How to Become a LinkedIn Top Voice: The Ultimate Guide

Sarah Socha
May 12
3 min read

How to Become a LinkedIn Top Voice: The Ultimate Guide

Earning the LinkedIn Top Voice badge is a major achievement that positions you as an industry thought leader. It boosts your credibility, increases your visibility, and opens doors to networking, job opportunities, and business growth.

So, how do you become a LinkedIn Top Voice? Let’s break it down step by step.

What is a LinkedIn Top Voice?

LinkedIn Top Voice is a recognition given to professionals who consistently share valuable content, engage in meaningful conversations, and contribute thought leadership in their industry.

There are two types of Top Voice distinctions:

LinkedIn Top Voice (Global Recognition) – A prestigious title awarded by LinkedIn to select individuals based on their industry influence.
Community Top Voice (Niche Recognition) – A recognition awarded in specific industry categories (e.g., AI, Marketing, Leadership) for valuable contributions.

LinkedIn does not have an official application process for Top Voices. Instead, they select individuals based on engagement, consistency, and expertise.

Steps to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Thought Leadership

Before creating content, ensure your profile reflects your expertise and credibility.

Use a professional profile picture Write a compelling headline that showcases your expertise Optimize your About section – Share your story and key achievements Highlight skills and endorsements related to your industry Showcase Featured Content – Add your best LinkedIn posts or external articles

Pro Tip: Your profile should immediately communicate who you are, what you do, and why people should follow you.

2. Choose a Specific Niche or Industry

Top Voices are known for specialising in a particular area rather than posting random content.

Identify your industry focus (e.g., AI, HR, Finance, Sales, Entrepreneurship) Position yourself as an expert by consistently posting content in that niche Follow and engage with leaders in your industry

Pro Tip: If LinkedIn already has Community Top Voices in your industry, study their content and engagement strategies.

3. Create High-Quality, Insightful Content

Content is king on LinkedIn, and to become a Top Voice, you must regularly share valuable insights.

Post original content at least 2-3 times a week Use a mix of content types: text posts, carousels, videos, and articles Write LinkedIn Articles to establish authority on key topics Share industry trends and personal insights rather than just reposting news Use storytelling to make your posts more relatable

Pro Tip: Posts with a strong opening hook and clear takeaways get higher engagement.

4. Engage Actively with Your Audience

LinkedIn rewards engagement. The more you interact, the more visibility your posts will get.

Reply to every comment on your posts Comment on other industry leaders’ posts with valuable insights Tag relevant people in your posts to increase reach Ask questions in your posts to encourage discussions

Pro Tip: Don’t just post—be part of conversations. LinkedIn’s algorithm boosts users who actively engage.

5. Grow Your LinkedIn Network Strategically

Having the right audience is crucial for recognition.

Connect with professionals in your industry Engage with your target audience consistently Follow and interact with LinkedIn Editors (they curate trending topics) Join LinkedIn Groups related to your industry

Pro Tip: More quality connections = More engagement on your posts.

6. Follow LinkedIn’s Content Trends and Guidelines

LinkedIn values authentic, insightful, and engaging content.

Avoid overly promotional content Use original insights rather than generic advice Follow LinkedIn’s editorial guidelines for thought leadership Participate in LinkedIn’s Creator Accelerator Programs

Pro Tip: Study previous Top Voice recipients and see how they structure their content.

7. Apply for LinkedIn's Creator Programs

LinkedIn runs initiatives like the LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program, which supports emerging thought leaders.

Apply for Creator Accelerator when applications open Join LinkedIn’s Newsletter Feature (if available) Turn on Creator Mode to gain more visibility

Pro Tip: LinkedIn sometimes picks Top Voices from its Creator Accelerator participants.

8. Stay Consistent and Patient

Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice is not an overnight process. It requires months of consistent content creation and engagement.

Post regularly (at least 2-3 times per week) Engage with your network daily Track your engagement metrics and improve based on what works.

Pro Tip: Top Voices are consistent, not occasional contributors.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice?

Absolutely! Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice can: Boost your credibility Increase your content reach Open doors to speaking engagements, job offers, and collaborations Help you stand out in your industry.

If you want to be recognised as a thought leader, start today by sharing valuable content, engaging consistently, and building your professional brand.