LinkedIn Introduces “Connected Apps” to Verify Real-World Tool Proficiency

LinkedIn launched a “Connected Apps” feature that lets members attach supported applications to their profile. When linked, each app automatically creates a brief statement describing the user’s actual activity—e.g., “creates and sends segmented email campaigns in HubSpot’s Marketing Hub.” Statements update in real time, cannot be edited by the member, and trigger notifications when they change.

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The feature builds on January 2026 collaborations that verified skills with Duolingo, Descript, Lovable, Relay.app and Replit. Today the roster expands to fourteen new apps—Buffer, Fiverr, HubSpot, Air, Base44, Beehiv, Gamma, HeyGen, JetBrains, Magic Patterns, Mirage/Captions, Pictory AI, Profound and Wispr Flow—and upcoming integrations with Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Fullcast/Copy AI, Github Copilot, Gong, OpusClip, Riverside, Sprinklr, Webflow and Zapier. The rollout was announced by CEO Dan Shapero and senior product manager Kelly Tong.

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LinkedIn reports 1.3 billion members. The launch adds fourteen new apps and the company plans further expansions. Internal data show demand for marketers with AI-related skills has more than doubled year over year. LinkedIn reported a 12 % YoY increase in quarterly revenue, which the company attributes to recent platform growth.

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By converting product usage into verifiable profile data, LinkedIn aims to reduce reliance on self-declared skill claims. Recruiters can filter candidates based on concrete usage statements, and tool providers receive direct endorsements from active users. A “Top User” badge highlights members with the highest engagement on a given app, and dynamic statements keep profiles current.

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LinkedIn described the feature as providing “evidence of real product usage” and making skill verification “easier for recruiters and employers.” The company emphasized that statements are generated by the apps, cannot be edited, and will trigger alerts when added or updated. LinkedIn also noted that a “Top User” signal will appear for highly engaged members and that more apps will be added in coming months.

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• “We're building new ways for members to show real, credible proof of what they're capable of, right on their LinkedIn profile,” — Dan Shapero, CEO, LinkedIn

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• “And for the brands behind these tools, there’s no better endorsement than a customer who’s actively using and loving your product.” — Dan Shapero, CEO, LinkedIn

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• “The verification statements won’t include negative information or be “downgraded” to look bad if someone is using a connected app less, according to Tong.” — Kelly Tong, senior product manager, LinkedIn

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• “Once connected, each app generates a simple statement based on your real activity — a simple, specific description of how you actually use it.” — LinkedIn spokesperson

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LinkedIn will roll out the upcoming integrations over the next several weeks, continue sending alerts for statement changes, and refine the “Top User” indicator. Future updates should broaden the range of verifiable digital skills displayed on profiles.

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