LinkedIn is a professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world. When creating a LinkedIn profile, users have the option to include links to external websites, such as a personal website or blog. However, not all URLs are allowed on LinkedIn profiles. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a URL invalid on LinkedIn and why these restrictions are in place.
What is Considered an Invalid URL on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn considers a URL to be invalid if it:
- Points to an insecure website (not HTTPS)
- Redirects to an unapproved domain
- Contains questionable or inappropriate content
- Is from a known suspicious domain
- Violates LinkedIn’s User Agreement policies
Specifically, LinkedIn does not allow URLs from file sharing, torrent, or other piracy-related websites. Affiliate links and URLs containing tracking codes are also prohibited. Additionally, LinkedIn blocks links to sites with violent, hateful, adult, or illegal content.
Why Does LinkedIn Block Certain URLs?
There are a few key reasons why LinkedIn restricts certain URLs:
- To protect users from malicious websites – LinkedIn aims to prevent users from clicking on links that may contain malware or try to steal personal information.
- To maintain a professional environment – Allowing adult content or illegal activity URLs would go against LinkedIn’s goal of creating a network for career and business opportunities.
- To comply with regulations – LinkedIn must adhere to various laws and regulations around offensive content, copyrighted material, etc. Blocking non-compliant URLs allows them to stay compliant.
- To create a trusted sharing platform – Preventing suspicious and low-quality websites helps LinkedIn remain a reliable place to find and share useful professional content.
By blocking problematic URLs, LinkedIn can better protect its members and keep the platform focused on professional networking and development.
Examples of Invalid URLs on LinkedIn
Here are some examples of URL types that would be considered invalid and blocked if shared on a LinkedIn profile:
- Affiliate links like Amazon Associates or other commerce sites
- Tracking links from URL shorteners like bit.ly or TinyURL
- Torrent site URLs like ThePirateBay or RARBG
- Adult entertainment or pornography sites
- Violent content sites showcasing gore, suicide, terrorism, etc.
- URLs to ILLEGAL sports streaming sites
- Cryptocurrency gambling site URLs
- Sites promoting hate speech, racism, or illegal discrimination
Even if the content itself is not inappropriate, the domains used by some of these sites are automatically blocked by LinkedIn filters. Users trying to post these URLs will get an error during profile editing.
How to Fix an Invalid URL on LinkedIn
If you try to add a URL to your LinkedIn profile and get a message saying “URL is invalid,” here are some ways to fix it:
- Double check that the URL is entered correctly and there are no typos.
- Try shortening a long URL using Bitly.com or another accepted URL shortener.
- If the site has HTTPS encryption, make sure to use the https:// version of the URL.
- For affiliate links, remove any affiliate or tracking codes from the URL query string.
- If the domain is outright banned, consider linking to an alternate website related to your work or expertise.
- You can request LinkedIn to re-review a URL if you believe it was blocked incorrectly, though they may not always override the decision.
Additionally, if you have a profile URL that starts with your name, make sure your first and last name match your LinkedIn name. If not, LinkedIn may consider it an invalid custom URL.
Best Practices for Adding URLs on LinkedIn
To maximize the chance of your URLs being accepted by LinkedIn, follow these best practices:
- Host content only on reputable sites, like a professional personal website, blog, or portfolio.
- Use secure HTTPS URLs whenever possible, as LinkedIn prioritizes these.
- Shorten excessively long URLs using an approved shortener like Bitly.
- Double check URLs redirect properly before sharing on your profile.
- Remove any unnecessary tracking codes or query parameters.
- Only share URLs relevant to your professional brand and expertise.
- If in doubt, reach out to LinkedIn Customer Service for guidance on valid URLs for your situation.
Conclusion
LinkedIn restricts certain URLs from profiles to protect its members and maintain a professional environment. Invalid URLs typically include insecure sites, suspicious domains, inappropriate content, or links that violate LinkedIn policies. Fixing an invalid URL can involve correcting typos, using proper formatting, shortening links, removing tracking codes, or linking to alternate sites. By following best practices, you can add useful, relevant links that will successfully display on your LinkedIn profile.