LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 850 million members worldwide. It allows professionals to connect with each other, find jobs, follow companies, and grow their careers. With so many users, LinkedIn aims to provide features that help members effectively network and communicate. One feature that many users wonder about is if LinkedIn has its own instant messaging system or “Messenger” similar to Facebook Messenger.
Does LinkedIn Have a Messenger App?
The short answer is no, LinkedIn does not have its own standalone messaging app. LinkedIn focuses more on professional networking and employment-related connections rather than casual social messaging between friends. However, LinkedIn does allow members to send direct messages to each other through the LinkedIn website and mobile apps.
While LinkedIn does not have a separate messenger app, members can send private messages to their connections right within the main LinkedIn platform. On LinkedIn’s website, users can message connections by clicking on the “Message” button on a connection’s profile. In the LinkedIn mobile app, tapping the “Connect” button on a profile will reveal options to send a message.
So in summary, LinkedIn does have messaging capabilities to privately communicate with connections, but this is built into LinkedIn’s core platform rather than through a standalone app like Facebook Messenger.
LinkedIn Messaging Features
LinkedIn’s messaging includes standard features that allow members to have conversations and share files or media. Some key features include:
- Send and receive text messages
- Chat in real-time with typing indicators
- Share photos, PDFs, and other documents
- Receive read receipts when your messages are seen
In addition, LinkedIn messaging also has some limitations:
- No video calling
- No voice messages
- No disappearing messages
- No stickers or GIFs
The messaging capabilities are designed for professional networking conversations rather than casual chats. While you can certainly send quick messages to connections, the feature set is more limited compared to other social media messaging apps.
LinkedIn Messaging vs Email
Given that LinkedIn doesn’t have a full standalone messenger app, is it better to message connections directly or email them? Here is a comparison between LinkedIn messaging and email:
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In general, LinkedIn messaging is better for short, casual conversations with your connections right within LinkedIn. Email may be preferred for longer conversations, more formal outreach, and if you want a record of the communication outside of LinkedIn’s platform.
How to Send a Message on LinkedIn
Sending messages on LinkedIn is easy to do through their website or mobile apps. Here are the steps to send a message:
Website
To send a message on LinkedIn’s website:
- Go to the profile of the connection you want to message
- Click the “Message” button near the top right of their profile
- Type your message in the text box at the bottom
- Hit enter or click the paper airplane icon to send
You can attach files like photos or PDFs by clicking the paperclip icon in the message box.
Mobile App
The process is very similar in LinkedIn’s iOS and Android apps:
- Go to the profile of the connection you want to message
- Tap the “Connect” button near the top right of their profile
- Select the “Send message” option
- Type your message at the bottom of the screen
- Tap the paper airplane icon to send your message
The mobile app also allows you to easily attach photos from your camera roll or files from cloud storage providers.
Is LinkedIn Messaging Useful?
LinkedIn messaging provides a direct way to communicate with your professional connections right within the LinkedIn ecosystem. Here are some examples of how LinkedIn messaging can be useful:
- Following up after connecting – Send a quick note to start a conversation after connecting with someone new.
- Making interview arrangements – Message potential employers to schedule interviews.
- Sharing updates – Let your network know about new jobs, articles, or other updates.
- Sending files – Securely share resumes, presentations, and documents.
- Making professional introductions – Introduce two connections who could benefit from knowing each other.
Messaging capabilities give LinkedIn members a lightweight way to communicate without having to switch to external email or other tools. For quick professional conversations, LinkedIn messaging can be very practical.
LinkedIn Messaging Best Practices
To use LinkedIn messaging most effectively, keep these best practices in mind:
- Be professional – This is business communication, not casual chat.
- Keep messages concise – Get to the point clearly and concisely.
- Proofread carefully – Typos or sloppy messages create a bad impression.
- Add a personal touch – Make messages warm and conversational, not robotic.
- Follow up consistently – Reply promptly when you receive messages.
- Respect boundaries – Don’t over message if someone is unresponsive.
Follow these tips, and your LinkedIn messaging will leave your connections with a positive professional impression.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn does not have its own dedicated messaging app, members can directly communicate via LinkedIn’s built-in messaging features. LinkedIn messaging is best suited for short, professional conversations rather than long email-style exchanges or casual social chats. Follow LinkedIn messaging best practices, and it can be a useful tool to engage your professional network. But if you need more advanced messaging capabilities, standalone apps like WhatsApp or Skype may be preferable. Overall, LinkedIn aims to keep messaging focused on serving its core goal of professional networking rather than competing with social media messaging apps.