LinkedIn uses distinct terminology—Connecting and Following—that often confuses users migrating from other social media environments. These terms represent fundamentally different types of user relationships and access levels. Understanding the functional and strategic differences between these two actions is necessary for effectively building a professional network and managing content consumption. This article clarifies the specific implications of each action and guides users toward more intentional networking choices.
Defining the LinkedIn Connection
A Connection establishes a 1st-degree relationship, signifying a mutual and accepted professional tie between two users. This status is the platform’s equivalent of exchanging business cards or being considered a direct contact. Achieving this status requires a formal invitation from one party and a deliberate acceptance from the other, creating a verified, two-way link.
The Connection status represents a known professional relationship or a strong intention to collaborate or network closely. Once established, this relationship moves the two members into the same immediate professional tier. This has significant ramifications for network visibility and communication access.
Understanding the Following Function
Following is a unilateral, one-way action that does not require the approval of the person being followed. When a user chooses to follow another member, they are primarily signaling an interest in consuming that person’s professional content. This relationship is centered on content delivery and consumption, rather than a direct professional tie.
Following is the mechanism for maintaining awareness of a person’s public professional activity, such as their posts, articles, and public updates. This function allows users to curate a feed of relevant industry insights without establishing a 1st-degree connection. The follower gains visibility into the professional content, but the followed member does not necessarily gain reciprocal access or network expansion.
Functional Differences Between Following and Connecting
Requirement for Mutual Approval
The most immediate distinction lies in the requirement for mutual agreement. A Connection requires a deliberate two-way acceptance from both users to formalize the 1st-degree status. This process ensures that both parties consent to the elevated level of access and visibility that comes with being a direct contact.
Following is purely a unidirectional choice made by the initiating user. A member can follow any other member who has their profile set to public, and the action takes effect immediately without approval. This allows users to monitor the professional activity of industry leaders or public figures who often maintain a strict policy on accepting connection requests.
Access to Direct Messaging
Being a 1st-degree Connection unlocks standard, free direct messaging capabilities between two users. This feature is fundamental for private professional communication, allowing members to engage in discussions about job opportunities, collaborations, or networking introductions. This unrestricted messaging access is a primary benefit of the mutual Connection status.
A Follower, who is not a 1st-degree Connection, typically cannot initiate a standard private message to the person they follow. To contact a non-connected member, the user needs to utilize a paid service, such as InMail, available through a premium subscription. Non-connections can also communicate if they share membership in the same LinkedIn Group, which grants limited messaging rights.
Visibility and Network Depth
Connections serve a significant function in expanding a user’s network visibility beyond their immediate contacts. Being connected makes their entire network visible as 2nd-degree connections, and those contacts’ networks become 3rd-degree connections. This cascading effect is useful for professionals involved in recruiting, sales prospecting, or industry research.
Following does not contribute to the expansion of this deeper network map. A follower gains content access from the followed individual but does not gain visibility into that individual’s 1st-degree connections. This limitation means Following is purely for content and visibility related to the individual, not for leveraging their broader professional network.
Feed Content Access
Both Connections and Followers see content generated by the user in their feeds, but the algorithm may assign different priorities. Content from 1st-degree Connections is often treated with a higher priority, reflecting the platform’s assumption that these relationships are professionally closer. This means a user is more likely to see content from their direct Connections.
The content seen by a Follower is typically limited to the followed member’s public posts, articles, and accepted shares. This feed access is purely for viewing the public professional output of the member. The Connection status signifies a closer relationship that may receive preferential treatment in content delivery.
Strategic Applications for Networking
Users should employ a thoughtful strategy when deciding whether to Connect or Follow, aligning their choice with specific professional goals. Connecting is appropriate when the user seeks a reciprocal relationship, such as with colleagues, mentors, recruiters, or potential clients who require direct, private communication. This choice signifies a desire to integrate that person into one’s immediate professional circle and leverage their network for future opportunities.
Following is better suited for maintaining awareness of the professional activity of industry thought leaders, high-profile executives, or competitors. These individuals often have thousands of followers and rarely accept connection requests from those they do not know personally. By choosing to follow, a user ensures they receive regular updates and insights without overburdening their 1st-degree network.
Building a professional network involves segmenting contacts based on the nature of the relationship. Users should reserve Connection requests for people they genuinely wish to communicate with or who will be important 1st-degree assets. Utilizing the Follow button for industry influencers allows a user to maintain market awareness while keeping their core professional network focused and actionable.
Default Settings and Automatic Following
A common source of confusion arises from the platform’s default behavior regarding mutual relationships. When a Connection request is sent and accepted, the system automatically establishes a reciprocal Follow status between the two members. This means all 1st-degree Connections are also mutual Followers, ensuring both parties see each other’s public updates.
LinkedIn allows every member to customize their profile settings to manage content reach. Any member can adjust their profile to allow anyone on the platform to follow them without restriction. This setting is frequently adopted by content creators and public speakers who wish to maximize the distribution of their professional insights.