The Top Voice title is a prestigious badge of honor for professionals who contribute to the platform with insightful and credible content as well as consistently engage with the community.
LinkedIn used to have two Top Voice badges, Gold and Blue. The Gold badge recently got discontinued.
The gold badge of Top Voice is now retired and will soon be pulled off from the profiles of people who hold this honorable position.
The key to becoming a Top Voice on LinkedIn is to produce high-quality content, interact with your audience frequently and through many mediums, and leverage LinkedIn's algorithm to expand your reach.
Keep in mind that consistency is a massive contributor to your becoming a Top Voice, so make sure to share your unique insights with your audiences regularly.
Gary Vaynerchuk, Nikhil Kamath, Abhijit Bhaduri, Swati Bhargava, Ankur Warikoo, and Kunal Shah are some of the most influential Top Voices on LinkedIn in 2025.
LinkedIn provides a top of channels and chances to enable professionals who have the qualifications and knowledge, to become a thought leader. Consistent producers of captivating and truly credible content are honored with the “Top Voice” badge.
You get unparalleled visibility and credibility as a Top Voice on the platform. It brings collaborations, speaking engagements, professional advancement, and other unique and exciting opportunities within reach.
For content creators continuously producing informative and engaging content, being named the Top Voice is essentially a badge of honor. People are looking for ways how to become a LinkedIn Top Voice because, in addition to increasing your visibility, this title also strengthens and boosts your reputation within your industry and gives you access to some of the most coveted of opportunities.
This blog will help you understand what LinkedIn Top Voice truly is, how you can crack the code to become one, and who you can look up to for inspiration on your journey.
What is LinkedIn Top Voice?
LinkedIn Top Voice is an exclusive recognition given to standout members who significantly contribute to the platform through valuable content and thought leadership in their respective fields and educate their professional community.
There are two types of accolades:
Golden Badges for industry-specific thought leaders
Achieving Top Voice status hinges on a mix of quality content creation, timely discussions, and forging genuine connections through interaction. Consistency is also key. Moreover, once earned, the recognition requires ongoing participation to be maintained.
Why LinkedIn Removed Community Top Voice Badges (Gold Badge)
LinkedIn first introduced the Gold Top Voice badge back in March 2023. It created quite a buzz on the platform. It gave people who regularly contributed to high-quality long-form content on the platform an opportunity to be recognized for their contributions. It was a prestigious symbol of status for people with credible expertise.
The feature of collaborative articles leveraged AI-generated prompts to engage user participation from industry experts. When users contributed to enough articles, they could get community engagement on the platform, establish themselves as thought leaders, and gain the Gold Top Voice badge.
However, this gold badge quickly lost its luster. As it became more and more accessible to a wider range of users, the prestige that came with the title diluted significantly. It became harder for the platform to differentiate truly knowledgeable experts from professionals who were frequently contributing to the community.
It is a possibility that LinkedIn wanted to bring more clarity and improve the functioning of the platform. So the executives took this step that would bring focus on individuals providing high-quality, credible information to the masses.
What will happen to your current Community Top Voice badge
Although LinkedIn has announced the retirement of the gold Top Voice badge, it has not made clear what this means for current badge holders. For, the professionals currently holding the Gold Community Top Voice position, the badge is set to expire within 60 days.
Top Voices' contributions will remain visible on their profiles even after the badge is retired. The LinkedIn community will continue to have access to the information and perspectives exchanged through collaborative articles. Those who have obtained the badge can also continue to benefit from their established standing as industry thought leaders.
Should you still contribute to community articles on LinkedIn
You should absolutely keep up your streak and continue contributing to LinkedIn’s collaborative articles even though the Gold Top Voice badge has been discontinued. Here are some benefits to consider:
1. Your network can still see your contributions, you should leverage that content to increase your visibility and garner more engagement.
2. You can still use the valuable connections you made to collaborate, gain more knowledge, and network.
3. You should continue to contribute to articles to improve your ability to express the pertinent knowledge you have gained with your experience.
4. Leverage the knowledge and expertise you put out through collaborative articles to become a thought leader in your industry.
5. Build a sense of community among your followers/audience by continuing to collaborate with other professionals in your domain.
