The latest in LinkedIn’s increasingly regular updates has once again shifted requirements for marketers, however this particular algorithmic iteration has been revealed because the platform’s support team inadvertently leaked information to a user called Charlie Hills about how it really works behind the scenes.
While many users had already felt these changes from using the platform, they have now been confirmed by the organisation itself. At the headline level, distribution now favours timely, varied content from repeatedly successful authors, and the platform learns on an iterative basis about how members react to a creator’s past posts. But what other changes have been made, and how do marketing professional adapt?
The past shapes the future
Essentially, the success of the last post at least partially determines the success of the next, as LinkedIn now treats viewer behaviour like a memory. If members repeatedly scroll past a person’s content without engaging, the platform takes note and gradually reduces future exposure for that author to those viewers.
The practical consequence is that marketers must broaden their focus so different segments of their network have reasons to engage. It also means that content which only appeals to a small group will experience narrow reach over time, whereas a mix of formats and topics creates multiple entry points for connection, and subsequently raise engagement.
Freshness and relevance matter more than ever
Timestamps now carry weight as the platform – in theory - prioritises recent events such as breaking sector news, weekly market shifts and fresh data, over recycled links, old memes or stale examples. Evergreen ideas still work, but they must be reframed with current hooks as content that reads like last year’s thinking will be deprioritised. Users will still see older posts in their timelines, but with a growing focus on news.
Finding the posting sweet spot
LinkedIn’s controls on post frequency are in place deliberately. They now mean that posting too often dilutes impact which triggers throttles that protect the broader feed experience, whereas posting too infrequently lets momentum fade. The ideal balance to adapt to the latest algorithm updates are a handful of thoughtful posts a week, spaced so each has time to gather meaningful engagement, which will now perform better than high-volume, low-value posting. Marketers adapting to this should begin with a modest rhythm, monitor engagement trends closely and pull back or intensify only when the data supports the change.
Why duplicate content kills reach
Possibly due to the rise of AI, LinkedIn is now much hotter on plagiarism, and near-identical reposts are now detectable and punished. Republishing a top-performing post with only cosmetic edits basically waves a big red flag in the face of the algorithm which then suppresses distribution. The smarter approach is obviously to transform rather than recycle, and if users really must insist on resharing older content, change the angle, format or audience, or face the digital consequences.
The changing nature of engagement
The LinkedIn algorithm update now also looks in far greater detail at the depth of interactions and reactions. Multi-reply conversations, thoughtful comments that extend a thread and sustained watch-through on short clips are the behaviours that the platform now prizes. Those forms of engagement signal interest and keep people on the platform, which in turn drives distribution. Essentially, discussion drives results, so marketers must adapt their strategies and posts to raise debate, rather than receive a little thumbs up and little else.
Keep it in the platform
LinkedIn (slightly creepily) dislikes people leaving the platform and instead rewards actions that keep users within its ecosystem. Follows, newsletter subscriptions, event RSVPs, group joins and native form completions are all treated as meaningful outcomes and influence future distribution. Therefore, users that design clear, low-friction micro-actions as part of each post — and then measure whether those actions happen — will see steadier returns than those who push people off-platform.
Navigating the future: managing LinkedIn algorithm updates
There are several other changes to adapt to, but the overall message is clear, and meeting these new dynamics requires marketers to make pragmatic changes.
Firstly, content should be tailored so each asset is designed in a way so scrollers understand the benefit in the first line or first three seconds. Predictable series like a weekly market update, a hiring manager Q&A, or a short CV clinic, for example. Also help the algorithm recognise recurring authorship and seeding early, thoughtful engagement from a small, relevant group will amplify a post’s chance of broader engagement, but those nudges must encourage real conversation rather than performative reactions for the sake of it. Profiles increasingly matter too; headlines, about sections and pinned items are the infrastructure that supports content performance and should be managed as deliberately as any piece of editorial.
LinkedIn’s accidental disclosure simply confirmed what anyone using the platform semi-regularly would have experienced; that it favours timely, varied, well-structured publishing which generates meaningful on‑platform interaction. Therefore, marketers and teams that diversify formats, refresh examples, avoid repetition and prioritise substantive engagement will secure the steady, predictable reach that supports their goals.
Looking to develop a high-performing LinkedIn strategy for 2026? If so, get in touch with our team today.
Take a look at our case studies
Post Your Comment