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Mar 11, 09:07AM

How to Grow on LinkedIn in 2026: Video, Authenticity, and Personal Branding

LinkedIn has evolved far beyond a platform for job searches and resumes. Today it is the world’s largest professional network with more than 1.3 billion members, and it has become a powerful space for creators, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses to grow their audience.

Many professionals have built careers, secured partnerships, and launched businesses simply by sharing their knowledge and stories on LinkedIn.

The biggest shift happening right now on the platform is the rise of video content, personal branding, and authentic storytelling.


Why LinkedIn Matters More Than Ever

The nature of work is changing rapidly. Traditional career paths are evolving into more flexible models.

Today:

  • Over 200 million people make a living as creators.
  • Many professionals run side hustles, freelance services, or consulting businesses.
  • People increasingly learn new skills and explore career opportunities online.

LinkedIn is becoming the center of this new professional ecosystem where people connect, learn, and grow their businesses.


Why Video Is Growing Fast on LinkedIn

Video content is becoming one of the most powerful formats on LinkedIn.

There are three main reasons for this trend:

1. Video Drives Higher Engagement

Video consumption on LinkedIn has been growing at a double-digit rate. People naturally engage more with visual storytelling compared to text-only posts.

2. The Platform Is Built on Trust

Unlike many social platforms, LinkedIn is based on real professional identities. When someone shares insights through video, viewers often perceive it as more credible and trustworthy.

3. B2B Buyers Prefer Video

More than 70% of B2B buyers are Millennials or Gen Z. These generations grew up consuming social media video content and prefer learning through it.

If businesses want to communicate effectively with modern buyers, video is becoming essential.


How Young Professionals Can Start Creating Content

Many students and early-career professionals want to build visibility on LinkedIn but feel overwhelmed by the amount of content already being shared.

The key is differentiation.

Instead of repeating what others say, creators should focus on their own experiences and perspectives.

Ask yourself:

  • What unique experiences do I have?
  • What lessons have I learned in my field?
  • What insights can I share that others might find useful?

Even small experiences such as building a side project, starting a small business, or conducting research can provide valuable content ideas.


The Structure of a Strong LinkedIn Video

Successful LinkedIn videos usually follow a simple structure.

1. Start With a Strong Hook

The first few seconds should grab attention immediately. A strong opening statement or question encourages viewers to keep watching.

2. Provide Valuable Insights

Share useful information, lessons, or experiences that help your audience learn something meaningful.

3. End With a Call to Action

Encourage viewers to engage by asking them to comment, share their experiences, or ask questions.


Authenticity vs. Being Too Sales-Focused

One of the biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn is sounding overly promotional.

Content that feels like pure advertising often performs poorly.

Instead, successful creators focus on authentic storytelling.

People connect with content that:

  • Shares real experiences
  • Addresses challenges or failures
  • Offers genuine insights

When audiences feel both an intellectual and emotional connection with content, they are far more likely to engage.


How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Discovery

Your LinkedIn profile plays a major role in how easily others can discover you on the platform.

Many users make the mistake of writing extremely generic headlines.

For example:

“Finance Manager”

While accurate, this description does not help differentiate you.

Instead, your headline should include:

  • Your core expertise
  • Your interests or specialties
  • The value you bring to others

Specificity and uniqueness make profiles more discoverable and memorable.


Why Engagement Matters for LinkedIn Growth

LinkedIn’s algorithm values meaningful engagement within the community.

This includes:

  • Responding to comments on your posts
  • Participating in discussions on other people's posts
  • Sharing thoughtful insights instead of generic comments

Simple responses like “Nice post” rarely create meaningful engagement.

Thoughtful conversations help build stronger professional networks.


How Businesses Should Use LinkedIn

Companies often struggle with deciding whether to rely on brand pages or personal branding from founders and employees.

The most effective approach is usually a combination of both.

Brand Pages

Company pages serve as the official voice of the organization and communicate important updates, products, and insights.

Founder and Employee Content

People naturally connect with other people. When leaders and employees share personal experiences and perspectives, audiences often engage more deeply.

Strong personal brands can significantly boost the visibility of the company itself.


LinkedIn as a Marketplace for Services

LinkedIn is also becoming a growing marketplace for freelancers, consultants, and creators.

Features such as the “View My Services” option allow professionals to showcase the services they offer.

As traditional career paths evolve, platforms like LinkedIn are helping connect businesses with independent professionals more easily.


The Future of LinkedIn

LinkedIn continues to invest heavily in new technologies and features, including:

  • AI-powered hiring tools
  • Sales intelligence tools
  • Creator marketplaces
  • Video advertising and brand partnerships

These innovations are expanding LinkedIn’s role from a professional networking site into a full ecosystem for work, learning, and business growth.


Final Advice for New Creators

If you want to grow on LinkedIn, the most important step is simple:

Share your unique perspective.

Tell stories about your experiences, lessons, and ideas in a way that feels authentic.

People do not want to hear from a “business robot.” They want to hear from real professionals with real insights.

The creators who succeed on LinkedIn are those who combine valuable knowledge with genuine human storytelling.

And in today’s professional world, that combination is incredibly powerful.


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