LinkedIn Follow vs Connect might sound similar, but they work in very different ways. Knowing the difference can help you grow your network smarter and get more from your time on LinkedIn.
In this guide, you’ll learn what each option does, when to use it, and how they can impact your personal brand or business.
Let’s get started and make sure you’re using LinkedIn the right way!
What Does ‘Connect’ on LinkedIn Mean?
When you click Connect on LinkedIn, you are sending a request to add someone to your network. If they accept, you become first-degree connections. This allows you to:
- Directly message each other
- See each other’s full profiles
- Appear in each other’s network
- Endorse and recommend one another
Use Connect when:
- You know the person
- You’ve worked together or met professionally
- You want to start a conversation with them
- You want to build a long-term relationship
Think of connecting like adding someone to your contact list. It’s mutual and usually more personal.
What Does ‘Follow’ on LinkedIn Mean?
When you Follow someone on LinkedIn, you see their public posts and articles in your feed, but they don’t see yours unless they follow you back. There’s no need for mutual approval.
Use Follow when:
- You want to keep up with someone’s content without connecting
- You’re interested in thought leaders, influencers, or executives
- You want to stay informed about trends without messaging
- You’re researching or learning from experts in your field
The following is one-way visibility. It’s perfect for staying in the loop without the formality of a connection.
Key Differences Between LinkedIn Follow vs Connect
| Feature | Connect | Follow |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Two-way (mutual) | One-way (non-mutual) |
| Messaging | Yes | No |
| Profile Access | Full profile | Limited profile (unless public) |
| Content Visibility | Both can see each other’s posts | Follower sees posts; not both ways |
| Ideal For | Networking, colleagues, recruiters | Influencers, learning, content |
Which One Should You Use?
Here’s how to decide:
Choose Connect if:
- You know the person or want to engage in a professional conversation
- You’re applying for a job and want to introduce yourself to the hiring manager
- You’re looking to build a relationship or start a collaboration
Choose Follow if:
- You admire their work and want to see their updates
- You’re not ready to start a conversation
- You prefer passive learning and observing their content
Many professionals do both: they follow first to engage with someone’s content and later connect when they’ve built enough rapport.
How LinkedIn Settings Affect Follow vs Connect
Did you know you can choose your default button on LinkedIn? Here’s how:
1. Go to your LinkedIn profile settings
2. Click on “Visibility”
3. Under “Followers,” choose whether your default button is Follow or Connect
This is especially useful for creators, consultants, or executives who get a lot of connection requests but want to build an audience rather than a network.
Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Connect
Pros:
- Opens up private messaging
- Enables endorsements and recommendations
- Builds a meaningful network
Cons:
- Not everyone accepts connection requests
- Can appear pushy if unsolicited
- May fill your feed with unrelated content if you’re not selective
Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Follow
Pros:
- Less intrusive
- Great for staying informed
- Ideal for learning from leaders and experts
Cons:
- No direct messaging
- Doesn’t create a formal relationship
- Might not show up prominently in the person’s audience insights
Tips to Use Follow and Connect Strategically in 2025
- Personalize your connection requests: Always add a short note explaining why you want to connect.
- Engage with content before connecting: Like or comment on their posts to build familiarity.
- Use Follow to learn: It’s a great research tool for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and students.
- Adjust your visibility settings: Tailor your profile to either grow a network or build a follower base.
Final Thoughts
Both the Follow and Connect features on LinkedIn serve different purposes. One helps you grow your audience, and the other helps you build real relationships. Use them wisely to match your goals, whether you’re networking, hiring, job-hunting, or just learning.
Start by following someone you admire today, or reach out to connect with someone who inspires you.
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