• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Social Media Examiner

Your Guide to the Marketing Jungle

  • 🔥 Free Newsletter
  • 🎙️ Podcasts
    • Social Media Marketing Podcast
    • AI Explored Podcast
    • Social Media Marketing Talk Show
    • Our YouTube Channel
  • 🌟 AI Society
  • 🗓️ Marketing Conference
  • đź‘‹ About Us
    • Marketing Events
  • Search
  • Embrace AI & MarketingGet Ongoing Training & SupportBEGIN YOUR JOURNEY NOW

    LinkedIn Messages: What Marketers Need to Know

    by Louise Brogan / March 2, 2021

    Want a more personal way to communicate with people on LinkedIn? Did you know that LinkedIn messaging has evolved?

    In this article, you'll discover how to use LinkedIn Messages to deliver text, video, and voice messaging to individuals or groups on LinkedIn, and how to manage your LinkedIn Messages inbox.

    LinkedIn Messages: What Marketers Need to Know by Louise Brogan on Social Media Examiner.

    LinkedIn Messages: What's New

    LinkedIn messaging has been around for a while, but new features are evolving to make Messages more valuable.

    For example, LinkedIn Messages now lets you send a message to any of your co-workers, or people you're in a group or event with—regardless of whether you are official LinkedIn connections. Additionally, if you receive a message request from someone who isn't in your LinkedIn network, you can choose to accept it or privately decline.

    Here's how to make the most of these and other new features and functionalities.

    Managing LinkedIn Messages

    #1: Set Up Smart Replies for LinkedIn Messages

    Most messages that people send (and receive) on LinkedIn are text.

    LinkedIn has introduced Smart Replies to help you manage messages during a busy day. It's AI-operated and pre-populates suggested responses. If you click on one of these options, it's sent immediately. The most common responses shown are the thumbs-up icon, Not Sure, and Thanks.

    The suggestions are based on the tone of your conversation. In this example, the message is friendly and enthusiastic so the suggested smart replies are informal.

    ALT

    There are also more formal suggested responses.

    ALT

    You can turn Smart Replies on or off in your settings. Click on the Me icon at the top of your home screen and select Settings & Privacy.

    On the next page, select the Communications tab in the left menu and then toggle the Reply Suggestions option to choose your preference.

    AI Business Society

    Ready to Unlock AI Marketing Breakthroughs?

    If you’re like most of us, you are trying to figure out how to use AI in your marketing. Here's the solution: The AI Business Society—a new AI marketing community from your friends at Social Media Examiner.

    The AI Business Society is the place to discover how to apply AI in your work. When you join, you'll boost your productivity, unlock your creativity, and make connections with other marketers on a similar journey.

    I'M READY TO BECOME AN AI-POWERED MARKETER

    ALT

    If you're a LinkedIn Premium user, you have the option to use Quick Replies to InMail messages. Unlike Smart Replies, which are machine-led, there are only two options for Quick Replies: “Yes, I'm interested” and “No thank you.”

    #2: Get Email Notifications for LinkedIn Messages

    LinkedIn lets you choose whether you want to receive email notifications about your messages.

    To set your preferences, go to Settings & Privacy under the Me menu. On the Communications tab, select Email and then Conversations.

    ALT

    You can set the notification frequency to none, individually, weekly digest, or recommended.

    ALT

    #3: Filter and Manage LinkedIn Message Conversations

    To manage your LinkedIn inbox, click on the Messaging tab at the top of the page.

    If you want to filter your existing messages, click on the Filter icon and choose All Messages, Archived, My Connections, Unread, InMail, or Spam.

    ALT

    When you click on a message, you can choose to mark the message as unread, delete the message, or archive the message.

    ALT

    To archive or delete multiple LinkedIn messages at the same time, click on the three dot icon and select Manage Conversations from the drop-down menu.

    Next, select the messages you want to manage and choose Mark as Unread, Delete, or Archive.

    ALT

    #4: Mute or Delete a LinkedIn Message Conversation

    To mute or unmute a conversation on LinkedIn, select the message and then click on the three dot icon at the top-right corner. From the drop-down menu, select Mute.

    ALT

    To unmute the conversation, simply choose the unmute option.

    ALT

    If you choose to delete a conversation on LinkedIn, this decision is irreversible.

    #5: Report LinkedIn Messages

    If you've received an abusive or unwanted message, you can report it to LinkedIn.

    LinkedIn has a built-in spam warning feature. If a message has been flagged as potentially inappropriate, LinkedIn will add this warning: “This message may contain unwanted or harmful content.” If the message is inappropriate, you can report it. You can also mark it as “Safe Content.”

