You've been scrolling through LinkedIn, trying to connect with potential leads, clients, or candidates, when you notice something off. Some profiles seem to have more detailed insights, others are sending you messages even though you're not connected, and you can't help but wonder: "Do these people have LinkedIn Premium, and how can I tell?"

This uncertainty isn't just curiosity—it's strategic. Knowing whether someone has LinkedIn Premium can give you valuable insights into their level of engagement on the platform, their networking approach, and even their business priorities. Premium users often have access to advanced features that change how they interact with others, which can affect your outreach strategy and networking expectations.

The frustration is real when you're trying to level the playing field in professional networking. You might be wondering if you're missing out on opportunities or if the person you're trying to connect with has advantages you don't. Some users express uncertainty about the benefits and functionalities of LinkedIn Premium, making it even harder to understand what you're up against.

But here's the thing: there are several clear indicators and behavioral patterns that can help you identify LinkedIn Premium users. By understanding these signs, you can better tailor your approach, set realistic expectations for your outreach, and make more informed decisions about your own LinkedIn strategy.

Understanding LinkedIn Premium Features

LinkedIn Premium comes in different tiers, each offering various features that enhance the user experience. The most common benefits include InMail messages, expanded profile insights, advanced search filters, and access to LinkedIn Learning. These features create distinct usage patterns that savvy networkers can spot.

InMail Access is perhaps the most telling feature. Premium users can send direct messages to anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of connection status. If you've received messages from users who aren't in your network, they likely have a Premium account. This capability is particularly valuable for recruiters, sales professionals, and business development teams who need to reach prospects outside their immediate network.

Enhanced Profile Viewing capabilities allow Premium users to see who's viewed their profile in the last 90 days, along with more detailed information about those visitors. If someone mentions being able to track their profile visitors comprehensively, they're probably using a premium subscription.

Advanced Search Filters become available with Premium accounts, allowing users to search by seniority level, company size, years of experience, and other specific criteria. Users who reference using detailed search parameters or mention finding very targeted prospects are likely leveraging these premium features.

Key Indicators Someone Has LinkedIn Premium

Based on research from various LinkedIn communities and user experiences, here are the most reliable ways to identify Premium users:

1. They Send You InMail Messages

The clearest indicator is receiving messages from users you're not connected with. As one user noted, "The only huge advantage is the inMail feature which lets you connect with recruiters." If someone can message you without being in your network, they have Premium access.

2. The Gold Premium Badge

While many users choose to hide it, some Premium subscribers display a yellow or gold badge on their profile. As noted in discussions, "a yellow badge would appear in their profile if anyone is using it." However, this isn't foolproof since users can remove the badge in their settings.

3. Open Profile Settings

Premium members often set their profiles to "Open," allowing anyone to view their complete profile and send them messages. If you can see someone's full profile details without being connected, or if they mention receiving messages from strangers, they might be using this Premium feature.

4. Advanced Networking Behavior

Watch for users who:

• Conduct highly targeted outreach campaigns

• Reference specific search criteria when connecting

• Mention using LinkedIn Learning courses in their posts

• Talk about organizing contacts or using advanced analytics

5. Profile Viewing Insights

Premium users frequently mention being able to see who viewed their profile. However, there's a common frustration here: "I have LinkedIn Premium to see who is viewing my profile but way too many are anonymous." If someone complains about anonymous profile viewers, they likely have Premium access to the "Who Viewed Your Profile" feature.

6. Frequent Use of LinkedIn Learning

Users who regularly share insights from LinkedIn Learning courses or mention completing certifications through the platform often have Premium access, since LinkedIn Learning is included in most Premium subscriptions.

What Premium Users Actually Think

The reality about LinkedIn Premium is more nuanced than you might expect. Many users have mixed feelings about its value, which can help you understand their usage patterns.

Job Seekers' Perspective: Many job seekers find Premium less valuable than expected. As one user shared, "I'm kinda hating the job search side of it" and "the stats it provides and the recommendations are a waste." This suggests that Premium users focused on job searching might not be as active with advanced features.

Networking Challenges: Even Premium users face networking difficulties. "Networking is super hard. Not everyone will respond to an inMail because they might think it's spam," notes one subscriber. This means that even if someone has Premium, they're dealing with the same fundamental networking challenges as everyone else.

