LinkedIn Connection Degrees Explained
LinkedIn organizes every user into connection degrees based on how close they are to you in the network. Understanding these degrees tells you who you can message, what you can see on their profile, and how to approach outreach strategically.
The Four Connection Degrees
1st-Degree Connections
These are people you're directly connected with. Either you sent them a request they accepted, or they sent one to you.
What you can do:
- Send unlimited direct messages
- View their full profile, including contact info (if they've shared it)
- Engage directly with their posts
💡 Tip: Your 1st-degree connections are your warmest audience. Prioritize them for follow-ups and nurture sequences.
2nd-Degree Connections
These people are connected to your 1st-degree connections but not directly to you. You share mutual connections.
What you can do:
- Send a connection request (mention the mutual connection to improve acceptance rates)
- Use InMail if you have a Premium account
- See your shared connections and request introductions
3rd-Degree Connections
These users are connected to your 2nd-degree connections. You have no direct mutual connections with them.
What you can do:
- Send a connection request
- Use InMail (Premium only)
- View limited profile information
👉 Note: 3rd-degree profiles often show only a name and headline. You'll need to connect before seeing more.
Out-of-Network Users
Anyone beyond your 3rd-degree connections. They typically appear as "LinkedIn Member" with minimal profile visibility.
What you can do:
- Send a connection request
- Use InMail or request an introduction through mutual contacts
Quick Reference Table
| Degree | Who They Are | Messaging | Profile Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Direct connections | Unlimited direct messages | Full profile + contact info |
| 2nd | Connected to your 1st-degree | Connection request or InMail | Partial, mutual connections visible |
| 3rd | Connected to your 2nd-degree | Connection request or InMail | Limited |
| Out-of-Network | Beyond 3rd-degree | InMail or introduction | Very limited |
How to Reach Beyond Your 1st-Degree Network
Warm Up 2nd-Degree Connections
- Engage with their content before sending a request.
- Reference your mutual connection in your outreach message. It dramatically improves acceptance rates.
Reach 3rd-Degree Connections
- Find common ground: shared groups, similar roles, or overlapping interests.
- Ask a mutual connection for an introduction, or use InMail if you have Premium.
Use SalesMind AI for Scaled Outreach
SalesMind AI can build targeted lists from your 2nd and 3rd-degree connections and send personalized connection requests automatically, with the right timing and messaging to maximize acceptance rates.
Why Expanding Beyond 1st-Degree Matters
Your 1st-degree network is finite. To grow your pipeline, you need to reach further:
- 2nd-degree connections are warm leads. You have social proof through mutual contacts.
- 3rd-degree connections expand your total addressable market significantly.
- Connecting with the right people now means more 1st-degree relationships (and direct messaging access) later.
What's Next
- Learn how to import leads from your LinkedIn network in Import Leads from Your List
- See how SalesMind AI handles safe outreach limits in LinkedIn Restrictions: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe