The LinkedIn API is a powerful tool for developers and businesses that makes it possible to extract valuable public data from LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the world's largest professional platforms, with more than 1 billion users, and offers a wealth of information that is crucial for businesses, recruiters, sales professionals, and marketers. But how can you use this valuable data efficiently when conventional scraping methods or manual data collection are not an option? The answer lies in the LinkedIn API.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the LinkedIn API: from how it works to the benefits it offers businesses. We also cover how to become a LinkedIn partner, the costs associated with using the LinkedIn Scraper API, and how to use the API safely and legally.
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
However, access to the LinkedIn API is a lengthy process that requires approval from LinkedIn. You need to select the right partner programme 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
Choosing 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 application in the LinkedIn Developer Portal, set up OAuth 2.0 authentication, and request API keys. The API application then needs the right permissions to access the required LinkedIn data.
Is LinkedIn scraping legal?
Scraping LinkedIn data without API access violates LinkedIn's terms of service and is therefore illegal. However, LinkedIn offers the LinkedIn Scraper API as a legal way to access publicly available data. It is important to use the API responsibly and in accordance with LinkedIn's guidelines.
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.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn API offers an efficient and legally compliant way to extract LinkedIn data. Integrating the API into business processes can help businesses collect valuable data and optimise their marketing and sales strategies. However, businesses that want to use the API should be aware of the complex requirements and the need to become LinkedIn partners. For those who do not want to use an API, third-party tools such as Evaboot offer a practical alternative.
