LinkedIn hits milestone with 1 billion members and unveils new AI features for subscribers

In a special milestone, LinkedIn, the business-focused social network owned by Microsoft, announced on Wednesday, 1 November, 2023, that it has crossed the one billion-member mark. The platform is now rolling out additional artificial intelligence (AI) features for its premium subscribers, further strengthening its position as a top-tier social media network alongside competitors.

LinkedIn's achievement of reaching one billion members is a testament to its global reach, with approximately 80% of its recent sign-ups originating from outside the United States.

While LinkedIn offers a free membership tier, it also provides subscription plans, including a premium tier priced at $39.99 per month. Subscribers to this tier will gain access to cutting-edge AI features designed to enhance their job-seeking and professional networking experiences.

One of the standout features is an AI system that evaluates a user's qualifications and compatibility with job postings based on the information in their profile. This feature is particularly valuable for people navigating through a multitude of job listings, as it provides tailored recommendations to help them identify suitable positions.

Additionally, the AI tool can recommend specific profile enhancements to boost a user's competitiveness in the job market. These proactive suggestions can range from skill development to highlighting relevant experiences, ultimately helping individuals stand out to potential employers.

Tomer Cohen, LinkedIn's Chief Product Officer, emphasized the transformative power of these new AI features, saying, "This tool is designed to help users go from what used to be just seeing a job and feeling insecure to being able to make tremendous progress in just one session, all the way towards an interaction."

In an attempt to enhance user engagement and content consumption, LinkedIn has also introduced a new feature: a button that summarizes lengthy posts into concise bullet points. These summaries are customized for each user, offering different takeaways based on their professional interests. For example, a sales professional might receive a different summary than a stockbroker, ensuring that users receive the most relevant and actionable insights from the platform.

LinkedIn's continued expansion and innovation underscore its commitment to providing professionals with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. With one billion members and cutting-edge AI capabilities, LinkedIn remains a dominant force in the realm of professional networking and career development.