The Linkedin Algorithm Explained: How to Make it Work for You

If you want to improve your LinkedIn game and ensure that your posts get seen by the right people, you’re in the right place. And to sweeten the deal, we’ve got a free download at the end of this blog post (you’re welcome.)

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the LinkedIn algorithm in 2025. We’ll explain how LinkedIn categorizes posts, how to avoid being flagged as spam, how to achieve high-quality status, and which formats are preferred. We’ll also share tips on how to make the most of the golden hour, when to post, how to encourage meaningful engagement, and what not to do.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how the LinkedIn algorithm works and be equipped with the knowledge to take your LinkedIn game to the next level. So, let’s get started!

How LinkedIn Categorizes Posts

When you post, LinkedIn puts it in one of three categories:

• Spam
• Low quality
• High quality

How to Avoid Being Categorized as Spam

To stay out of the spam folder, follow these updated 2025 guidelines:

• Use correct grammar and proper formatting
• Limit external links (preferably none in the post body; place in comments instead)
• Tag no more than five people, and only if they are likely to engage
• Avoid posting more than once every 12 hours
• Don’t use engagement bait (phrases like “Comment if you agree!” or “Like this post!”)
• Avoid low-quality or overly AI-generated content

How to Achieve High-Quality Status

This part is key to expanding your reach. Here’s what to do:

• Only tag people who are likely to respond
• Use around three hashtags: one broad, one niche, one hyper-niche (e.g. “#socialmedia,” “#b2bsocialmedia”)
• Use carousels (PDF posts) or short videos when appropriate
• Focus on niche, high-value topics
• Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions
• Use keywords your audience is likely to search
• Encourage saves and long-form comments (15+ words)
• Avoid editing posts after publishing

Preferred Formats for 2025

LinkedIn is rewarding posts that encourage dwell time and engagement:

• Carousels and PDFs: perform 1.6–1.9x better than static text
• Short videos (30–60 seconds): still perform well but are slightly less favored than PDFs
• Interactive content like polls: can drive strong engagement if relevant

The LinkedIn Golden Hour

The first hour after posting remains crucial. This is when LinkedIn evaluates whether your post deserves broader distribution. The algorithm now factors in:

• Comments with substance (not one-word replies)
• Saves/bookmarks
• Time spent viewing (dwell time)

Make this hour count by engaging with other posts, replying quickly to comments, and posting when your audience is online (typically weekday mornings 8–10 AM or evenings 5–7 PM).

LinkedIn Golden Hour Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Post during high-activity windows
• Engage with other content around your post time
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Reply promptly to comments
• Use a consistent posting schedule

Don’ts:

• Post more than once every 12 hours
• Tag people who won’t engage
• Edit your post within the first hour
• Rely on engagement bait

What Happens After the Golden Hour

Positive Engagement Keeps You in the Feed

Once your post passes the first engagement filter, positive interactions (comments, shares, saves) help extend its reach—as detailed in LinkedIn Help.

Negative Engagement Slows Your Reach

Negative signals, such as being hidden or marked as spam, reduce post visibility and performance.

3 Key Factors That Influence Your Feed

1. Personal Connections: LinkedIn considers who you interact with regularly
2. Interest Relevance: Based on your followed pages, hashtags, groups, and profile info
3. Engagement Probability: Based on how likely you are to interact with a given post

Understanding B2B Buyers: Key to Growth

According to LinkedIn’s VP of Marketing, Minjae Ormes, the B2B sector has the potential to drive economic growth worldwide. B2B marketing success hinges on understanding buyer group dynamics.

Understanding Buyer Groups

B2B buying usually involves a team of 6–10 decision-makers. Familiarity and trust influence purchasing decisions more than aggressive tactics.

Target vs. Hidden Buyers

Target buyers are product experts. Hidden buyers are internal process experts (finance, legal, procurement) who control nearly half the decision-making process but don’t leave strong signals. They prioritize security over innovation.

To succeed, cater to both groups. Build familiarity and reduce perceived risk.

According to LinkedIn and Bain & Company, emphasize trust and safety, especially if your brand is not well known. Present a united narrative that aligns both target and hidden buyer interests.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, LinkedIn prioritizes authentic, high-value content that fosters real conversation. Posts that generate saves, meaningful comments, and dwell time perform best. Carousels, PDFs, and insightful videos outperform basic text. Stick to ethical posting practices, focus on delivering value, and use your golden hour wisely.

Want to optimize your business’s LinkedIn page but not sure where to start? Download our freebie, here.

Read on to learn how to leverage your business using LinkedIn. Then, get in touch with our team to schedule your FREE Brand Storytelling Session.