LinkedIn finally reveals what it takes to be a Top Voice
After years of guesswork, LinkedIn has published its criteria. You can even nominate yourself.
Do you aspire to be a LinkedIn Top Voice? LinkedIn has finally published its requirements and best practices. And yes, you can even nominate yourself.
Earlier this week, my friend Admond Lee shared in a group chat a new LinkedIn FAQ none of us had seen before. Here's what you need to know.
LinkedIn Top Voice
According to LinkedIn, Top Voice is an invitation-only programme designed to recognise members from a select group of experts, leaders, changemakers, public figures, and innovators.
For the longest time, scant details were available from LinkedIn. Almost all information came from influencers who shared tips on how to get it. I'll also note that most of them are no longer a Top Voice.
I admit I originally made getting a Top Voice a goal when I started writing daily in 2023. However, the desire faded over time. Why? I realised all rankings are inherently biased by default. In fact, when I received my Top Voice somewhere in August 2024, I never wrote a post about it. Accolades are fleeting, after all. Crucially, I realised I gained great joy in writing and sharing.
But if it's your cup of tea, here's what matters.
What LinkedIn looks for
Three key points caught my attention.
First, Top Voice is not perpetual. Badges are assessed and renewed twice a year. If you are invited, you will remain for at least six months, after which it will be reviewed and renewed. Top Voice status can and is removed, and many have lost it over the years.
Second, originality. A distinctive voice and unique perspectives matter. How I see this is: if your post can be copied and shared verbatim by just about everyone else on the platform, then it's probably not very distinctive or unique.
Third, insights. LinkedIn looks for the sharing of expertise and insights. It doesn't matter if it refers to recent news, is a commentary, or an analysis. The key is whether it adds value to an industry or the community.
My closing thoughts
It's worth noting that the FAQ mentions "prominence" as a consideration. So don't compare yourself to the CEO of a large firm or a prime minister and beat yourself up over it - you’re not starting from the same place.
Can you use fully AI-generated content and become a Top Voice? While this isn't addressed, readers generally don't like obvious AI slop, and I suspect LinkedIn takes that into consideration. But I don't think using AI to edit will compromise your chances.
I've written for almost 1,000 days now, and it is my belief that real-life influence matters more than metrics, rankings, or accolades.
If Top Voice comes, great. If not, keep writing anyway.
