network, search and apply for jobs, message contacts, share content and keep up with the latest professional news.
One of the most common questions for those considering downloading and using the LinkedIn app is – is it free? The short answer is yes, the core LinkedIn app is free to download and use. However, LinkedIn does offer premium paid subscriptions that unlock additional features.
LinkedIn Basic Account
The LinkedIn basic account is free. With a basic LinkedIn account, users can:
- Create a profile
- Connect with other professionals
- Join groups
- Follow companies
- Search and apply for jobs
- View profile visitors
- Like and share posts
The core social networking and job hunting features of LinkedIn are available for free with a basic account. Users can build their professional network, search jobs, share content and more without ever paying anything.
LinkedIn Mobile App
Like the desktop site, the LinkedIn mobile app is free to download and use with a basic LinkedIn account. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
With the LinkedIn app, users can access core features on-the-go from their mobile device including:
- Messaging contacts
- Receiving notifications
- Posting updates
- Commenting and liking
- Searching jobs
- Viewing profile visitors
Everything that users can do on the desktop LinkedIn site like messaging, posting, sharing and more can be done directly in the mobile app. The core functionality users expect from LinkedIn is available in the free mobile app.
LinkedIn Premium Subscriptions
While the basic LinkedIn account and mobile app are free, LinkedIn does offer premium paid subscriptions that unlock additional features. Here are some of the main premium offerings:
LinkedIn Premium Career
LinkedIn Premium Career provides users with additional job hunting and career building features including:
- Seeing who viewed your profile
- Standing out in searches
- Premium profile badging
- InMail messages
- Interview preparation
This service costs $29.99 per month.
LinkedIn Premium Business
LinkedIn Premium Business is tailored for sales professionals. Features include:
- Unlimited InMail messages
- Expanded search results
- Company and contact insights
- Lead and account matching
This service costs $64.99 per month.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda) provides over 16,000 online video courses in areas like business, technology, design and more. This costs $29.99 per month.
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
LinkedIn Sales Navigator provides sales professionals with tools to find new leads and accounts. Features include:
- Lead recommendations
- Advanced search filters
- Saved leads and accounts
- TeamLink collaboration
Pricing starts at $79.99 per month for an individual license.
Free vs. Premium Features Comparison
Here is a comparison of some of the key free features available with a basic account and mobile app vs. the premium features unlocked with a paid subscription:
| Feature | Free Account & App | Premium Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Profile views | Last 5 profile viewers | See all profile viewers |
| InMail messages | 3 free per month | Unlimited |
| Job applications | Apply to any job | Stand out in searches |
| Search filters | Basic filters | Advanced filters |
| Learning courses | None | 16,000+ courses |
As shown, core features are available for free but premium subscriptions unlock more advanced capabilities.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
Whether one of LinkedIn’s paid premium subscriptions is worth it depends on the individual user and their professional needs.
For most users, the free account and mobile app provide the core networking and job searching features they need. The free offerings allow users to build a solid professional network and search for opportunities.
For those wanting to maximize their professional brand, stand out in the job market, or make sales connections, the premium features may provide enough extra value to justify the cost.
The premium job seeking features help users put their best foot forward with recruiters. The sales offerings provide powerful tools for finding and connecting with clients. And unlimited Learning courses can significantly boost skills.
Overall, LinkedIn provides worthwhile professional benefits for free. But users who want the maximum competitive advantage may find premium is worth the price.
Conclusion
The core LinkedIn platform and mobile app are completely free to use. LinkedIn makes money by offering premium subscriptions that provide additional features tailored to job seekers, sales professionals, and learners.
Most users can access LinkedIn’s networking, job hunting, and communication capabilities without ever paying. But premium features like seeing unlimited profile views, sending InMail messages, and accessing Learning courses provide added value for those who need them.
While premium has its perks, the free LinkedIn experience allows users to create a profile, build connections, join groups, follow companies, search and apply for jobs, and stay up to date with industry news at no cost. For many professionals, this free access will meet their needs.
So in summary – the basic LinkedIn app is 100% free to use. LinkedIn Premium unlocks extra features for a monthly fee, but is not required to enjoy LinkedIn’s core professional networking platform.
