With more than 1.3 billion members around the globe, LinkedIn remains one of the most effective platforms for building brand awareness, business credibility and lead generation. But research shows that organic reach (the number of people who see your content) has dropped by 50%. This is the result of new algorithm updates, an ever-growing number of content creators, and the rise of AI. So, last year’s strategy no longer guarantees results.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing my insights on LinkedIn trends for 2026 to help you build a strong presence on the platform and stay visible in an increasingly crowded feed.
1. Quality over quantity
In my LinkedIn training sessions, I often have to reassure clients that they don’t have to post every day and this remains the case in 2026. Quality trumps quantity every time. Granular metrics (such as dwell time and post saves) are increasingly influencing post reach and visibility so it’s important to create content that delivers real value for your readers. Educational content works particularly well in this respect: how-to posts, industry insights, practical tips, and personal reflections that help your audience learn something new or see a topic differently.
Carousels (document or slideshow posts) often attract strong reach and engagement because they encourage longer dwell time, saves and reposts. Two of my posts went viral last year, and both were tip-based carousel posts. That said, variety keeps your audience engaged. So, mix up your formats and avoid relying too heavily on one approach.
Aim for consistency rather than posting sporadically. LinkedIn expert Richard van der Blom recommends posting 2–3 times a week for niche or local audiences (same time, same days) and 3–5 times a week for global audiences (rotating posting times every few weeks to hit different time zones).
I post on my own feed and on several client accounts from Tuesdays to Thursdays. I create content a week in advance and schedule posts using LinkedIn’s native tool, which saves time and means I don’t forget to post.
2. Human-powered storytelling
AI-generated content is now flooding our feeds. So, authenticity and human-written content can set you apart amidst all this dross. People want to connect with people, not brands. Share lessons learned, personal stories, or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks
Story-driven content often drives higher engagement. Readers are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it’s wrapped in a story. As human beings, we’re hard-wired to remember stories.
You might talk about:
- how you started your career
- what motivates you
- lessons you’ve learned along the way
- challenges or setbacks you’ve faced
- how you’ve pivoted your career/life
- people who inspire you.
Social proof is important, so do share client wins and business successes. But don’t shy away from talking about things that haven’t gone to plan. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but your audience will appreciate your honesty. Research shows that so-called ‘vulnerable’ posts attract 8.5 times the average engagement (Richard van der Blom).
On those occasions when I’ve shared something I’ve found difficult or a lesson learned the hard way, I’ve often been inundated with supportive comments and people sharing similar experiences. Human-powered storytelling will definitely be one of the key LinkedIn trends for 2026.
3. Short-form video to drive visibility
Short-form video remains one of the most powerful and effective formats on LinkedIn. LinkedIn has reported three consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in video uploads, and video posts are shared 20 times more than any other content type (Social Media Today). Research from Hootsuite also shows that video delivers the highest engagement of all LinkedIn post types.
Recording your first video can be intimidating, but it gets easier with practice. Start with a 60-second video where you share an industry insight or a practical tip. Persistence pays off; don’t be discouraged if early videos have few views. Consistently share valuable content and you will start to see results. Take a look at Juma Bannister’s feed on LinkedIn. Juma is a video content strategist and coach. You’ll see a common theme in his video. Each starts with a strong hook and focuses on a single, strong message.
You don’t need professional equipment to create videos for LinkedIn. I record all my videos on my phone using natural light and an inexpensive tripod. Capcut is a great tool for quickly and easily editing videos.
Here are my top tips for creating videos for LinkedIn:
- open your video with a strong hook
- focus on one main message
- use captions for accessibility
- upload your video natively to LinkedIn (rather than using YouTube or Vimeo).
4. Content that sparks conversations
Content that invites participation (such as polls and LinkedIn Lives) will prove even more important in 2026. This is because these interactive formats encourage conversation. LinkedIn is for networking, not broadcasting after all. Posts that generate discussions are often rewarded with higher post reach by LinkedIn’s algorithm.
Polls are one of the easiest formats to create. They’re quick to engage with and often generate interesting comment threats. Choose topical or newsworthy themes but avoid sensitive political or religious topics.
I regularly use polls for market research on new services or offerings. For example, I decided to launch a new LinkedIn Power Hour based on feedback from a poll I ran last year.
5. The rise of co-creation to expand your reach
Collaborations, such as co-hosted lives and challenges, will be one of the key LinkedIn trends for 2026. Collaborations expand your reach by tapping into other professionals’ networks, and they also help you build credibility.
LinkedIn Lives are a great way to collaborate. Co-hosting with someone in a related field can make Lives feel less daunting. For example, a copywriter and a graphic designer might run a live session together to discuss digital marketing trends or the impact of AI. This gives both experts the opportunity to showcase complementary expertise.
