In today’s professional world, LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume — it’s a global stage where voices can rise, influence can grow, and credibility can flourish. Among its most recognized honors is the LinkedIn Top Voice badge, a distinction awarded to professionals who consistently share insights that spark meaningful conversations. If you’ve ever wondered how do you become a LinkedIn Top Voice or what it takes to stand out, you’re in the right place.
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify some terms. Many people ask: what is LinkedIn Top Voice? Simply put, it’s LinkedIn’s way of highlighting individuals who are thought leaders in their industries. Selected by the platform’s editorial team, these individuals represent the best of professional knowledge-sharing. In this blog, we’ll explore the LinkedIn Top Voice criteria, the LinkedIn Top Voice categories, and practical steps on how to become a LinkedIn Top Voice yourself.
What is LinkedIn Top Voice?
The LinkedIn Top Voice program recognizes professionals who consistently create, share, and engage with valuable content on the platform. It’s not just about posting frequently; it’s about contributing to conversations that matter.
Earning this recognition means:
- Your ideas resonate with LinkedIn’s professional community.
- You contribute to thought leadership in your area of expertise.
- You foster discussions that provide value, inspire, and educate.
The LinkedIn Top Voice badge is prominently displayed on your profile, signaling to your network and beyond that you are a trusted voice in your field.
Why Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice Matters
Being recognized as a Top Voice can:
- Boost credibility: Your insights are validated by LinkedIn itself.
- Expand reach: Your posts are more likely to be highlighted and seen by a wider audience.
- Enhance opportunities: From speaking engagements to collaborations, the badge can open new doors.
- Establish thought leadership: It positions you as an industry influencer.
LinkedIn Top Voice Criteria
So, what exactly does it take to earn the badge? While LinkedIn doesn’t publish a strict formula, the LinkedIn Top Voice criteria usually include:
- Consistency – Posting valuable content regularly (without spamming).
- Relevance – Sharing insights tied to current trends, challenges, and innovations.
- Engagement – Encouraging authentic conversations and responding thoughtfully.
- Originality – Offering fresh perspectives, not just resharing others’ work.
- Professional impact – Making contributions that genuinely help others grow.
These factors collectively influence whether the editorial team considers someone for recognition.
LinkedIn Top Voice Categories
Another common question is: What are the LinkedIn Top Voice categories? The recognition spans across multiple industries and professional interests. Some examples include:
- Technology & AI
- Marketing & Sales
- Leadership & Management
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
- Finance & Business
- Career Development
These categories evolve over time as LinkedIn adapts to emerging trends. For instance, recent years have seen the rise of categories like sustainability, remote work, and mental health.
How Do You Become a LinkedIn Top Voice?
Now to the heart of it: how to become a LinkedIn Top Voice. While there is no application process, you can dramatically improve your chances by adopting the following strategies:
1. Build a Strong Professional Brand
Your LinkedIn profile is your foundation. Make sure it communicates credibility:
- Use a professional profile photo and banner.
- Craft a compelling headline that reflects your expertise.
- Write an “About” section that tells your story authentically.
2. Share Original Content Regularly
LinkedIn rewards originality. Aim for posts that are:
- Insightful — share lessons learned from real experiences.
- Practical — give your audience tips they can apply.
- Engaging — use storytelling to connect emotionally.
3. Encourage Conversations
Don’t just broadcast — interact. Ask questions, respond thoughtfully to comments, and engage with other professionals in your niche.
4. Stay Relevant to Trends
Share your perspective on emerging developments in your industry. Whether it’s new technology, workplace shifts, or policy changes, timely insights get noticed.
5. Provide Consistent Value
The key to long-term recognition is being known as someone who helps others learn, grow, or solve problems.
6. Leverage LinkedIn Features
Beyond posts, experiment with:
- LinkedIn Articles and Newsletters for long-form content.
- Polls and Surveys to generate discussions.
- Native Video and Carousels to make insights more engaging.
7. Network with Purpose
Engagement is not a one-way street. Connect with like-minded professionals, comment meaningfully on others’ posts, and collaborate with peers to co-create content. Building authentic relationships amplifies your visibility.
8. Learn from Current Top Voices
Study how existing Top Voices share content. For example, technology Top Voices often blend data-driven insights with real-world applications, while leadership voices focus on storytelling and emotional resonance. Emulate the best practices while staying true to your unique style.
Answering Common Questions
What is LinkedIn Top Voice?
It’s an official recognition program where LinkedIn highlights professionals who consistently share valuable and engaging content.
How do you get the LinkedIn Top Voice badge?
You can’t apply for it, the editorial team selects people based on activity, engagement, and impact.
What are the LinkedIn Top Voice categories?
They vary by industry, such as technology, marketing, leadership, DEI, finance, and more.
What is the LinkedIn Top Voice criteria?
LinkedIn looks at consistency, relevance, originality, engagement, and professional impact when selecting Top Voices.
How do you become a LinkedIn Top Voice?
Focus on building a strong profile, posting valuable original content, and actively engaging with your professional community.
Extra Tips for Aspiring Top Voices
- Measure what matters: Track metrics like engagement rate, comments, and shares to see what resonates most with your audience.
- Balance personal and professional: Posts that blend personal experiences with professional insights often perform well.
- Stay authentic: Avoid posting what you think will “go viral.” Instead, stick to what aligns with your values and expertise.
- Keep learning: LinkedIn’s algorithm and editorial priorities shift over time. Stay updated by following LinkedIn News and observing trends in your field.
Final Thoughts
Earning the LinkedIn Top Voice recognition isn’t about gaming an algorithm or posting for the sake of visibility. It’s about showing up authentically, offering real value, and shaping meaningful conversations within your industry. By understanding the LinkedIn Top Voice criteria, knowing the LinkedIn Top Voice categories, and striving to consistently deliver impact, you’ll be well on your way to becoming someone LinkedIn — and your peers — recognize as a trusted leader.
Remember: becoming a Top Voice isn’t the destination; it’s the byproduct of consistently helping others through your expertise.