It wasn’t long ago that LinkedIn was mostly about promotions, job updates, and professional milestones. But today, it’s quietly transforming into something bigger—and far more personal. Scroll through your feed now, and you’ll find stories of job loss, burnout, mental health, career pivots, and behind-the-scenes looks at work-life, all shared with unfiltered honesty. This shift isn’t just changing the tone—it’s helping regular professionals build massive followings, secure brand deals, and even launch businesses.
Let’s explore how LinkedIn is becoming the unexpected home for a new wave of influencers who are mixing personal stories with professional insight.
A Post That Sparked a Movement
April Little wasn’t trying to become famous when she posted her thoughts about layoffs and job hunting. She pointed out how public sympathy often goes to those laid off in high-profile roles while countless others are quietly struggling in the background. Her post hit a nerve, and her LinkedIn following skyrocketed.
“I just felt like saying something that doesn’t usually get attention,” she said. That honesty paid off. April went from 100,000 to over 260,000 followers. Over the past two years, she’s earned about $150,000 through partnerships and sponsorships.
She doesn’t call herself an influencer, but companies definitely see her as one. With a mix of industry insights and real-life experiences, she’s become a trusted voice on the platform.
A New Kind of Content Creator
Instagram | @piperphillips | Piper Phillips shares life and work on LinkedIn to connect with others.
LinkedIn isn’t trying to compete with Instagram or TikTok—but that’s exactly why it works so well for creators like Piper Phillips. The 24-year-old originally made a name for herself on TikTok, sharing videos about career advice and daily routines. But when she brought that same energy to LinkedIn, things really started to click.
“I used to post only educational content,” Piper shared. “But I’m also someone who enjoys city life, dancing, spending time with family, and diving into psychology and personal growth. So I started sharing all of that, too.”
That blend of personal and professional helped her earn $8,000 from brand deals in just a few months. She now runs her own media brand called Self-Employed and shares her journey with 18,000+ followers.
LinkedIn’s Quiet Power
What sets LinkedIn apart is how it rewards quality, long-lasting content. Unlike fleeting social posts, updates here resurface for weeks through likes and comments, giving creators extended reach. The platform also rolled out new tools like “creator mode” and full-screen video support, making it easier for users to share engaging content and track performance.
For many, posting consistently has turned into real opportunity. Marketer Lindsey Gamble said, “You may not have years of experience, but if you can express your views on LinkedIn, it builds your personal brand and opens doors.”
Building Businesses From LinkedIn Posts
Jean Kang, a program manager, didn’t see much content about her niche. So she started posting her career story—everything from changing jobs to prioritizing mental health. Her audience grew from 2,000 to 180,000, and she now coaches aspiring program managers through her own business.
“What surprised me most was how sharing my story felt just as powerful and profitable as platforms like Instagram,” said Jean, who is based in Oakland, California.
Freepik | sakda2520 | Jean Kang's audience grew significantly as she shared her career experiences, including job changes and mental health.
Meanwhile, Vin Matano from New Jersey began sharing sales content in 2019. His first brand deal was just $200. But last year, he made nearly $95,000 from content across LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram. Now, he’s the founder of Creatorbuzz, a B2B influencer marketing agency that has already pulled in $250,000 in six months, 60% of which he credits to LinkedIn exposure.
“Building an audience here gave me the confidence and reach to start a business,” Vin said.
Why Brands Are Paying Attention
With high engagement and content longevity, brands are turning to LinkedIn influencers in growing numbers. Résumé builder Teal has worked with over 50 creators, paying up to $3,000 per post. Digital workspace Notion also sees strong results—one of its campaigns hit 2.5 million users in just a few weeks.
Danielle Ito from Notion summed it up: “On Instagram, it would’ve been just another campaign. On LinkedIn, it became a real conversation.”
What This Means for You
You don’t need to be a social media star to build a meaningful presence on LinkedIn. Share your career journey, lessons learned, or industry insights. You’d be surprised how many people relate—and respond.
The takeaway? LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting anymore. It’s becoming a platform where authenticity meets opportunity. And for many, that’s the start of something bigger.