Benefits of LinkedIn Top Voice
Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice comes with the following benefits.
1. Increase in Visibility
Achieving Top Voice status significantly boosts your profile's visibility on LinkedIn. This increased exposure can attract new connections, followers, and opportunities as your content reaches a broader audience beyond your immediate network.
2. Enhanced Credibility
Being recognized as a Top Voice is a badge of authority in your industry. This endorsement from LinkedIn enhances your credibility, making your insights and opinions more valued by peers and potential collaborators or employers.
3. More Networking Opportunities
With the spotlight on your expertise, you're more likely to attract like-minded professionals, leading to meaningful networking opportunities. These connections can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and new projects.
Top Voices are frequently sought after for speaking engagements, webinars, and media interviews, providing a platform to further share your insights and solidify your status as an industry thought leader.
Steps/Tips to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice
If you're serious about becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, here are some steps you can take to get started:
1) Understand Your Audience
Understanding your audience's challenges and questions to create content that resonates with their interests and needs.
Define your target audience: People browse Linkedin with an intent that differs from other social media. People use Linkedin to keep track of industry insights, thought leadership, new narratives in their industry, as well as, meetups, webinars, etc. - preferences that are vastly different when browsing through Instagram and other social platforms. So creating a persona that specifically captures the specific needs and interests of your ideal Linkedin audience. This will help you validate and prioritize content ideas, and share content that is useful for your audience.
Engage and listen: Linkedin believes that its strict content policies has made it most trusted social media platform for users. Based on our observations, we can also add that Linkedin is the least polarized and has fewer echo chambers. So by simply participating in discussions on individual posts and Linkedin groups one can understand their audience's needs and preferences. Linkedin also has useful features such as polls and direct questions to gauge audience interests and garner opinions.
2) Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized. It should accurately represent your professional identity, with a clear summary, up-to-date experience, and a professional headshot. A polished profile reinforces the credibility of your content.
Professional Photography: Use a professional headshot that conveys approachability and professionalism. Your profile picture is often the first impression you make.
Compelling Summary: Write a summary that highlights your expertise, accomplishments, and the value you bring. Use keywords related to your industry for better visibility.
Showcase Your Work: Utilize the featured section to highlight top projects, articles, or achievements. Regular updates to this section keep your profile dynamic and engaging.
To simplify things, use the free tools from Highperformr to create a better headline and your PR picture.
3) Craft High-Quality Content
Invest time in creating informative, well-structured, and engaging content. Use images, anecdotes, and industry insights to enrich your posts and encourage engagement. Using GIFs and images on LinkedIn can make a memorable impact elevating your storytelling or adding a touch of lightheartedness.
Start by conducting a self-assessment to pinpoint what you are deeply passionate about and where you have the most authoritative knowledge. Ask yourself, "What topics can I talk about confidently and in depth?"
Create niche content that not only demonstrates your expertise but also adds substantial value to discussions in your field.
Create content that covers topics in depth. Using credible sources and including data or case studies can enrich your content.
Experiment with various content formats such as articles, videos (download LinkedIn videos here), infographics, or posts to see what resonates most with your audience. Visual elements can significantly increase engagement.
Before publishing, ensure your content is clear, concise, and error-free. A well-edited piece reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
Pro tip: You can use the get post idea feature from Highperformr to gather all the Reddit trends and latest news. Then, you can use AI to write posts and then schedule them.
5) Engage with Industry Leaders
Connect with other thought leaders in your industry. Collaboration can provide new perspectives and amplify your content's reach.
Also, engage before and after posting content on LinkedIn. This will automatically boost your post's engagement. Here are more tips to be seen in the crowded space:
Reach Out: Don't hesitate to message other professionals in your field with a proposal for collaboration. Be clear about what you admire in their work and what you wish to achieve together.
Co-create Content: Work on articles, host joint webinars, or participate in panel discussions. This not only enriches your content but also exposes you to their audience.
Share and Tag: When you mention or use insights from other leaders, give credit by tagging them. This fosters good relationships and encourages them to share your content in return.
6) Embrace Originality
Showcase your unique viewpoint and experiences rather than echoing common thoughts and ideas. Authenticity makes your content stand out and can foster a loyal following.
