What is the meaning of degree in LinkedIn search?

We all wonder, what is the meaning of a degree on LinkedIn in this post, I answer this question

What is the meaning of degree in LinkedIn search?

My friend: What is the meaning of 1st degree and 2nd degree on LinkedIn search? 🤔

Me: What did you learn in the LinkedIn growth course? 🤔🤔

My friend: Yes, I learn many things but not this.

Me: okay let's understand this -


There are 3 degrees of connections on LinkedIn (as per my knowledge).


1st-degree LinkedIn connections :

People, who are directly connected with you, because they accepted your invitation or you accepted their invitation.

You will see a 1st-degree icon next to their name in search results.


2nd-degree LinkedIn connections –

People who are connected with your 1st-degree connections.

You can contact them by sending an invitation or premium mail (InMail).


3rd degree LinkedIn connections -

People who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections.

If you are seeing their full name then you can contact them by sending an invitation or InMail.

But if you are seeing their only first name, then you can contact them via InMail only.



If someone is out of your network then it shows as a LinkedIn member on search results, You can contact them via InMail.