The LinkedIn Algorithm Update: How It Affects Content Reach

LinkedIn’s algorithm is changing — again. If you’ve noticed a drop in engagement, fewer likes, and less visibility on your posts, you’re not alone. LinkedIn recently rolled out significant updates to its algorithm, and it’s shaking up how content is ranked and shown in feeds.

But here’s the thing — understanding how the algorithm works can give you a serious edge. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or business owner, knowing how to work with the algorithm (instead of fighting it) can significantly boost your reach and engagement.

In this blog, I’ll break down exactly how the LinkedIn algorithm works post-update and how you can tweak your content strategy to stay ahead.

? How the LinkedIn Algorithm Works (Post-Update)

LinkedIn’s goal is simple: keep users engaged. The algorithm is designed to prioritize content that drives meaningful interactions — comments, shares, and saves — rather than surface-level likes.

The new algorithm focuses on three key factors:

?? 1. Relevance Over Popularity

Older versions of the LinkedIn algorithm gave more weight to engagement volume (likes and reactions). The new algorithm prioritizes:

• How closely the content aligns with the user’s professional interests
• How often does the user engage with similar content or the creator’s past posts
• The amount of time spent reading or interacting with the content

Tip: Focus on creating niche-specific content tailored to your target audience’s pain points. Generic content won’t get you far anymore.

?? 2. Meaningful Engagement (Comments > Likes)

LinkedIn now ranks comments and shares higher than likes and reactions. If someone takes the time to comment or share, the content likely holds more value.

Example: ?? Instead of just posting “5 Tips for Better SEO,” ask: "What’s one SEO tip that helped you increase traffic? Drop it in the comments!"

By encouraging discussion, you signal to LinkedIn that your post is valuable, which increases visibility.

?? 3. Early Engagement Window Matters

LinkedIn evaluates your post's performance in the first 60 minutes after publishing. If it gains traction quickly (comments, saves, shares), LinkedIn is more likely to push it to a wider audience.

Actionable Tip:

• Post when your audience is most active (check your LinkedIn analytics for peak hours).
• Please make sure to engage with comments immediately after posting to keep the conversation flowing.
• Use strategic hashtags (3–5 relevant hashtags) to improve discoverability without spamming.

?? Story Time: How I Turned a Failing Post Into a LinkedIn Win

A few weeks ago, I posted an article titled “SEO vs. SEM: Which Drives More Traffic?” I thought it was gold — the content was detailed, informative, and full of insights. But after two hours, it had only 3 likes and zero comments.

Frustrated, I decided to tweak my approach based on the changes in the new algorithm. Here’s what I did:

? I edited the post to include a direct question at the end (“Which one has worked better for you—SEO or SEM?”).

? I added a personal touch by sharing how SEO helped me increase traffic by 150%.

? I commented on my post to kickstart engagement.

Result?

?? Within an hour, the post gained over 20 comments and 150% more reach than my average post. A simple shift toward encouraging meaningful engagement made all the difference.

?? Keyword Strategy for LinkedIn Visibility

Using the right keywords isn’t just for Google — it matters on LinkedIn, too. The algorithm scans post text, hashtags, and even comments to understand content relevance.

Here’s how to optimize your post for LinkedIn search:

? Use long-tail keywords that reflect professional topics (e.g., “LinkedIn algorithm changes” vs. “LinkedIn updates”).

? Include relevant keywords in your headline and first 3 lines — these are the most visible parts of the post.

? Add keywords to your hashtags and post descriptions to boost discoverability.

Example: Instead of writing: ?? "Understanding LinkedIn’s latest update"

Write: ?? "LinkedIn Algorithm Update 2025: How to Boost Post Visibility"

?? Winning Formula for LinkedIn Engagement in 2025

If you want to crack the LinkedIn algorithm, follow this blueprint:

? Niche relevance – Focus on topics aligned with your professional audience.

? Ask direct questions – Encourage meaningful comments and interactions.

? Timing matters – Post when your audience is active.

? Storytelling works – Personal stories increase emotional connection and engagement.

? Keyword optimization – Use strategic keywords to rank in LinkedIn search.

?? Ready to Master the LinkedIn Algorithm?

The LinkedIn algorithm will keep changing — that’s inevitable. But if you stay flexible and keep focusing on value-driven content, you’ll stay ahead of the curve.

?? What’s been your biggest challenge with LinkedIn’s algorithm? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts! ??