LinkedIn is set to introduce a transformative change to its algorithm that could significantly extend the lifespan of your top posts. This year (2024 as of writing), LinkedIn will start implementing "suggested posts," a feature designed to display your most valuable posts to targeted users for months, or even years. This change is part of a broader strategy to prioritise the dissemination of professional knowledge over mere viral content.

Tim Jurka, a senior director of engineering at LinkedIn, explained that this new feature aims to make important professional insights readily available whenever users need them, rather than letting them disappear quickly in the typical fast-paced newsfeed cycle. This is a shift from focusing solely on the recency of posts to a more nuanced approach that considers the relevance and enduring value of the content.

The platform is also rolling out other tools aimed at enhancing user connectivity and growth. These include customisable profile buttons for premium members, verified badges to increase trustworthiness, and the ability to promote posts as thought leadership ads. Additionally, LinkedIn continues to enhance its creator tools, making features like LinkedIn Live and deeper analytics available to a broader audience.

Despite these exciting developments, some LinkedIn users have noted a decrease in the reach of their posts since these algorithm changes began. However, LinkedIn's management suggests that while broad reach is decreasing, the quality and relevance of connections are improving, fostering more significant economic opportunities for users.

In summary, LinkedIn's upcoming algorithm change to include "suggested posts" promises to keep valuable content accessible to the right audience for longer periods, enhancing the platform's role as a critical resource for professional development and connectivity. These efforts, along with additional new features, aim to tailor user experiences more precisely and support substantial professional engagement over mere visibility.