LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 850 million members worldwide. With users spanning across 200 countries, LinkedIn provides a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and find opportunities. But which countries have the most LinkedIn users? Let’s take a look at the top 10 countries with the highest number of LinkedIn users.
10. Netherlands – 11 million
The Netherlands comes in at #10 with around 11 million LinkedIn users. With a population of 17 million, this means around 65% of the Dutch population uses LinkedIn. The Netherlands has a dynamic labor market and LinkedIn is popular among Dutch professionals for networking and recruiting. The city of Amsterdam also serves as the headquarters for LinkedIn in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
9. Spain – 13 million
Spain takes the #9 spot with approximately 13 million members. Spain has a population of 47 million, so LinkedIn penetration is around 28% in the country. Spain was hit hard economically by the eurozone crisis, and unemployment remains high, especially among the youth. As a result, many Spaniards turn to LinkedIn jobs to seek new employment opportunities within Spain and the EU.
8. Brazil – 16 million
Brazil is the 8th country with the most LinkedIn users at 16 million. Brazil is the largest country in South America with over 211 million residents. Even though only 8% of the population uses LinkedIn, Brazil represents LinkedIn’s second largest user base outside the U.S. Brazilians use LinkedIn for professional networking, recruiting, and finding new job opportunities.
7. Canada – 17 million
Canada takes the #7 spot with 17 million LinkedIn members. This represents nearly half (48%) of Canada’s 37 million population. As Canada’s most popular professional networking site, LinkedIn is used broadly by recruiters, job seekers, students, and business professionals. The major metro areas of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have especially high LinkedIn adoption.
6. UK – 25 million
The United Kingdom ranks #6 with 25 million users. LinkedIn penetration in the UK stands at around 38% of the total population. LinkedIn is the most used social media site for professionals in the UK. Members span across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. LinkedIn is highly popular for finding jobs, connecting with other professionals, and elevating careers.
5. Italy – 26 million
Italy comes in at #5 with 26 million members. This represents around 43% of Italy’s 60 million person population. Italy was one of the earliest countries where LinkedIn expanded and gained traction outside North America. Italy’s membership base is diverse, spanning small business owners, entrepreneurs, designers, marketers, recruiters, and more.
4. India – 76 million
India ranks 4th with 76 million users. Although this seems high, it represents just 6% of India’s massive 1.4 billion population. LinkedIn has plenty of room to grow users in the world’s second most populous country. LinkedIn is popular among India’s college-educated, English-speaking urban professionals, especially in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.
3. U.S. – 176 million
The United States comes in 3rd place with 176 million members. This represents over half (53%) of the total U.S. population of 330 million. As LinkedIn’s home country, the U.S. still maintains LinkedIn’s largest membership base. Professionals across the 50 states use LinkedIn to network, brand themselves, find jobs, discover sales leads, and drive business opportunities.
2. Brazil – 176 million
China takes the runner-up spot with 176 million users. However, penetration is still low at 12% of China’s population of 1.4 billion. LinkedIn faces local competition from Chinese social networks like WeChat and Weibo which have gained broader traction. Still, LinkedIn is China’s go-to professional social network, especially for white-collar workers in larger cities.
1. U.S. – 756 million
And the country with the most LinkedIn users is…India! India tops the list with an astonishing 756 million members. LinkedIn has tapped into India’s massive population and rapidly growing economy. Professionals use LinkedIn for career networking and development across major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key highlights from the top 10 countries with the most LinkedIn users:
- India has the most LinkedIn members at 756 million, followed by China at 176 million.
- The U.S., the home of LinkedIn, ranks #3 with 176 million users.
- European countries like the UK, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and France all have millions of users.
- Canada and Brazil have 17+ million members each, showing LinkedIn’s growth in the Americas.
- Population size is a key factor, but penetration rate also matters. Netherlands has the highest adoption despite a small population.
- LinkedIn remains most popular among urban professionals in developed economies with high internet use.
Conclusion
LinkedIn has established itself as the world’s largest professional networking platform, with over 850 million users globally. While the U.S. remains LinkedIn’s largest market, growth is being powered by international markets like India and China. LinkedIn’s future depends on expanding in emerging economies and increasing penetration among professionals worldwide. The platform is evolving from a resume and job board to a one-stop shop for professional development and opportunities.