A little over two years ago, LinkedIn launched LinkedIn Today, the company’s version of a social news destination. It’s been fairly popular, and last year, it got a design refresh. Today, LinkedIn announced another one.
According to Business Insider, LinkedIn is utilizing its Pulse team to build similar experiences for its mobile apps. LinkedIn announced the Pulse acquisition last month, paying $90 million.
When asked about Pulse’s role in the new experience, a LinkedIn spokesperson tells WebProNews, “Pulse is not integrated as part of the updates we announced this morning for LinkedIn Today. The existing Pulse apps are being supported as a standalone experience, as the integrated Pulse and LinkedIn teams work together to build future generations of professional content consumption products.”
The new design includes personalized content channels, new ways to sort content, and supposedly more relevant content, including more relevant emails. Perhaps it won’t be all emails about Richard Branson anymore (though he is prominently featured in the intro graphic for LinkedIn’s slideshow on the new design):
“Through channels you can follow broader topic areas that cross multiple industries and professional sectors,” explains LinkedIn’s Kevin Gu in a blog post. “By following channels you will have access to timely and relevant professional news and insights that can help you stay one step ahead and be in the know on what’s trending in your professional network. Channels represent a more comprehensive way to discover, share, and engage with high-quality Influencer posts, top news sources, and SlideShare content — all in one place.”
Users can follow over 20 different channels (Your Career, Economy, Social Impact, Big Ideas and Innovation, Higher Education, etc.). Naturally, content from the channels you follow will appear in your stream. LinkedIn says it will be adding more channels in the future.
Users can sort by “Your News,” “Influencer Posts,” “All Influencers,” and “All Channels”. The emails will provide overviews of top Influencer posts, trending professional news, and Slideshare content.
The new design and features are rolling out this week in English.
LinkendIn has 225 million users. Earlier this week, it celebrated its tenth birthday. Last week, they announced their Q1 earnings, including a 72% increase in revenue year-over-year, though the forecast for Q2 disappointed Wall Street.