Share Personal Insights: Don't shy away from infusing your content with personal experiences or unique viewpoints. Authenticity attracts genuine engagement.
Avoid Buzzwords: Use clear, straightforward language and avoid overused industry jargon. Stand out by being genuine and accessible.
7) Recognize the Contributions of Others
Participate in the community by acknowledging and reacting to content shared by peers. This encourages reciprocal engagement and helps build relationships.
Engage with Content: Regularly comment on, like, and share content from your network. Thoughtful comments can spark meaningful interactions.
Give Kudos: Use LinkedIn's "Kudos" feature to publicly appreciate your connections' achievements. Recognizing others encourages a positive community ethos.
8) Be Consistent
Consistently share and engage with content on LinkedIn. Regular activity helps maintain visibility in your connections' feeds and establishes you as an active member of the community.
Set a Schedule: Plan your content in advance and stick to a consistent posting schedule. Regularity keeps you at the top of your mind within your network.
Stay Active: Even when you aren't posting new content, engage with others' posts and contribute to discussions.
Review engagement on your content regularly to understand what resonates with your audience. Use these insights to refine your strategy and optimize future content for better reach and impact.
Use Analytics: Regularly check LinkedIn analytics to understand which content performs best. Look at engagement rates, the best times to post, and audience demographics.
Be Adaptable: Based on analytics, adjust your content strategy. Experiment with different approaches to refine what works best for engaging your target audience
If you want to get actionable advice on what can be improved on your LinkedIn profile, check Highperformr’s analytics feature.
Adhering to these steps with diligence and strategic forethought will pave the way towards becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, not just in name but in the value shared and appreciated within the professional community.
How to Earn the LinkedIn Community Top Voice Badge?
Getting recognized as a LinkedIn Community Top Voice means you're seen as a critical contributor to your expertise. Here's how you can work towards earning this badge without overcomplicating things, ensuring we stick to the straightforward guidelines provided by Highperformr.
1. Focus on What You Know Best
Identify and stick with the area you know a lot about when creating content. This approach helps you stay consistent and insightful, making your contributions valuable. LinkedIn lists topics that can guide you to where your input might be most appreciated.
When you come across articles that match your expertise, add your thoughts in a way that contributes to the discussion. It's not necessary to comment on every detail - what matters is that your comments are thoughtful and make people think or offer them something new.
3. Be Yourself
People appreciate authenticity. When you share your experiences or viewpoints, make it personal and authentic to who you are. This authenticity will make your posts and comments stand out because you offer perspectives based on your unique experiences and knowledge.
4. Engage Genuinely
Actively participating in the community by liking and commenting on posts that resonate with you is essential. But it's more about the quality of your engagement than the quantity. Genuine interactions can help you build connections and make your voice heard.
5. Keep At It
Consistency is key. Regularly contributing posts and engaging with others show you're committed and reliable. Don't just aim for a certain number of posts or comments; focus on making each interaction meaningful.
6. Badge Maintenance
Remember, the Top Voice Badge is not permanent. You need to stay active and continue providing valuable insights to keep it. Sharing your contributions more widely can also help engage a broader audience, keeping the interest in your content high.
Essential Tools to Aid Your Journey
To make the best use of your time and effort, having the right tools at your disposal is essential. Here are a few that can help you become a Top Voice on LinkedIn:
1. Highperformr
Highperformr is designed as a comprehensive platform for individuals and businesses looking to maximize their LinkedIn strategy. It aids users in creating more engaging content, amplifying their presence, and effectively building their LinkedIn network.
The tool leverages data-driven insights to guide users in enhancing their LinkedIn profiles and posts. It makes it easier to connect with the right audience and achieve specific LinkedIn goals, such as growing a network, increasing engagement, or positioning oneself as a thought leader in a particular industry.
Features
Trending Topic Analysis: Identifies what's currently popular in your field to inform your content strategy.
Engagement Tips: Provides advice on improving engagement with tailored suggestions for content optimization.
Profile Enhancement: Offers actionable tips to make your LinkedIn profile stand out to your network and potential connections.
Viral Post Templates: Provides a library of pre-written posts that can be customized to fit your needs.