6. Engagement is a game-changer
Posting content alone is no longer enough. Engagement is now just as important.
Commenting gives you visibility in another professional’s network. “A single value-packed comment can outperform your average post in views, with far less effort” (Richard van der Blom, Algorithm Report 2025). But a note of caution. This isn’t about leaving generic comments like “Great post!” Instead, share meaningful comments:
- giving your original perspectives or insights
- adding anecdotes
- offering tips
- asking thoughtful questions
- bringing other experts into the conversation.
Evidence shows the algorithm favours longer, in-depth comments over brief ones. These interactions establish you as a knowledgeable voice – even when not posting. Set aside 10 minutes two to three times a week to comment on LinkedIn.
Richard van der Blom’s research also shows that one comment increases the chance you’ll see that creator’s next post by 80 per cent. This has implications for your own post reach and visibility. Comments from new connections can boost your own post reach by up to 40%. So, focus on creating engaging content that generates debate and discussion.
7. Thought leadership
Thought leadership will play a central role in LinkedIn trends for 2026. Audiences have grown tired of overly polished corporate messages. They want to hear from leaders who talk openly about their experiences, decisions, and lessons learned. Talk about how you’ve solved problems, learned from failure, or pivoted your career. This shows that you’re a thoughtful leader, not just an industry expert.
85% of FTSE top CEOs now use LinkedIn, up from 12% in 2023 (Andy Lambert). This indicates that leaders at the highest levels are taking LinkedIn seriously for driving brand awareness and new business. And so should you – whether you’re running a multinational business or a small business.
8. Employee advocacy
Employee advocacy boosts brand visibility and trust. Employees’ networks are up to 10 times larger than corporate pages and people are three times more likely to trust information from an employee than a CEO (Edelman Trust Barometer). This means that employees have an important role to play as brand ambassadors on LinkedIn.
So, if you’re an employer, encourage your people to share:
- industry insights
- behind-the-scenes moments
- company events
- product or service launches.
It’s worthwhile having some simple social media guidelines for employees to follow, outlining a broad framework and practical tips for posting, but don’t try to control the narrative. These posts should come from the heart rather than just echo corporate messages.
Together, thought leadership and employee advocacy create a more human brand on LinkedIn.
9. Topic depth and specialisation
In 2026, depth will beat breadth. Generic, unfocused content will struggle. The following are now key metrics on LinkedIn[i]:
- dwell time (how long people spend engaging with content)
- swipe depth (how far they scroll)
- save rate (indicating long-term value).
That’s why longer-form content, like carousels and other document posts, can play such an important role in your LinkedIn marketing. Create content your readers want to save or share, not just content that attracts likes.
10. AI-driven personalisation and data insights
Linkedin’s analytics are now diving deeper into demographics, engagement and post performance. We’re likely to see even more advanced analytics in 2026, helping us to understand how users interact with our content.
LinkedIn is increasingly using AI to analyse user preferences and behaviour. In 2026, LinkedIn feeds will become increasingly personalised, driven by these insights. Suggested content is already starting to show in our feeds more, similar to TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed. I predict that this will be one of the top LinkedIn trends for 2026.
LinkedIn feeds will increasingly serve suggestions for:
- content aligned to your interests
- relevant people to connect with
- job and learning opportunities
That’s why clarity matters more than ever when you’re creating LinkedIn content. The clearer you are about your audience, message, and expertise, the more effectively LinkedIn’s AI can match your content with the right people.
And finally… hashtags (spoiler: not a LinkedIn trend for 2026)
Will 2026 finally spell the end for hashtags on LinkedIn? Recent research finds posts with three or more hashtags now get 29% less reach (Richard van der Blom, Algorithm Report 2025).
However, hashtags still have value. Use them to signal topic relevance; the first three appear in the post’s URL, giving an external SEO boost. They’re also useful for campaigns and events.
This is what LinkedIn expert Kevin D. Turner shared on LinkedIn in December 2025:
“Hashtags still have an impact on LinkedIn and they still have an impact outside of LinkedIn, even more so with the old indexing search engines and with AI. AI loves hashtags.”
Recent research supports Kevin’s theories. Keep using hashtags but use them sparingly (1-2 at most).
In summary: LinkedIn trends for 2026
So, those are the main LinkedIn trends for 2026 you should be tapping into. My top tips are to test short-form video, interactive formats such as polls, and thought leadership, but make sure you stay focused on value, quality over quantity, and authenticity. That way, you’ll build a strong presence that supports your goals well beyond the year ahead.
If you’d like some help with getting more visible on LinkedIn in 2026, please drop me a message. I offer affordable LinkedIn power hours alongside help with content creation, training and strategy. Get in touch today.
[i] Richard van der Blom, The Algorithm Report
