What Are the Levels of LinkedIn? Profile Strength, SSI & Network Tiers

When users ask about the "levels of LinkedIn", they are usually referring to one of four distinct leveling and tiering systems embedded within the platform's user interface and algorithm:

1. Profile Strength Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and All-Star completeness.
2. Network Proximity Levels: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd+ degree connections.
3. SSI Tiers: Industry and Network rank percentiles (Top 1%, Top 10%, Top 50%).
4. Recognition Tiers: Community Top Voice (gold/blue badges) and LinkedIn Top Voice.

Understanding each leveling system allows you to systematically level up your profile visibility. Check your overall profile level on LinkedInRank.

1. Profile Strength Levels: When you create an account, LinkedIn assigns you a completeness level based on filled sections. Beginner indicates missing core fields. Intermediate means you have added a current role and education. All-Star is the highest native tier, achieved by adding a profile photo, location, industry, current role, summary, and at least 5 skills.

2. Connection Degrees: 1st-degree connections are your direct network. 2nd-degree connections are people connected to your 1st-degree contacts. 3rd-degree connections are connected to your 2nd-degree contacts. Read our deep-dive in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Meanings.

3. Creator & Recognition Badges: LinkedIn awards Top Voice badges to creators who consistently publish high-engagement contributions in specific skill areas. Learn more about earning badges in our guide on How to Get Badges on LinkedIn.

Level up your profile by calibrating your headline with our Headline Generator and auditing your keyword depth on LinkedInRank.