    If you report it, a pop-up will appear with reasons for reporting the message. Note that you can still report an inappropriate message if the sender has deleted it.

    #6: React to, Forward, or Share LinkedIn Messages

    To forward or share a LinkedIn message on desktop, hover over the message until a pop-up appears with options to react to or share it.

    To react to the message, choose one of the emoji reactions.

    To forward the message to someone in your LinkedIn network, click on the three dot icon in the pop-up and select the message to forward it inside LinkedIn. You'll also find the option to share it via email.

    When forwarding a message to another connection on LinkedIn, a message window will appear. Add the person you want to send the message to. As you start to type, LinkedIn will share a list of your connections' names to select from. You can send a message to a group of people by adding multiple names.

    ALT

    The message that you're forwarding will be set as an inline topic. A best practice is to include a note about why you're forwarding this message to your contact.

    To share a LinkedIn message via email, select the Share via Email option. Your associated email provider will open up with a pre-populated message:

    ALT

    Note: The ability to send a message to someone via email depends on their personal email notification settings inside LinkedIn Settings & Privacy options.

    Keep in mind that LinkedIn messages can only be forwarded once. For example, if I forward a message to Nicole, she can't forward it to a third person.

    Sending LinkedIn Messages

    #7: Send LinkedIn InMail

    LinkedIn has a premium feature for messaging called InMail, which allows you to send a message to people who aren't in your network. Premium users have a set number of InMail credits each month, depending on which paid plan they have. These credits are valid for 90 days and will roll over to the next month until the 90-day period expires. If someone accepts your InMail request, you'll receive a credit back to your InMail account.

    If you don't have a LinkedIn Premium account but the person with Premium has set their account to Open Profile, you can send them a LinkedIn Message.

    InMail differs from a normal message, as you can add a title/subject of up to 200 characters and the message can be up to 2,000 characters. The recipient of the InMail will see your message and can choose to select “Yes, interested” or “No thanks.”

    You can set your own LinkedIn account to prevent someone from sending you InMail by turning this feature off inside your Settings & Privacy.

    #8: Share a Post via LinkedIn Messaging

    If you see a post in your LinkedIn news feed and want to share it with someone in your network using LinkedIn Messages, click the Send option underneath the post.

    Discover Proven Marketing Strategies and Tips

    Want to go even deeper with your marketing? Check out the Social Media Marketing Podcast! Publishing weekly since 2012, the Social Media Marketing Podcast helps you navigate the constantly changing marketing jungle, with expert interviews from marketing pros.

    But don’t let the name fool you. This show is about a lot more than just social media marketing. With over 600 episodes and millions of downloads each year, this show has been a trusted source for marketers for well over a decade.

    CHECK OUT THE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING PODCAST NOW

    A New Message pop-up will then appear where you can compose your message. Note that if the original poster has set their post to be viewed by connections only, you won't have the ability to share it in a message.

    ALT

    If you don't want your network to share your posts in a message with someone outside your network, choose your settings when you create the post.

    ALT

    #9: Add an Attachment to a LinkedIn Message

    You can add various types of files as attachments to LinkedIn messages, including documents (like PDFs and presentations), photos, video, GIFs, and emojis. The attachments can be up to 20MB in size.

    To add an attachment to a LinkedIn message, click on the paperclip icon or drag and drop your file into the message box. To add an image, click on the image icon.

    ALT

    #10: Send a LinkedIn Voice Message

    LinkedIn now lets you send voice messages via the LinkedIn mobile app to your 1st-degree connections. The message can be up to 1 minute in length, and after you record it, you'll have the choice to send or delete it.

    To send a voice message, tap on the Messaging icon at the top right of your mobile app screen or select the person you want to send your message to.

    Next, select the microphone option. Hold down the microphone to record your message.

    ALT

    A pop-up window will invite you to Send or Cancel your message.

    To listen to a voice message you've received (or one you've sent), tap on the blue bar and hit the play button to listen.

    ALT

    #11: Send a LinkedIn Video Message

    You can send a video directly from the LinkedIn mobile app or attach a pre-recorded video and send it via both desktop and mobile.

    To create a video and send it directly through LinkedIn Messages, use the mobile app. Tap on the plus sign at the bottom left of the screen and select Video from the pop-up menu.

    ALT

    Your camera screen will then open. Choose whether to record yourself or flip the camera to record what you're looking at.

    At the top of the screen, you'll see options to add stickers to the video. These are similar to those you use inside LinkedIn Stories. There are two broad categories of stickers: Community and Events, and Current Status.

    ALT

    To start recording, press the red camera button at the bottom of your screen. If you're sending a video message, you must record for more than 3 seconds.