Value Perception: There's significant skepticism about Premium's worth. Some users feel "LinkedIn premium is a scam or worthless," while others believe "If you're into consistent outreach and making use of their learning hub then it's worth it but otherwise not needed." This divide helps explain why some Premium users are very active while others seem to use it sparingly.

Behavioral Patterns of Premium Users

Premium subscribers often exhibit specific behavioral patterns that can help you identify them:

Consistent Outreach: Premium users who find value in their subscription typically engage in regular, systematic networking. They might send multiple connection requests with personalized notes, follow up consistently, and maintain active engagement with their network.

Professional Development Focus: Users who frequently share learning insights, course completions, or skill assessments are likely leveraging LinkedIn Learning, which comes with Premium subscriptions.

Analytical Mindset: Premium users often reference data about their profile performance, mention tracking metrics, or discuss optimization strategies based on analytics only available to Premium subscribers.

Why This Matters for Your LinkedIn Strategy

Understanding who has Premium can significantly impact your networking approach. When reaching out to Premium users, consider that they:

• Likely receive more InMail messages, so your outreach needs to stand out

• Have access to more information about profile visitors, so they may be more strategic about their connections

• Might be more serious about LinkedIn as a business tool, given their financial investment

• Could be more responsive to value-driven networking approaches

For professionals managing high volumes of LinkedIn conversations, tools like Kondo can help organize and prioritize these interactions. Kondo's labeling system allows you to categorize Premium users separately, set reminders for follow-ups, and track your networking efforts more effectively—regardless of whether you or your contacts have Premium subscriptions.

Making the Determination

If you're still unsure about someone's Premium status, remember that "there is some clue" as users have noted, but it's not always definitive. The most reliable approach is to look for a combination of indicators rather than relying on any single sign.

The bottom line: while you can't always know for certain if someone has LinkedIn Premium, understanding the features and behavioral patterns associated with Premium subscriptions can provide valuable context for your networking efforts. Whether someone has Premium or not, the fundamentals of providing value, building genuine relationships, and maintaining consistent communication remain the keys to LinkedIn success.

Focus on delivering value in your interactions rather than trying to "game" the system based on subscription status. Premium features can enhance networking efficiency, but they don't replace the need for authentic, value-driven professional relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most obvious sign someone has LinkedIn Premium?

Receiving an InMail message from someone you're not connected with is the most obvious sign they have LinkedIn Premium. This is a core Premium feature that allows users to message anyone on LinkedIn, regardless of their connection status, making it a strong indicator.

How can I tell if a LinkedIn user has Premium if they don't display the gold badge?

You can look for other indicators such as their ability to send InMail, having an "Open Profile" (which allows anyone to view their full profile and send them messages), mentioning detailed profile viewing insights, or discussing the use of advanced search filters. Since the gold badge can be hidden, these behavioral cues are often more reliable.

Are "Open Profiles" a definitive sign of LinkedIn Premium?

While having an Open Profile is a feature often utilized by Premium members to maximize their reach, it is not exclusively a Premium feature. However, Premium users are more likely to enable it in conjunction with InMail to allow non-connections to contact them freely. If you can see full profile details and message someone without being connected, it strongly suggests they might have Premium.

Why does it matter if I know someone has LinkedIn Premium?

Knowing if someone has LinkedIn Premium can help you tailor your outreach strategy. Premium users, especially those in sales or recruiting, likely receive more InMail messages, so your communication needs to be exceptionally clear and value-driven to stand out. They also have access to more data about who views their profile, so they might be more strategic about their connections.

Is LinkedIn Premium always worth it for users?

The value of LinkedIn Premium varies significantly among users; it's generally considered worthwhile for individuals who actively use features like InMail for outreach, advanced search for lead generation, or LinkedIn Learning for skill development. For others, particularly some job seekers, the benefits might not justify the cost, as user experiences shared in the article suggest.

What are the main LinkedIn Premium features that indicate someone is a subscriber?

The main features indicating a LinkedIn Premium subscription include the ability to send InMail messages to non-connections, access to detailed "Who Viewed Your Profile" insights (often hinted at if someone mentions tracking profile visitors), the use of advanced search filters for targeted prospecting, and, if visible, the gold Premium badge on their profile. Regular sharing of LinkedIn Learning course completions can also be a clue.