Observed Signal · Apr 17, 2024 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
LinkedIn: The New 'Absurdistan' of Social Media
This opinion piece criticizes LinkedIn's walled-garden behavior. The author recounts receiving an email from a German entrepreneur asking him to like and comment on a LinkedIn post to boost reach, highlighting the irony of using external channels like WhatsApp and newsletters to drive engagement on LinkedIn. The article notes LinkedIn's growth to one billion users under Microsoft, its strategy of discouraging external links, premium features such as the 'Visit website' button, and internal courses teaching members how to craft engaging content. LinkedIn was recently designated as a 'gatekeeper' under the EU Digital Markets Act, effective March 6, 2024. The piece also contrasts LinkedIn's dominance with the decline of X under Elon Musk and Meta's scattered focus across Threads, Instagram and Facebook. The author questions whether vanity engagement on LinkedIn translates into real traffic and conversions.
Opinion/analysis piece on LinkedIn's walled-garden engagement dynamics and its designation as a gatekeeper under the EU DMA. Relevant for marketers reliant on LinkedIn reach, but not an industry-shifting event.
Track LinkedIn Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- LinkedIn was designated a 'gatekeeper' under the EU Digital Markets Act, which took effect on March 6, 2024.
- LinkedIn is a Microsoft subsidiary that has grown to one billion users.
- LinkedIn discourages external website links and charges for a premium 'Visit website' button.
- LinkedIn offers selected members online courses on which content formats perform best, favoring longer texts and strong images.
- The article argues that vanity engagement metrics on LinkedIn do not necessarily translate into website traffic or conversions.
Connected Companies & Entities
10 Entities mapped“Linkedin hat es vom langweiligen Business-Netzwerk zu einer Milliarde User geschafft und regiert derzeit neben TikTok und Instagram die Atte...”
“Dabei bedient die Microsoft-Tochter das alte Playbook der Social Media....”
“Mark Zuckerberg hat alle Hände voll damit zu tun, mit Threads die Schwäche von X auszunutzen....”
“Linkedin regiert derzeit neben TikTok und Instagram die Attention Economy....”
“Snapchat, Pinterest und Reddit bedienen derweil (großes) Nischenpublikum....”
“Snapchat, Pinterest und Reddit bedienen derweil (großes) Nischenpublikum....”
“Snapchat, Pinterest und Reddit bedienen derweil (großes) Nischenpublikum....”
“Das führte auch zur Zersplitterung der digitalen Öffentlichkeit in immer mehr Messaging-Gruppen bei Telegram, WhatsApp und Signal....”
“Das führte auch zur Zersplitterung der digitalen Öffentlichkeit in immer mehr Messaging-Gruppen bei Telegram, WhatsApp und Signal....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Threads tests Gems to honor valuable posts daily
Threads is testing a new feature called Gems, which awards up to 25 outstanding conversations daily with a visible diamond badge. The selection is algorithm-based, focusing on originality, timeliness, and authentic discussion, regardless of follower count. Posts or direct replies qualify, but reposts and content cross-posted from Instagram are excluded. The feature is currently limited to public US-based accounts of users aged 18 and older, though the badges are visible globally, including in Germany. Recipients get a notification and can share the badge. Users can hide the label if desired. Initial hints appeared in August via app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi. Threads aims to encourage original and engaging content, with no negative impact on reach for non-recipients.
Meta Bans TikTok Ads on Its Platforms in Multiple Regions
Meta has banned advertising for TikTok on its platforms (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) in several countries, including the USA, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand. This action, confirmed by Meta spokesperson Chris Sgro, prevents both ByteDance and third-party advertisers from promoting TikTok within Meta's ecosystem. The ban is seen as a competitive move amidst escalating rivalry between Meta, ByteDance, and YouTube. It may also be linked to Meta's recent $16.7 billion settlement with US states over youth safety, which includes conditions that require competitors like TikTok and YouTube to implement similar protective measures, suggesting a strategic pressure tactic to ensure they share the cost and responsibility of child safety initiatives.
Xbox Launches TV & Film Division; Meta Tests Link Restrictions
This AdExchanger news roundup covers three major stories. Xbox has unveiled a new TV and film division named XP, led by Kayleen Walters, to explore monetization opportunities including formalizing sponsorships and brand partnerships. Separately, Meta is testing Meta One, a subscription bundle, and has begun charging non-subscribed business pages for including more than two external links in posts, with news pages currently exempt. Additionally, the article discusses the trend of mid-sized independent agencies merging into hybrid holding companies, citing Wpromote's acquisition of Giant Spoon, Chemistry's acquisition of Colossus, and Acadia's purchase of Crush, as competitive pressures from larger groups like Omnicom-IPG and Publicis intensify.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.