LinkedIn Retires “Top Voice” Badges for Collaborative Articles
It’s a surprising move by LinkedIn as they have announced the retirement of their “Top Voice” badges for contributing to Collaborative Articles. This badge has been a key motivator for many users to share their expertise and insights on the platform.
Originally introduced in March last year, Collaborative Articles use AI-generated prompts to engage specific LinkedIn users in sharing their expertise on various topics. The “Top Voice” badge was awarded to users who contributed to these articles, enhancing their authority on the platform. However, LinkedIn has decided to discontinue these badges.
The decision comes as a response to feedback from the community, indicating that the badge system did not always reflect true expertise. LinkedIn recognized that the automatic awarding of badges could lead to inaccuracies in recognizing credible professionals.
Despite the popularity of Collaborative Articles, the removal of the badges may impact user participation in the future. LinkedIn attempts to encourage contributions by highlighting the benefits of sharing knowledge and expanding networks.
- Show your expertise – Establish yourself as a knowledgeable voice in your field
- Expand your network – Open doors to new connections and opportunities
- Help others – Guide fellow professionals through common challenges
Current badge holders will lose their recognition within 60 days, with all badges set to be removed from the app by December 7th, 2024. While the end of Collaborative Articles seems imminent, the exposure value of the format may still persist.
It’s important to note that there is no change to LinkedIn’s Top Voice (blue badge) program, which is awarded by invitation-only through the editorial team.