New analysis suggests over 50% of long LinkedIn posts may be AI-generated

The rise of AI-generated content on LinkedIn marks a significant shift in how professionals engage with social media, as AI tools become increasingly integrated into business communications.

Current state of AI on LinkedIn: LinkedIn has fully embraced AI-generated content, with over 54% of longer English-language posts now likely created using artificial intelligence tools, according to analysis by Originality AI.

• The platform offers LinkedIn Premium subscribers access to in-house AI writing tools for posts, profiles, and direct messages
• A significant surge in AI-generated content occurred in early 2023 following ChatGPT’s release, showing a 189% increase
• LinkedIn maintains it has systems in place to identify and limit the promotion of low-quality or duplicate content

User adoption and tools: Professionals are incorporating AI writing assistance into their LinkedIn activities in various ways, though many prefer general-purpose AI models over specialized LinkedIn tools.

• Content writers use AI platforms like Anthropic’s Claude to create initial drafts for clients
• Non-native English speakers utilize AI tools to improve grammar and polish their writing
• A growing cottage industry of AI LinkedIn post generators has emerged to help users increase their visibility

Platform dynamics and demographics: LinkedIn’s evolution as a social media platform has created an environment particularly conducive to AI-generated content.

• The platform has developed its own influencer network and gained popularity among Gen Z users
• Users increasingly seek attention and engagement, leading to demand for consistent content creation
• The professional nature of the platform makes it well-suited for AI-generated content that maintains a formal, business-appropriate tone

Community response: The reception to AI-generated content on LinkedIn has been mixed, reflecting broader debates about AI’s role in content creation.

• Some users appreciate AI-generated content for its clarity and structure
• Critics argue that AI tools devalue human writing and threaten professional opportunities
• Several lawsuits challenge the legality of training AI on human-created content without permission
• Some users choose to disclose their use of AI tools, finding that quality content receives positive engagement regardless of its origin

Reading between the lines: LinkedIn’s corporate culture and communication style may have inadvertently created the perfect testing ground for AI-generated content, as users already expect and accept a certain level of formulaic, professional communication on the platform.