LinkedIn Remove the ‘Creator Mode’ Option

LinkedIn is discontinuing its “Creator Mode” feature as part of a broader shift away from relying on hashtags for connectivity. Despite this change, most Creator Mode elements will still be available to all users as optional tools, irrespective of whether Creator Mode is enabled in their settings.

Introduced in 2021, Creator Mode on LinkedIn offered specialized tools to help users establish their presence on the platform. These tools included associating topical hashtags with profiles, featuring content in a dedicated section, and replacing the “Connect” button with a “Follow” button on profiles. However, LinkedIn is now moving away from this optional setting. According to LinkedIn expert Xavier Degraux, starting this month, profile hashtags used to highlight content topics will be removed. Additionally, next month, the option to activate Creator Mode will be eliminated from profile settings.

While the “Follow” button will continue to be available for all users, offering an alternative means of connection, the “About” section will be relocated to the top of profiles once again. The main change appears to revolve around the removal of hashtags as a means of connection, aligning with LinkedIn’s broader strategy to shift away from hashtag discovery.

Last month, LinkedIn informed SMT that hashtags are no longer essential for surfacing relevant content on the platform. Instead, its system now relies on topics and keywords within posts to highlight relevant discussions. With improved system matching, hashtags no longer serve the intended purpose of enhancing content discovery. Thus, LinkedIn is reducing their emphasis, coinciding with the increased use of AI to facilitate more relevant conversations among members.

In light of these developments, associating profiles with hashtags is no longer deemed necessary. LinkedIn also aims to provide all users with greater access to creation tools, rather than focusing solely on dedicated creators. Some may interpret this move as LinkedIn stepping back from nurturing a vibrant community of creative talent.