LinkedIn vs. X: How Engagement with Posts Makes Them More Alike

Guest post by Lisa Sicard.

Social media platforms thrive on human connections, and LinkedIn and X are certainly no exceptions. While they cater to distinct audiences, the ways people interact on these platforms share more similarities than you might think. It’s not so much LinkedIn vs. X as how they are alike.

Both rely on engagement-driven algorithms, where visibility grows as interactions deepen. Whether it’s a thoughtful comment on a LinkedIn post or a well-timed reply on X, the principles are strikingly similar.

As we compare LinkedIn vs. X in making connections, you’ll see how these similarities can shape your approach.

The Role of Engagement in LinkedIn and X Algorithms

Engagement is the heartbeat of any social platform, including LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). Both platforms have evolved their algorithms to prioritize interaction, ensuring that your feed highlights the most engaging and relevant content.

What does this mean for your visibility? Quite simply, the more meaningful your interactions, the greater your reach.

Here’s how engagement plays out across these platforms and why it’s all about quality, not just quantity.

Engagement Metrics: What Do Both Platforms Measure?

When it comes to algorithms, both LinkedIn and X focus on various engagement metrics to decide what gains visibility. But what exactly are they looking for?

• Likes and Reactions: Simple yet effective. A “Like” on X or a reaction (like “Insightful” or “Celebrate”) on LinkedIn signals the algorithm that your content is resonating with users.
• Shares and Reposts: When someone shares your post or reposts it, the algorithm recognizes it as valuable content worth sharing with others.
• Comments and Replies: Thoughtful discussions under your LinkedIn article or an ongoing thread on X can extend your post’s lifespan significantly.
• Click-throughs: Did someone stop scrolling to click on your content? This is a less understood metric but one that matters, as it shows depth of user interest. (Even though both platforms downgrade posts with links in them.) Most users put the links in comments on LinkedIn and in a response on X.

On both platforms, these metrics are like tiny signals, telling the algorithm, “Hey, people care about this!” For example, X publicly acknowledges that tweets with replies and retweets often perform better.

Similarly, LinkedIn values meaningful comments and active participation on its posts.

A great example of how engagement feeds into performance can be seen in our advice about interacting authentically on X. Read more to discover how replies and concise strategies build engagement here.

Why Quality Over Quantity Matters

It’s tempting to focus on vanity metrics like the sheer number of likes or followers. But here’s the truth: both LinkedIn and X prioritize engagement quality over quantity.

Why does this matter?

1. Authentic Interactions Win: Algorithms are looking for genuine conversations. A post with ten insightful comments will often outperform one with 50 generic likes.
2. Relevancy Determines Reach: If your audience interacts meaningfully, the algorithm assumes your post holds more value. On LinkedIn, this means posts with thoughtful industry insights tend to reach farther. X mirrors this approach with its algorithm favoring threads or posts that spark “real” discussions.
3. Time Spent Viewing Your Content: The longer someone engages with your post—whether they’re reading your LinkedIn article or staying on your X thread—the more it signals the algorithm that your content is worth pushing out to more users.

Consider this: when someone tags a friend on LinkedIn in a thoughtful comment, or when a post on X sparks replies filled with additional resources and ideas, both scenarios tell the platforms, “This isn’t just a passive scroll—people are talking.”

LinkedIn vs. X: Less Links in Posts

One of the biggest changes in both LinkedIn and X is the use of links in posts. Both networks have downgraded these types of posts, which means fewer users will see your posts with links in them.

On X, people will use a thread to share a link and over on LinkedIn, users will put the link in the comments. Even third-party tools like Agorapulse allow you to put the link in the first comment when scheduling a LinkedIn post.

LinkedIn vs. X: Fewer Posts Overall

Another big difference between these two social media networks is the ideal or recommended number of posts to post per day. On LinkedIn, you can post less often and still make an impact.

However, over on X you can post more frequently and more than once per day.

X Thrives on Spontaneity: Users expect quick talk, news, or casual thoughts. Frequent posting aligns with its conversational, idea-driven vibe—think short bursts of insight or humor.

LinkedIn Favors Depth: It’s a professional network where people look for polished, value-driven content (e.g., industry tips, career stories). Over-posting risks overwhelming your network or looking spammy.

The Key Takeaway

If you’re navigating LinkedIn vs. Twitter in your professional or personal engagement strategy, keep this in mind: it’s about creating valuable connections and stimulating thoughtful interaction, not just chasing numbers.

Showing up authentically on LinkedIn with in-depth posts or incorporating well-timed replies on X can ensure the algorithm works in your favor, boosting not only reach but also the quality of relationships you’re building.

Building Personal and Professional Networks Efficiency

In this fast-paced social media world, building personal and professional networks isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) offer unique yet surprisingly aligned approaches to forming meaningful connections.

Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or cultivate real relationships, understanding how interactions work on these platforms can make a big difference in your networking strategy.

Interactions that Strengthen Connections

At the heart of effective networking lies one principle: authenticity. Genuine engagement goes beyond surface-level pleasantries—it’s about making others feel heard and appreciated. Both LinkedIn and X enable users to do just that, albeit in slightly different ways.

Here are a few key techniques for strengthening your interactions:

• Respond Thoughtfully: Take time to craft authentic responses. Use personal acknowledgments when replying to LinkedIn comments or X threads. For example, if someone shares their expertise in a LinkedIn post, reference a specific point you found valuable.
• Engage as a Thought Leader: On LinkedIn, thought leader comments carry weight. Share insights, ask relevant follow-up questions, or recommend additional resources. X replicates this tactic by allowing users to contribute through replies that creatively expand conversations.
• Acknowledge With Purpose: Simple actions, such as liking a comment or reposting a valuable post, show your appreciation. But don’t stop there. Add comments, perspectives, or an anecdote to truly humanize the interaction.
• Use Video: People will get to know you better through posting videos. They will see how you speak, and your mannerism will show off your authenticity if you are real. Both social media platforms are pushing video content up in their algorithm. It’s quite common on most social network channels today.

In Conclusion: LinkedIn vs. X

Remember, meaningful interactions aren’t just about boosting algorithms, they’re about laying the foundation for trust and respect. On X, focus on impactful responses to drive discussions.

On LinkedIn, aim for informative comments with actionable advice. For more examples of increasing  engagement strategically, you can explore insights in this guide on how to interact authentically to help boost your online presence.

True connection blossoms when you show up authentically, combining professionalism with a bit of candid personality whether it’s on LinkedIn or on X.

The connections you make can make it more engaging and fun whether you are on LinkedIn or X.

As you get to know people your relationships will deepen, and you can progress to DM’s, email, text messages, or to old-fashioned phone calls as I do with some folks from X.

Lisa Sicard loves helping others to thrive online through social media, blogging, and SEO. What good is knowledge if you cannot share it with others? She has 30+ years of experience in marketing/advertising with 12 years of experience in content marketing, social media, blogging, and SEO. Check out her eBook “How to Tweet and Thrive on Twitter” now on Amazon.