The LinkedIn API is the official interface that allows applications to communicate with LinkedIn: login via “Sign in with LinkedIn”, publishing posts, job listings, advertising campaigns or Sales Navigator data. It is not a data dump for arbitrary profiles, but is divided into products and partner programmes—only three permissions can be used without approval; LinkedIn must approve everything else. There is no public price list (as of 19 September 2026, source:Microsoft Learn: Getting Access to LinkedIn APIs).
Overview of LinkedIn API access programmes
LinkedIn organises its APIs by business area. This structure is outlined in the official documentation on Microsoft Learn (as of 19 September 2026):
- Open Permissions (Consumer)– without approval in theDeveloper Portalcan be enabled: “Sign in with LinkedIn using OpenID Connect” (permissionsprofile it and enter it email) and “Share on LinkedIn” (w_member_social).
- Marketing Solutions– the Advertising API must be requested and approved; audience permissions are only available once you are an approved Advertising API partner.
- Sales Solutions– Access only as a Sales Navigator Application Platform (SNAP) partner, with permissions such asr_sales_nav_display or r_sales_nav_profiles.
- Talent Solutions– Application via the ATS Partner Programme, including for Recruiter System Connect, Apply Connect, Apply with LinkedIn and Premium Job Posting.
- Learning Solutions– submit your own request via “Request API Access” in the Learning documentation.
- Compliance– closed. The permissionsr_compliance it and enter it w_complianceare documented for reference only and can no longer be requested.
All access runs through OAuth 2.0, either via the Member Flow (on behalf of a signed-in person) or the Application Flow (on behalf of the application).
LinkedIn API Costs: What Do You Really Pay?
In short: LinkedIn publishesno price list for its APIs. Neitherdeveloper.linkedin.comstill theAPI documentation on Microsoft Learnstate amounts (checked on 19 September 2026). What is shown there is the access point—not the price.
This results in three realistic cost categories:
- The API access itself:Open Permissions can be activated in the Developer Portal without approval and at no cost. For all other products, approval is the bottleneck—not the bill.
- The underlying LinkedIn products:Anyone using the Marketing, Sales, or Talent APIs needs the corresponding paid solutions (ad account, Sales Navigator, Recruiter). LinkedIn negotiates their prices through its sales team and does not publish them in the API documentation.
- The evolution:OAuth integration, token renewal, error handling, and keeping up with breaking changes are the areas projects underestimate most often.
Prices you find online for a “LinkedIn API” — such as tiered pricing per thousand profiles — generally apply to third-party services, not LinkedIn. This also applies to the scraper plans mentioned below.
What is the LinkedIn API?
The LinkedIn API (Application Programming Interface) is a comprehensive tool that helps developers extract valuable public data from LinkedIn. With the LinkedIn API, businesses and developers can collect detailed information about LinkedIn profiles, including:
- User IDs
- Names
- Cities
- Job titles
- Posts
- Information about current companies and much more
The LinkedIn API enables integration into various business processes and applications to improve the user experience, for example through features such as:
- Integrating LinkedIn profiles into applications
- Sharing content and company pages
- Providing personalised content based on LinkedIn profiles
- Easy sign-in and management of user profiles
By using the LinkedIn API, businesses can expand the functionality of their applications and extract valuable LinkedIn data with ease.
How do you become a LinkedIn partner?
To access the LinkedIn API, businesses must become LinkedIn partners. The LinkedIn Partner Program provides access to various API products that are relevant to different industries, such as:
- Talent solutions for HR technology companies
- Marketing solutions for marketing automation
- Sales Navigator for sales companies
Access to the LinkedIn API is a lengthy process that requires LinkedIn’s approval. You need to choose the right partner program category and apply for access.
How much does the LinkedIn Scraper API cost?
The LinkedIn API is available in different pricing plans:
- Basic Plan: Free, for up to 3 profiles
- Standard Plan: $59 per month, for up to 500 profiles
- Premium Plan: $499 per month, for up to 10,000 profiles
The right plan depends on how many profiles you want to query.
How does the LinkedIn Scraper API work?
The LinkedIn API makes it possible to send automated requests to LinkedIn to extract data. This data is delivered in a structured format suitable for fast processing and analysis. Businesses can use the LinkedIn API for various products, including marketing tools, sales applications, and talent solutions, to optimise their business processes.
How do you set up the LinkedIn Scraper API?
To get started with the LinkedIn API, you need to create an app in the LinkedIn Developer Portal, set up OAuth 2.0 authentication, and request API keys. The app then needs the right permissions to access the LinkedIn data you want.
Do you need the API for your own outreach?
The official API is intended for LinkedIn partners. You don’t need it for your own outreach: CompLeadly works with your own LinkedIn account, directly on your computer.
Alternatives to the LinkedIn API
There are alternatives for businesses that want to extract LinkedIn data but do not have access to the LinkedIn API or cannot use their own development resources. Third-party tools such as Evaboot offer a user-friendly way to extract LinkedIn data without using the API directly. These tools offer an easy way to export and verify leads.
The same limits apply to recruiting and job searches as to sales. Talent Solutions interfaces such as Recruiter System Connect are designed for ATS partners, not individual recruiters who want to contact candidates — and certainly not for job applicants. If you want to reach candidates or contact hiring managers directly as an applicant, you don’t need API access. You need a well-defined target audience and a good first message. CompLeadly’s automation runs locally in the desktop app using your own LinkedIn account, so you don’t need to apply to become a partner. Your starting point is what you already use: people search, Sales Navigator or, if you have a licence, Recruiter Lite. From there, profile visits, connection requests, messages and follow-ups run automatically. Learn more: CompLeadly for recruiting teams it and enter it Open to Work on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn API offers an efficient way to extract LinkedIn data. Integrating the API into business processes can help companies collect valuable data and improve their marketing and sales strategies. However, companies that want to use the API should be aware of its complex requirements and the need to become a LinkedIn partner. For those who don’t want to use an API, third-party tools such as Evaboot offer a practical alternative.
shows you how it works and where to find your code in the app.
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If you want to look up the basics of the platform, What is LinkedIn?. For the sales section, it is worth looking atLinkedIn Sales Navigator: a worthwhile investment or an overrated sales tool? can help — the SNAP interface requires this product. If you’re having technical problems with your account, go to LinkedIn customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions About the LinkedIn API
Is the LinkedIn API free?
The three Open Permissions—sign-in via OpenID Connect and post sharing—are free of charge and can be enabled directly in the Developer Portal. LinkedIn does not publish prices for any other programmes, and access requires approval as well as, in most cases, a paid LinkedIn product (as of 19 September 2026).
How do I get access to the LinkedIn API?
You create an app in the LinkedIn Developer Portal and enable the product you want under “Products”. Open Permissions are available immediately; Marketing, Sales, Talent and Learning products require an application and LinkedIn’s approval.
Can I use the LinkedIn API to retrieve data from any profile?
No. The API only provides data within the scope of the permissions granted, such as data about the signed-in member or objects covered by a partner program. It does not support extracting profiles in general.
What authentication does the LinkedIn API use?
OAuth 2.0. LinkedIn distinguishes between the Member Authentication Flow (authorisation code, on behalf of a person) and the Application Authentication Flow (client credentials, on behalf of the application). Which flow applies depends on the respective permission.
