You spend hours crafting a deep, insightful LinkedIn post with original thinking that should resonate with your network. You hit publish, feeling confident—only to see it get a handful of pity likes and then disappear into the void.

Meanwhile, someone posts a generic "I'm thrilled to announce..." update with a selfie or asks a basic question like "Do you prefer working from home or the office?" and it racks up hundreds of likes and comments.

Sound familiar? You're not alone.

"The highest engagement I get by far, both in impressions, likes, and comments are what I would call self-promotional and low-value posts," laments one frustrated LinkedIn user. "Content that is more original thinking about a topic that should be of interest to my network gets a lot less engagement."

This disconnect isn't a failure of your content's quality—it's a misunderstanding of how LinkedIn's algorithm actually works. The platform isn't a meritocracy where the best ideas win; it's an ecosystem with specific rules that often seem to reward the mundane over the meaningful.

But here's the good news: you don't have to choose between creating thoughtful content and getting engagement. In this article, I'll demystify LinkedIn's "weird" algorithm and give you a strategic framework to ensure your valuable insights get the visibility and engagement they deserve—without having to "write such boring crap."

Decoding the LinkedIn Algorithm's "Weird" Logic

To understand why thoughtful posts often underperform, you need to grasp what LinkedIn's algorithm is actually designed to do. With over 1 billion members, LinkedIn's primary goal isn't to promote the most intellectually stimulating content—it's to keep users engaged on the platform.

The 3-Step Content Filter

Every post you publish goes through a 3-step evaluation process, with the first hour (the "golden hour") being crucial:

1. Initial Quality Filtering: LinkedIn immediately classifies your content as spam, low-quality, or high-quality.

   • Spam Triggers: Unrelated tagging, posting too frequently, or using excessive hashtags. The recommendation is 3-5 relevant tags. (Source)

2. Engagement Testing: Your post is shown to a small segment of your network. The algorithm measures immediate engagement (likes, and especially comments).

   • This is why some posts "taper off quickly" after an initial surge. (Source)

3. Network & Relevance Ranking: If it passes the test, the algorithm considers your authority, viewers' interests, and content relevance to their network.

What the Algorithm Actually Values

Understanding what LinkedIn prioritizes explains why seemingly basic content often outperforms thoughtful posts:

• Meaningful Conversations: Comments are weighted much more heavily than likes. Posts that generate back-and-forth discussions get prioritized.

• Dwell Time: How long users spend reading your post is a massive signal. This explains why "thoughtful posts that are longer seem to be the ones that will slowly pick up views and likes over a couple of weeks." (Source)

• Native Content: The algorithm heavily favors content that keeps users on LinkedIn. Posts with external links are often deprioritized, which is why you shouldn't "put links in the main body." (Source)

The Anatomy of a "Viral" Generic Post

So why do those seemingly vapid posts go viral? It's not (just) because LinkedIn users lack depth—it's because these posts masterfully leverage psychological principles that drive engagement:

Principle 1: Low Cognitive Load

Generic posts follow the "Don't make me think" principle—they're easy to understand and react to instantly. Your brilliant analysis might require too much mental effort from someone casually scrolling their feed.

Principle 2: The 5-Second Question

Viral posts often end with a simple question that can be answered in 5 seconds or less.

As LinkedIn expert Jasmin Alić explains:

• Poor Question: "What is your biggest failure story?" (Requires deep thought and vulnerability)

• Better Question: "Were you ever let go from a job before?" (Invites a simple Yes/No, opening the door for more discussion) (Source)

Principle 3: Universal Relatability

The most successful posts tap into shared experiences that a broad audience can relate to. They're designed to make people think "That's exactly how I feel!" which triggers an immediate desire to engage.

The Playbook: How to Make High-Quality Content Algorithm-Friendly

The good news? You don't have to choose between quality and engagement. Here's how to package your thoughtful insights in a way the algorithm (and your audience) will reward:

1. Re-engineer Your Content Structure

• Craft a Compelling Hook: Your first 1-2 lines must grab attention. State a contrarian viewpoint, ask a thought-provoking question, or highlight a surprising statistic.