    Once your video is complete, tap the blue arrow at the bottom of the screen to send it. You currently can't add any text to send along with this video unless you write a new message. The video is sent instantly.

    ALT

    Note: If you aren't connected to someone, you can't send them a personalized video message. They need to be included in a group message conversation.

    Group Messaging Options via LinkedIn Messages

    #12: Send Video Meeting Links With LinkedIn Messages

    LinkedIn has integrated with Zoom, Blue Jeans, and MS Teams to add the ability to create an instant or scheduled video conference call via Messages. LinkedIn doesn't host the video calls on the platform so either you need to have an existing account or to open one.

    To send a video conference request via a LinkedIn message, open Messaging on mobile or desktop and click on the Video Meeting icon.

    ALT

    Next, choose your video meeting provider and log in if prompted.

    ALT

    Once you've selected your provider, choose whether to have an instant meeting or schedule one. The link for your meeting will show up in your message conversation.

    ALT

    #13: Create a LinkedIn Messages Group Chat

    LinkedIn lets you create a group chat with multiple members of your network.

    To get started, click on Messaging and then the three dot icon at the top right. From the drop-down menu, select New Group Conversation.

    ALT

    Next, add the names of the connections you want to add to the group chat.

    ALT

    At the bottom of the window, you can also add a name for your group chat (this is optional).

    ALT

    When you're done, click the Next button.

    You can add up to 50 members in a LinkedIn group chat. Everyone in the group chat can add or remove members and edit the conversation name.

    LinkedIn recommends that you use this feature appropriately for connecting communities. Members are able to leave and/or report activity in the group.

    To leave a group chat, click on the the three dot icon at the top-right and choose Leave Conversation.

    If you want to add someone to an existing LinkedIn conversation, select Create Group Chat from the menu.

    ALT

    #14: Start a LinkedIn Messages Event Chat

    LinkedIn Events now has a feature where you can create a chat with other members attending the same event.

    If you're hosting a webinar or attending a conference that has a LinkedIn event created around it, this is a good way to interact with fellow attendees. You can set up the event chat before the actual event date and also follow up with attendees during and after the event ends.

    As an event host, encourage your attendees to use the chat.

    To find the event chat, click on the event you're attending or hosting. In the left-hand column, click on Chat.

    ALT

    Conclusion

    LinkedIn Messages has many features to help you build on your existing network and strengthen relationships. Sending video or audio messages can help your message stand out and starting group or event chats will help amplify your message. Using more of the features available within LinkedIn Messages should help make it a valuable tool for your business.

    What do you think? Are you inspired to try some of these LinkedIn Messages features? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

    More articles on LinkedIn marketing:

    • Discover how to enhance your LinkedIn marketing with video.
    • Find out how to manage your LinkedIn presence in 10 minutes a day.
    • Learn how to create LinkedIn sponsored content ads.
    AI EXPLORED

    Curious About How to Use AI?

    Our newest show, AI Explored, might be just what you're looking for. It's for marketers, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to understand how to use AI in their business.

    It's hosted by Michael Stelzner and explores this exciting new frontier in easy-to-understand terms.

    Pull up your favorite podcast app and search for AI Explored. Or click the button below for more information.

    I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AI

    Tags: LinkedIn

    About the authorLouise Brogan

    Louise Brogan is owner of Social Bee and hosts the Linking in with Louise podcast. She helps small business and entrepreneurs raise their profile online using LinkedIn and other social media channels.
    Other posts by Louise Brogan »

    Get Social Media Examiner’s Future Articles in Your Inbox!

    Get our latest articles delivered to your email inbox and get the FREE Social Media Marketing Industry Report (43 pages, 50+ charts)!

    Industry Report Cover

    Worth Exploring:

    Facebook

    Marketing Help Explore More →

    Instagram

    Marketing Help Explore More →

    YouTube

    Marketing Help Explore More →

    Linkedin

    Marketing Help Explore More →

    AI

    Next Frontier Explore More →

    Social Media Marketing Industry Report

    Get Free Report →

    Social Marketing Trends

    The data you've been missing!

    Need a new plan? Discover how marketers plan to change their social activities in the 17th annual Social Media Marketing Industry Report. It reveals what marketers have planned for their social activities, content marketing, and more! Get this free report now and never miss another great article from us. Join more than 385,000 marketers!

    Simply click the button below to get the free report:

    Footer

    Your Guide to the Marketing Jungle
    Copyright © 2025 Social Media Examiner®
    All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy.

    Helpful Links

    • About us
    • Our content via email
    • Our podcasts
    • Our YouTube channel
    • Our live show
    • Our social media marketing industry report
    • Our generative AI marketing industry report
    • Sponsorship opportunities
    • RSS