Hey everyone,
I’m curious about building apps using LinkedIn’s API. From what I’ve heard, they’re pretty strict about who gets access. I tried to get in, but no luck so far.
Has anyone here actually made a real app with their API? I’m not talking about just adding LinkedIn links to a website. I mean proper apps that use LinkedIn data to do something cool.
If you’ve done it, how did you convince LinkedIn to let you use their API? Any tips or tricks that worked for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences and what kind of apps you’ve built.
Thanks in advance for any insights!
I’ve been down that road, and it’s definitely a challenge. LinkedIn’s API access is like getting into an exclusive club - they’re picky about who they let in. My breakthrough came when I developed an app for alumni networking. It tapped into LinkedIn’s data to help universities connect graduates with mentorship and job opportunities in their field.
The key was demonstrating clear value for LinkedIn users without stepping on their toes. I spent weeks refining my pitch, emphasizing how it would drive more engagement on their platform. Be prepared for a lot of back-and-forth and patience - it took me nearly six months to get approved.
Once you’re in, though, it’s worth it. The data access is powerful, but remember to respect user privacy. My advice? Think outside the box and show how your app can enhance the LinkedIn experience in a unique way. Good luck with your endeavor!
I’ve had some success with LinkedIn’s API, but it wasn’t easy. Their approval process is indeed stringent. What worked for me was having a clear, unique value proposition that benefited LinkedIn users without competing directly with their core services. My app focused on skill gap analysis for career transitions, using aggregated data rather than individual profiles.
The key was thoroughly documenting my use case, security measures, and how it aligned with LinkedIn’s platform goals. I also built a basic prototype to demonstrate functionality. The process took months, and I had to revise my application twice.
Once approved, working with the API was relatively straightforward, though the data access is limited compared to what’s publicly visible on profiles. Be prepared for a long journey, but it can be worth it if your app truly adds value to the LinkedIn ecosystem.
hey man, i feel ya. linkedin’s api is a tough nut to crack. tried a few times myself, no dice. heard some folks got lucky with b2b apps that help companies recruit better. might be worth a shot if u got an idea like that. good luck!