LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, today announced that it has reached the 500 million member mark across 200 countries and territories. Having grown by more than 40% in India over the past two years, as of today, the platform globally represents 10+ million active jobs, 9+ million companies and over 100,000 articles posted every week.
Contributing over 35.5% to the APAC community of 118+ million members, India retains the first spot within the region. China follows second with a member base of 31+ million, while Australia comes in third with 8+ million members.
On the sidelines of the announcement, LinkedIn revealed insights to highlight the strength of the community across countries, industries, and jobs. According to findings, Gurgaon ranks highest as India’s most connected city with an average of 319 connections. While other major metros such as Bengaluru and Mumbai stand at 200 and 176.24 average connections respectively, during the analysed period.
LinkedIn also highlighted the most connected industries and job functions across the US, UK, China, Australia, Germany, France, and Brazil. For India, the ‘Staffing and Recruiting’ industry has the most number of average connections, followed by ‘Venture Capital and Private Equity’, with ‘Human Resources’ coming in at a close third. India matches its global counterparts in this aspect, as ‘Staffing and Recruiting’, and ‘Venture Capital and Private Equity’ emerge as the top two industries across USA, UK, Australia, and Brazil.
“We are extremely proud to have achieved the 500 million member milestone globally. India is the largest member base outside the United States and continues to be among the fastest growing communities. To put this in perspective, it took seven years for the first 10 million members to sign up on LinkedIn in India; but the last 10 million members were added in a little over a year! We are confident that this positive trajectory will be aided by the roll out of LinkedIn Lite, LinkedIn’s first data-efficient mobile website, to all members in India today.” said Akshay Kothari, Country Manager and of Product, LinkedIn India
According to LinkedIn’s findings, every connection of a professional on the platform:
Reflects an average of 400 new people that one can get introduced to, and build relationships with
Encompasses 100 new companies who may be looking for the skills and talents that match one’s profile
Represents connections to an average of 500+ jobs