• Kill the "Wall of Text": Break up your content with:

  • Short sentences and paragraphs (1-3 lines max)

  • Bullet points or numbered lists

  • Strategic use of emojis to guide the eye

• Add Visual Interest: Posts with images get 2x more engagement, while videos receive 5x more. (Source)

2. Master the Art of the Engagement Hook

• End With a Low-Effort Question: "What do you think about X?" is too vague. Instead, try: "Have you tried this approach before? Drop a '👍' for yes or '👎' for no."

• Create Response Momentum: Reply quickly to early comments. The algorithm sees this as a conversation developing and will show your post to more people.

3. Follow Technical Best Practices

• Avoid External Links in the Main Post: If you must share a link, put it in the first comment instead.

• Use 3-5 Relevant Hashtags: More looks spammy, fewer reduces discoverability.

• Don't Edit Your Post: Editing right after publishing can reset its reach. (Source)

• Post at Optimal Times: Generally, Tuesday through Thursday between 9-11 AM or 4-6 PM work best for most audiences.

4. Play the Long Game

• Consistency Trumps Frequency: Aim for 2-3 high-quality posts weekly rather than daily low-effort content.

• Give Engagement to Get Engagement: As one user notes, "I see so many people complaining about not getting interaction but they never reciprocate any of my engagements." (Source)

• Accept the Slow Burn: Thoughtful content often has a longer lifespan. "My thoughtful posts that are longer seem to be the ones that will slowly pick up views and likes over a couple of weeks." (Source)

Finding the Balance: Quality + Strategy

The paradox of LinkedIn isn't that quality doesn't matter—it's that quality alone isn't enough. The most successful content creators aren't just experts in their field; they're also strategic about how they package and promote their insights.

"Don't chase engagement for vanity's sake," advises one LinkedIn user. "If your content is good and relevant, it'll come naturally." (Source)

While this sentiment is well-intentioned, the reality is that even the most brilliant content needs strategic packaging to cut through the noise.

The key is finding the sweet spot where substance meets shareability—where your unique insights are presented in a format that makes them easy to consume and compelling to engage with.

Final Thoughts: Make the Algorithm Work for You

LinkedIn's algorithm isn't your enemy—it's just a system that rewards certain behaviors. Once you understand its logic, you can work with it rather than against it.

Stop fighting the algorithm and start speaking its language. When you combine your expertise with strategic execution, your thoughtful content will finally get the engagement it deserves.

The next time you craft a LinkedIn post, remember: it's not about dumbing down your ideas—it's about making them accessible, engaging, and conversation-worthy.

Because ultimately, isn't that the point of sharing your insights in the first place?

What's your experience with LinkedIn engagement? Have you found certain types of content perform better than others? Drop a comment below—I'd love to continue the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my thoughtful LinkedIn posts get no engagement?

Your thoughtful posts likely get low engagement because they don't align with what the LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes: immediate interaction. The platform's algorithm favors content that is easy to consume and generates quick comments and long "dwell time," which generic posts often do better by having a low cognitive load and asking simple questions.

What does the LinkedIn algorithm prioritize most?

The LinkedIn algorithm primarily prioritizes content that sparks meaningful conversations and keeps users on the platform. Comments are valued significantly more than likes, as they signal an active discussion. Additionally, "dwell time"—how long users spend on your post—is a crucial factor, which is why longer, well-formatted posts can sometimes gain traction over time.

How can I make my high-quality LinkedIn posts more engaging?

To make your posts more engaging, you should combine your quality insights with strategic formatting. Start with a strong hook, break up text into short paragraphs or bullet points, include an image or video, and end with a simple, low-effort question to encourage comments. Replying to comments quickly also boosts visibility by showing the algorithm a conversation is happening.

Should I put external links in my LinkedIn posts?

No, you should avoid placing external links directly in the main body of your LinkedIn post. The algorithm often penalizes posts that direct users away from the platform. A better practice is to place the link in the first comment of your post to preserve your reach.

How many hashtags are best for a LinkedIn post?

The recommended number of hashtags for a LinkedIn post is between 3 and 5. Using a few highly relevant hashtags helps with discoverability without making your post look like spam to the algorithm or to readers. Using more than five can sometimes trigger a low-quality filter.

Do I have to post generic content to succeed on LinkedIn?

Absolutely not. You do not have to resort to posting generic or "boring" content to succeed. The key is to package your thoughtful, high-quality insights in an algorithm-friendly way. By focusing on strong hooks, readability, visual appeal, and strategic questions, you can make your valuable content accessible and engaging, finding the sweet spot between substance and shareability.