LinkedIn algorithm shifts: 2025-2026

LinkedIn's feed algorithm reshapes itself every quarter. Most operators don't track the shifts, then wonder why their reach dropped. This study aggregates reach-data observations from a sample of 800 operator-creators we work with, across 12,000+ posts, to surface what's changed since late 2024.

Reach by post format (% of follower count, median)

Native video and document carousels lead. Plain text posts have stable reach. External links continue to suppress reach by ~30%, despite LinkedIn's claims that the link penalty was reduced.

Reach trend over the 24-month window

Average reach per post (% of follower count) trended down through 2025 and stabilized in early 2026. The decline maps to LinkedIn's content-density growth — more creators, same finite feed time per user.

First-30-minute engagement weight

We observed posts with strong first-30-minute engagement reaching 4–7x the audience of posts with similar total engagement spread over 6 hours. The window narrowed in mid-2025 (was 60 minutes; now firmly 30).

Creator-authority weight (estimated)

Follower count's weight as a ranking signal dropped meaningfully in late 2025. Posts from smaller-but-engaged accounts started winning reach battles against larger-but-passive ones. Comment-and-engage-back behavior weighs more now than raw follower count.

Key takeaways

• Native video and document carousels win reach. If you can ship them at quality, do.
• External links still suppress reach. Drop links in the first comment, not the post body.
• First-30-minute engagement is everything. 4–7x lift between low and high deciles. Post when your audience is most likely to engage immediately.
• Follower count matters less than ever. Smaller engaged accounts beat larger passive ones. Don't optimize for follower count growth as a primary metric.
• Engagement-back behavior matters. Replying to your own post's comments lifts the post's reach. Drive-by publishing tanks it.