The main difference between LinkedIn direct messages and InMail is that direct messages can be sent to any LinkedIn connection for free, while InMail requires a premium account and can be sent to members you are not connected to. Direct messages have a character limit while InMail does not.
LinkedIn Direct Messages
LinkedIn direct messages allow you to privately communicate with your existing first-degree connections on LinkedIn. You don’t need a premium account to send direct messages. They function similarly to private messages on other social networks.
With direct messages, you can have one-on-one conversations or group conversations with up to 50 people. You can also attach files and add emoji reactions to messages.
There are some key limitations to direct messages:
- You can only message people you are directly connected to on LinkedIn. You can’t message someone you are not connected to.
- Direct messages have a character limit of 8,000 characters.
- You can’t customize direct messages with personal branding and templates.
- There are no read receipts or indicators that the recipient opened the message.
Overall, direct messages are best for quick, casual communication with existing connections. The character limit makes them unsuitable for lengthy conversations.
LinkedIn InMail
InMail is LinkedIn’s internal messaging system that comes with premium accounts. It allows you to directly contact any LinkedIn member, even if you are not connected.
With InMail, you can send customized messages to recruiters, hiring managers, prospective clients, and anyone else on LinkedIn you want to reach.
Here are some key features of InMail:
- No character limit – you can send lengthy, detailed messages.
- Custom branding and templates to make messages look more professional.
- See when your message is opened and read.
- Ability to attach files and media.
- Follow-up reminders to keep the conversation going.
The main advantage of InMail over direct messages is the ability to contact people outside your network. This makes InMail very useful for sales prospecting, recruiting, and pitching clients.
InMail credits are limited based on your premium account type. You may get 5-50 credits per month. Each InMail uses 1 credit. Unused credits roll over month-to-month for up to 12 months.
Key Differences
Here is a quick overview of the main differences between LinkedIn direct messages and InMail:
- Direct Messages – Free for all members, only message connections, 8,000 character limit
- InMail – Requires premium account, message anyone, no character limit
| Feature | Direct Messages | InMail |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Requires Premium Account |
| Who You Can Message | Only 1st Connections | Any LinkedIn Member |
| Character Limit | 8,000 characters | No limit |
| Custom Branding & Templates | No | Yes |
| Attach Files | Yes | Yes |
| Read Receipts | No | Yes |
As you can see, InMail is more advanced with additional features, but requires a paid account. Direct messaging is free yet limited.
Use Cases
Here are some examples of when to use each messaging type:
- Use direct messages for:
- Quick conversations with existing connections
- Following up after meeting someone
- Sending files/links to connections
- Casual conversations and catching up
- Use InMail for:
- Reaching out to recruiters and potential hires
- Contacting prospective clients you want to do business with
- Following up after meeting someone new
- Sending pitches and proposals
- Standing out with customized branding
In general, direct messages = convenience and casual chatting with existing connections. InMail = targeted outreach for sales, recruiting, and business purposes.
Message Composition
Both direct messages and InMail allow you to format your messages with features like:
- Bold, italics, underline, bullet points
- Inserting links
- Emojis and stickers
- Attaching files
However, InMail offers much more customization and branding options. You can:
- Use custom templates
- Add your logo and images
- Customize colors and fonts
- Create multi-message sequences
This makes InMail feel more like an email platform than a basic messaging system. You can craft well-branded messages tailored to your industry and audience.
Privacy and Visibility
With both messaging options, the content of your messages is private and not visible publicly on your profile.
However, direct messages have one small privacy quirk – the fact that you connected with someone via direct message is visible on your “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” list. But the content is still private.
InMail keeps the fact that you messaged someone completely confidential. Recipients of your InMail won’t show up on your profile views.
Frequency Limits
LinkedIn limits how frequently you can send messages to avoid spamming. Here are the limits:
- Direct Messages – No more than 200 per day, 1,000 per month
- InMail – No more than 50 per day, 300 per month
Going over these limits may get your account flagged or restricted. Make sure to space out your messages appropriately.
Replying and Continuing Conversations
With both messaging options, you can keep conversations going by replying back and forth with the recipient.
The main difference is that once you’ve made an initial InMail contact, further messages to that person convert to free direct messages. So InMail is primarily useful for the initial outreach.
Integration with Other Tools
You can integrate both direct messages and InMail with outside tools like:
- Email plugins to get notifications
- CRM systems to track messaging
- Chatbots to auto-respond
- Schedulers like Buffer and Hootsuite to plan messages
Premium LinkedIn accounts have additional integrations available specifically for InMail. This includes integrations with email service providers to synchronize InMail templates.
Pros and Cons
Below is a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each messaging type:
Direct Messages Pros:
- Free to use
- Easy and fast to contact connections
- Can attach files and links
Direct Messages Cons:
- Limited to only 1st connections
- Restrictive 8,000 character limit
- No custom branding available
- No read receipts
InMail Pros:
- Contact anyone on LinkedIn
- Fully customized branding and templates
- No character limits
- See when messages are read
InMail Cons:
- Requires premium account
- Daily/monthly sending limits
- Only get a limited number of credits
- No group messaging option
Overall, direct messaging provides a simple free way to connect with your network, while InMail brings more complexity but greater messaging power.
Conclusion
LinkedIn direct messages and InMail serve different communication needs. Direct messages are meant for casual conversing with existing connections. InMail enables targeted outreach to new prospects with powerful customization options.
If you frequently need to cold message people outside your network or want to stand out with branded messages, upgrading to send InMails is worthwhile. Otherwise direct messaging should meet basic chatting needs.
Understanding the nuances between these two messaging tools allows you to use the right approach to connect with your desired audience on LinkedIn.
