LinkedIn algorithm 2026, declining impressions, and why authenticity still matters.
Has anyone else noticed the amount of conversation on LinkedIn lately about...LinkedIn? Specifically, the dreaded ALGORITHM. Impressions are down. Engagement is down. People are frustrated that their feeds are filled with content from strangers instead of the people they actually follow. Everyone seems to be searching for the secret formula to get their posts seen again.
I get it. When you spend time creating content, you want people to see it. But somewhere along the way, I think we've started allowing an algorithm to dictate what we say, how we say it, and whether we consider it valuable.
Recently, I had Natasha Walstra on my Women In... podcast. Natasha was named one of LinkedIn's Top 10 most influential people. Pretty cool, right? Our conversation reminded me just how much opportunity exists on this platform to build relationships, share ideas, and connect with people we might never otherwise meet.
So, how do you crack the LinkedIn algorithm code?
My advice? DON'T.
Seriously. Post what is authentic to YOU. Share something you've learned. Celebrate a win. Ask a question you genuinely want insight on. Offer a hot take that might challenge conventional thinking. Or, if you're like me, share your toxic travel traits and discover that apparently you're not the only person with some questionable airport habits. LOL.
Not every post needs to establish you as a thought leader. Not every story needs a leadership lesson. Sometimes the best conversations happen when we stop trying so hard to manufacture them.
But because I'm also a big believer in being informed, I did some research into what LinkedIn is actually saying about its algorithm in 2026. Guess what? Some of the findings might surprise you.
What LinkedIn Actually Wants in 2026
In March 2026, LinkedIn announced changes to its feed that use more advanced AI to understand what posts are about and match them with people's professional interests. That's why you're seeing content from people you don't follow. LinkedIn is trying to predict what you'll find valuable, not simply show you everything your connections publish.
According to LinkedIn's own updates, here are a few practical things worth knowing:
Share something meaningful. LinkedIn says it's reducing the visibility of generic, recycled content and engagement bait. Original perspectives, useful insights, and actual experiences are more aligned with what its system is designed to surface.
Have real conversations. Comments, shares, and meaningful interactions help LinkedIn understand what people care about. Don't just post and disappear. Respond to people who take the time to engage with you.
Make your expertise clear. LinkedIn considers your profile, professional background, skills, and the subjects you discuss when matching content with audiences. You don't have to talk about only one topic, but give people a reason to understand your perspective.
Stop chasing artificial engagement. LinkedIn is actively limiting automated comments, engagement pods, and other attempts to manipulate visibility. Apparently, pretending to have conversations isn't the same as actually having them. Imagine that!
Give people something worth reading. LinkedIn considers how people interact with content, including whether they spend time with it or quickly scroll past. A thoughtful story or useful observation gives people a reason to stay.
Take some control of your own feed. If you're tired of seeing content from strangers, use LinkedIn's Most recent first sorting option when available, or mark irrelevant posts as Not interested. You can influence what LinkedIn shows you, even if you can't control it completely.
These aren't magic tricks. They're simply useful things to understand about how the platform works. You can read more directly from LinkedIn in its March 2026 feed update and its explanation of how feed relevance works.
Are We Measuring the Wrong Thing?
Here's what I keep coming back to. We get so focused on impressions that we sometimes forget about IMPACT.
Would you rather have 50,000 people scroll past your post or have 500 people read something that genuinely makes them think? What if one of those 500 becomes a client, a collaborator, a mentor, or a lifelong friend?
I've built some incredible relationships through LinkedIn, podcasting, and simply being willing to put myself out there. I can assure you, not every post was a home run. Some of the conversations that mattered most started with something I shared because I genuinely wanted to, not because I thought the algorithm would reward me.
So yes, pay attention to your analytics. Learn what resonates. Be intentional about how you communicate. There's nothing wrong with wanting your content to reach more people.
But please don't let declining impressions convince you that your voice has become less valuable.
The algorithm will change again. And again. And probably again before I finish writing this blog.
Your authenticity doesn't need to.
Post what matters to you. Start conversations. Celebrate people. Share your perspective. Have a little fun.
And for f*ck's sake, stop letting a computer decide whether you had something worthwhile to say.
