The LinkedIn ad featuring a smiling young woman has sparked curiosity among viewers. Many have wondered about the identity and background of this upbeat model. In this article, we’ll explore what is known about the “LinkedIn girl” and the story behind the popular ad campaign.
The LinkedIn “In It Together” Campaign
The ad starring the mystery woman is part of LinkedIn’s 2020 “In It Together” marketing campaign. Launched in April 2020, the campaign aims to spotlight how professionals in diverse industries are adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LinkedIn designed the lighthearted, optimistic ads to showcase professionals supporting each other through challenging times. The campaign features uplifting music and bright, airy visuals. The “In It Together” message promotes community and reminds viewers that we can overcome obstacles by working collaboratively.
Who is the “LinkedIn Girl”?
The star of the viral ad is Liv Boeree, a British poker player, TV presenter, and speaker. She became one of the most recognizable faces of the “In It Together” campaign once the ad gained traction on social media.
Liv Boeree, born in 1984, is from Kent, England. She earned a first-class honors degree in physics from the University of Manchester. Boeree pursued professional poker as a career after graduating.
Nicknamed “Iron Maiden,” Boeree has earned over $3.5 million USD in poker tournament winnings. She has traveled the world competing in major championships like the European Poker Tour and World Series of Poker. Boeree was the #1 ranked female poker player in the UK at one point.
Her Other Endeavors and Interests
Beyond poker, Liv Boeree has other passions she actively pursues:
- TV Presenting – Boeree has hosted several poker TV shows and documentary series, including Late Night Poker and The Thrill of the Chase.
- Public Speaking – She gives talks on game theory, positive psychology, and making decisions under pressure.
- Science Communication – On her YouTube channel, Boeree discusses physics topics like cosmology and astronomical phenomena.
- Astrophysics Research – She has worked with prominent institutions like CERN and the Max Planck Institute for Physics.
- Effective Altruism – Boeree advocates this philosophy focused on using evidence to do the most good.
Boeree is also an avid traveler who enjoys rock climbing, skiing, and other adventures in her free time.
Why She Was Chosen for the Ad
So why did LinkedIn select Liv Boeree as the face of its major marketing push? Her diverse interests and accomplishments likely made her an ideal fit.
As a scientist, poker player, TV host, and public speaker, Boeree breaks the mold of the typical LinkedIn user. She represents how professionals across all backgrounds are utilizing the platform.
Her upbeat, vibrant personality also aligns with the optimistic tone LinkedIn aimed to strike. Boeree’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her warm smile makes the “In It Together” slogan come to life.
Finally, Boeree’s substantial social media following and name recognition added notoriety to the campaign. She brought an existing fanbase to the ads.
The Ad’s Viral Success
The LinkedIn ad succeeded in grabbing attention, especially as viewers wondered, “Who is the girl in the LinkedIn ad?”
In May 2020, LinkedIn reported that the “In It Together” spots ranked among the top 10 most-watched video ads. The signature ad with Liv Boeree earned 3 million YouTube views within just 2 weeks.
Engagement stats also showed strong interest, with 20% higher than average click-through rates. The familiar tune “You Make Me Feel So Young” likely boosted name recognition as well.
Across streaming TV, social platforms, and digital media, Liv Boeree’s smile shone through. Her energy and vibe perfectly embodied the uplifting message.
Response and Memes
The ad inspired a wave of memes and social media posts, many focused on identifying Liv Boeree. People had a mix of reactions:
- Some were curious about who Boeree was and her relationship to LinkedIn.
- Others made jokes about having a “work crush” on the woman in the ad.
- Many viewers simply found the upbeat ad catchy and memorable.
- A subset of people found the tone overly bright for the pandemic climate.
Overall though, injecting optimism into a difficult time resonated with most audiences. Liv Boeree’s warm persona and the “In It Together” message built connection.
The Ad’s Key Takeaways
The breakout LinkedIn ad starring Liv Boeree provides some helpful marketing and advertising lessons:
- Authenticity – Boeree’s natural charm came through, instead of seeming overly polished or corporate.
- Tone – The positive, uplifting vibe aligned perfectly with the “In It Together” tagline.
- Emotion – Boeree’s smile and energy tapped into emotional appeal, not just logic.
- Memorability – With Boeree’s personality and catchy music, the ad was highly shareable and “sticky.”
- Inclusivity – Boeree appealed to diverse audiences, not just traditional LinkedIn users.
Brands that leverage these principles in future campaigns are likely to replicate the viral success.
Boeree’s Next Moves
While Liv Boeree became instantly recognizable from the LinkedIn spot, what’s next for her burgeoning fame?
She may be able to parlay her increased visibility into TV hosting gigs, modeling opportunities, or brand sponsorships. However, Boeree has said that while fun, she does not view advertising as her long-term focus.
Liv Boeree seems most passionate about science communication moving forward. She aims to produce more YouTube content explaining astrophysics and cosmology for curious viewers. Reaching larger mainstream audiences with science education is a goal.
Boeree is also releasing a book in 2022 called “Time Machine: A Journey Into the Physics of Our Past, Present, and Future.” The combination memoir and popular science title allows Boeree to share her adventurous life story while exploring concepts of spacetime and our universe.
The LinkedIn role gave her acting chops and poise on camera. But expect to see Liv Boeree back discussing astrophysics soon, aiming to bring scientific discovery to the masses.
Conclusion
Liv Boeree, an accomplished British poker champion, was an inspired choice as the primary face of LinkedIn’s “In It Together” ad campaign. Her upbeat energy and vibrant smile aligned perfectly with the tone of community and connection LinkedIn wanted to foster.
As a scientist, TV presenter, professional poker player, and speaker, Boeree appeals to professionals across industries and backgrounds. Her authenticity and charm came through on camera, and many viewers were curious to learn more about her.
The ad’s runaway success indicates marketing campaigns can gain traction through optimism, emotion, and inclusivity. Liv Boeree brought these elements together at the right cultural moment.
While the LinkedIn ad provided fame, Liv Boeree remains focused on pursuits like science communication. She represents someone utilizing their diverse passions and talents to make an impact on the world.