The LinkedIn API allows developers to access LinkedIn data and integrate LinkedIn functionality into applications. To get access to the LinkedIn API, you need to go through an application approval process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get approved for LinkedIn API access.
Step 1: Create a LinkedIn Developer Account
The first step is to create a LinkedIn developer account if you don’t already have one. Go to the LinkedIn Developers site and click “Sign up” in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to create your developer account.
Make sure to use a real email address you have access to. LinkedIn will send verification emails and notifications to this address about your developer account status.
Step 2: Register Your Application
Once you have a LinkedIn developer account, you need to register a new application to get API access. Here’s how:
- Go to https://www.linkedin.com/developers/apps/new/ and log in with your developer account.
- Enter your application name, description, logo, application use case, website URL, and business email address.
- Agree to LinkedIn’s API Terms of Use.
- Click “Submit” to register your application.
This will register your application with LinkedIn. You’ll be able to find your registered apps under the “My Apps” section of your LinkedIn developer account.
Step 3: Select Your LinkedIn API Products
LinkedIn has different API products you can access depending on your use case. The main products include:
- LinkedIn Login – Enables LinkedIn login and account verification.
- Share on LinkedIn – Allows sharing content to LinkedIn including link sharing and share button integration.
- Jobs – Access to LinkedIn’s job posting APIs.
- Ads – Programmatic access to LinkedIn’s advertising platform.
- Marketing Developer Platform – Access member data, interest insights, Matched Audiences and more for marketing.
- Sales Navigator – Integrate Sales Navigator data into CRM and sales tools.
You’ll need to select at least one API product you want access to. You can always request additional products later if needed. The products you select will determine the level of access and specific APIs you can use.
Step 4: Submit Your Application for Review
Once you’ve registered your app and selected API products, you need to submit your application for LinkedIn’s review and approval. Here’s how to submit your app:
- In your LinkedIn developer account, go to “My Apps”.
- Select your registered app.
- Scroll down and click “Submit for Review”.
- Review the information and make sure it’s accurate.
- Read and accept the LinkedIn API Agreement.
- Click “Submit” to send your app for review.
LinkedIn states that review normally takes 1-3 business days. You’ll receive email notifications on the status of your review.
Step 5: Get API Review Feedback
Once LinkedIn has reviewed your application, you’ll get one of three responses:
- Your app was approved – Your app met LinkedIn’s guidelines. You can now generate API keys and start integrating LinkedIn data.
- Changes required – LinkedIn requires changes before approving your app. Read their feedback and update your app as needed.
- Your app was rejected – Your app did not meet LinkedIn’s guidelines. Read their feedback to understand why it was rejected.
If your app requires changes or was rejected, you’ll need to go through the review process again after updating your application.
Step 6: Generate API Keys
If your app was approved, you can now generate API keys to start accessing LinkedIn data. Here’s how to get your API keys:
- In your LinkedIn developer account, go to “My Apps”.
- Select your approved app.
- Scroll down to “Authentication” and click “Add New Application”.
- Select the authentication method you want to use (OAuth 2.0 or Simple OAuth).
- Agree to the terms of service.
- LinkedIn will generate your Client ID and Client Secret (API keys).
Make sure to copy and store these API keys securely, as you’ll need them to authenticate when making API requests.
Step 7: Start Integrating the LinkedIn API
You now have approved access to the LinkedIn API! Refer to LinkedIn’s documentation on how to use their APIs and integrate the functionality into your application.
Key steps include:
- Setting up OAuth 2.0 or Simple OAuth authentication using your Client ID and Secret.
- Constructing well-formed API requests to LinkedIn endpoints.
- Properly handling access tokens, response data, error messages, etc.
- Abiding by all LinkedIn guidelines, rate limits, and restrictions for their APIs.
LinkedIn also provides client libraries and SDKs in various programming languages to simplify API integration. Leverage these tools to accelerate your development.
With your approved API access, you can now integrate powerful LinkedIn data and capabilities into your applications! Their APIs allow you to tap into LinkedIn’s over 660+ million members for marketing, sales intelligence, job listings, and more.
Conclusion
Getting access to the LinkedIn API requires registering as a developer, submitting an application, and getting approval to access one or more API products. The key steps are:
- Create a LinkedIn developer account.
- Register a new application.
- Select the LinkedIn API products you need.
- Submit your application for LinkedIn review.
- Make any changes if required.
- Generate API keys once approved.
- Integrate the APIs into your application.
With API access, you can leverage LinkedIn data and capabilities for a wide range of use cases. Their APIs allow you to tap into their extensive platform and large member base. Follow LinkedIn’s guidelines and documentation to ensure your API implementation meets their standards.