Social media platforms are evolving rapidly. And one area that has seen a major change is the way in which top creators are rewarded. In the early days, the blue tick or badge was a badge of honour on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, indicating that users had access to influence. or a certain level of fame, however, the rules of the game have changed with the advent of the Meta XPremium (formerly Twitter Blue) new verification subscription. A symbol of natural growth and acceptance.
While some platforms make it easy to earn these coveted badges, LinkedIn has taken a different approach. Instead of lowering the bar, LinkedIn has doubled down and showcased industry skills, experience, and knowledge through its Top Voices program. This strategy emphasizes the importance of credibility and thought leadership over financial investment. But recent changes to LinkedIn’s community headline level have creators questioning the future of recognition on the platform.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of social media awards. And see how LinkedIn Top Voice program stands out in this changing landscape.
LinkedIn’s Top Voice: A Badge of Expertise and Influence
LinkedIn Top Voices badges are awarded to top creators “our members should be able to easily find and follow in-depth, quality content from experts around the world,” the platform explains.
While these badges are different from verification (LinkedIn has a simpler process for verifying a user’s identity), they carry a level of prestige reminiscent of the blue ticks that were once popular on platforms like Twitter or Instagram basically The badge signals to others that you are Famous creators on the platform accept it.
You may remember the LinkedIn Influencer program, which was an exclusive group of thought leaders selected by the platform. This initiative has evolved into the Top Voices program but continues to operate on a similar basis.
What Happened to LinkedIn’s Community Top Voice Badge?
In 2023, LinkedIn introduced a new tier to its rewards system: the Gold Community Top Voice badge. This badge is part of a broader initiative to encourage creators to contribute to collaborative articles. Often created with AI-generated content, these articles allow users to add their own perspectives. It helps add value and creativity to the article.
But Community Top Voice’s gold badge system quickly faced challenges. Unlike blue Top Voice badges, which are carefully curated by LinkedIn’s editorial team, gold badges are automatically awarded based on participation in collaborative articles. This raises concerns about the quality of the content associated with the signs. This makes it easy to earn without having to maintain strict standards.
In September 2024, LinkedIn announced that the Community Top Voices program would be discontinued on October 8, 2024. The decision was driven by the platform’s desire to ensure that the badges awarded represented consistent quality and value. To the community It will be completed in 60 days. Those who received the Community Top Voice badge on October 8, 2024 will retain it until December 7, 2024.
When Does the Gold Community Top Voice Badge Expire?
As always, badges for top voices in a community expire within 60 days of being received, so if someone receives a badge on October 8, 2024, it will be valid until at least December 7, 2024.
What's Next for Collaborative Articles?
Since its inception Collaborative accounts have become meeting places for knowledge sharing and collaborative learning between users. As the feature gained traction, LinkedIn received a lot of response from the community. The challenge of maintaining high quality standards is evident. This led to the abandonment of the gold emblem.
“We recognize that maintaining the highest level of quality in awarding these badges is difficult, so as of October 8, 2024, the Gold Community Top Voice badge will be retired and participation in collaborative accounts will not. earn no more badges,” LinkedIn shared. However, the blue Top Voice badge remains unchanged. They are by invitation only from the LinkedIn editorial team.
If you currently have a Community Top Voice gold badge, please note that it expires 60 days after it is earned. For those who will receive their badge on October 8, 2024, the semester is December 7, 2024.
What Happens If I Have a Community Top Voice Badge?
For those with the Gold Community Top Voice badge, it expires within 60 days of award. LinkedIn Top Voice will not issue new badges for this level.
Is LinkedIn Eliminating the Blue Top Voice Badge?
No, the blue Top Voice badge isn’t going anywhere. If you are interested in learning more. Be sure to check out LinkedIn’s resources on how to qualify for this prestigious award.
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