Content Creation: Helps you create LinkedIn posts by suggesting topics, headlines, and images.
Performance Tracking: Allows you to measure how well your content performs, with insights into likes, shares, and comments.
Team Collaboration: This allows you to collaborate with your team members by sharing drafts and getting feedback.
Automation Tools: Simplifies maintaining a consistent presence with features for scheduling posts and automating other LinkedIn activities.
Canva democratizes design, offering a user-friendly platform that unlocks the capability to create compelling, professional-grade visual content. Ideal for enhancing LinkedIn posts, Canva caters to design novices and professionals with its intuitive interface.
This tool simplifies the process of producing eye-catching images, infographics, and videos, ensuring your content stands out in the crowded LinkedIn feed and captures your network's attention.
Features
Extensive Template Library: Provides access to thousands of customizable templates for various content types.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Facilitates easy design creation without the need for advanced graphic design skills.
Multimedia Content Creation: Supports various content formats, including images, infographics, and videos, meeting diverse content needs.
Brand Kit Integration: Allows for easy incorporation of brand elements (logo, color scheme, fonts) to ensure consistency across all designs.
Collaboration Tools: Offers features for real-time collaboration with team members, streamlining the design process for group projects.
3. Feedy
Feedly is a central hub for professionals eager to stay ahead by following the latest trends, news, and developments. It streamlines the task of keeping up with an ever-growing amount of online content across various industries by aggregating it into one manageable feed.
This enables users to stay informed, share insights, and create engaging content for their LinkedIn networks, reinforcing their status as thought leaders.
Features
Personalized News Feeds: Customizes content streams based on your professional interests and industry trends.
Article Save and Share: This allows you to save articles for later and easily share insightful content with your LinkedIn network.
Source Addition: This feature allows you to add any blog, news site, or RSS feed you desire, broadening your scope of information.
Keyword Alerts: This service notifies you about important terms or topics, ensuring you never miss relevant developments in your field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Path to Becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice
Earning the LinkedIn Top Voice badge is a significant accomplishment that requires careful strategy, consistent effort, and genuine engagement. However, even the most enthusiastic candidates can sometimes veer off course. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Spreading Too Thin Across Multiple Domains
While showcasing knowledge in various fields is tempting, this approach can dilute your brand and scatter your audience. Focus on your core expertise to establish a recognizable voice and build authority in one domain rather than being a marginal figure in many.
2. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality
A common misconception is that more posts mean more visibility. However, LinkedIn values the quality of interactions over sheer volume. Prioritize creating thoughtful, well-researched content that sparks discussion and resonates with your audience rather than overwhelming them with frequent, less substantial posts.
3. Underestimating the Power of Engagement
Merely posting content isn't enough. The failure to engage with your audience—responding to comments, participating in discussions, and supporting other content creators—can stymie your growth. Engagement demonstrates your commitment to the community and can significantly amplify your reach.
4. Ignoring LinkedIn's Features
Not leveraging LinkedIn's features, such as articles, videos, and LinkedIn Learning, can limit your visibility. Diversifying your content format caters to different audience preferences and showcases your adaptability and creativity.
5. Neglecting Your Personal Brand
Failing to cultivate a distinct personal brand can make your profile blend into the background. Your content should reflect your unique perspective and professional identity. Share personal anecdotes where relevant, and present your experiences and achievements in a way that adds value to your network.
6. Inauthentic Networking
Networking out of a sense of obligation or with a transactional mindset can be insincere. Genuine relationship building is based on mutual interests and respect. Strive to connect authentically with peers in your industry, offer help without expectation of immediate returns, and celebrate others' success as you would your own.
Take the First Step Towards Getting Your Top Voice Badge
The path to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice is characterized by what you do and what you consciously avoid doing.
Avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on generating value-driven, engaging, and insightful content can significantly increase your chances of earning the LinkedIn Top Voice badge.
Be patient, stay committed, and, most importantly, keep learning and adapting.
Highperformr will help you easily amplify your presence on Linkedin; sign up for free and start by creating a content calendar and planning your posts in advance. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're consistently publishing high-quality content.
Frequently asked questions
Ajay Prem
Growing organic traffic and generating leads through content for Highperformr.
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