LinkedIn displays small labels like “1st,” “2nd,” and “3rd” next to profile names to indicate the connection level between users. Understanding what does 1st 2nd and 3rd mean on LinkedIn helps you identify how closely you are linked to someone, what profile information is visible, and the best way to communicate professionally. A 1st-degree connection is a direct contact, a 2nd-degree connection is linked through a mutual contact, and a 3rd-degree connection is part of your extended network. Knowing these degrees allows you to network effectively, build trust, and expand your professional reach strategically.
What Does 1st 2nd and 3rd Mean on LinkedIn?
These degrees define your professional network, from direct contacts to extended connections, and are essential for building meaningful relationships and expanding your reach effectively.
LinkedIn uses connection levels or degrees to show how closely you’re connected to someone. Your connection’s degree determines what parts of their profile are visible to you, whether you can send them messages, and if you’d need a special feature like InMail or introductions. The system has recognisable categories: 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, 3rd-degree, and profiles that are out of network.
These degrees form a social graph:
- “1st” indicates a direct link.
- “2nd” is someone connected to your 1st-degree.
- “3rd” is someone connected to your 2nd-degree.
- “Out of network” means beyond those levels.
What Does “1st” Mean on LinkedIn?
If a LinkedIn user has “1st” next to their name, you are directly connected with them. Either you sent them a connection request which they accepted, or they did the same to you. These are your closest contacts in terms of how LinkedIn defines connection degrees.
Here’s what being 1st-degree gives you:
- You can message them freely without needing Premium or InMail.
- You often see more of their profile (depending on their privacy settings), including contact info or shared updates.
- Their posts are more likely to appear in your feed, and your posts more likely to reach them.
Your 1st-degree connections are the foundation of your LinkedIn network. Quality here matters more than quantity.
What Does “2nd” Mean on LinkedIn?
When you see “2nd” next to someone’s name, it means that person is connected to one of your 1st-degree connections—but not directly with you. In simple terms: a mutual connection links you.
With 2nd-degree connections:
- You might see some profile details like headline, current position, maybe some shared connections.
- You usually cannot message them freely unless you have LinkedIn Premium or use InMail.
- You can send them a connection request (often with a note). Mentioning mutual contacts tends to help.
2nd-degree connections are useful as bridges. They are one step away from being direct connections and often provide opportunities for introductions.
What Does “3rd” Mean on LinkedIn?
A “3rd” label means the person is connected to one of your 2nd-degree connections. That means they are further removed; you don’t share a mutual contact directly, but there is a chain through your network.
Characteristics of 3rd-degree connections:
- Profile visibility is more limited. You might only see name, basic headline, maybe company.
- Sending them a message usually requires InMail or having a Premium plan. You might also need to send a connection request.
- Sometimes you can’t even send a request if their privacy settings restrict it, or if only part of their name is visible.
Although distant in terms of connection, 3rd-degree contacts represent a broader network potential.
Beyond the Third Degree “Out of Network” & Other Categories
Not all users you see are labeled 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Some fall in the “Out of Network” category — those who are beyond your third-degree connection chain.
Other relevant categories:
- Followers: People who follow you, not necessarily connected.
- Group members: If you belong to the same LinkedIn group, that can enable some messaging even if someone is 2nd or 3rd degree.
- Profiles with limited visibility: Some people restrict their information or connection options, so you might see minimal info or be unable to connect.
Knowing these helps you understand why sometimes the “Connect” button or “Message” button isn’t available.
How to Know My Degree on LinkedIn
It’s easy to find out what degree of connection you share with someone on LinkedIn. Here’s how you can check:
- Visit the person’s profile.
Go to their LinkedIn profile by clicking on their name or profile picture. - Look next to their name.
You’ll notice a small tag like “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd” beside their name.- “1st” means they’re directly connected to you.
- “2nd” means they’re connected to someone you know.
- “3rd” means they’re connected to someone in your 2nd-degree circle.
- Check mutual connections.
Scroll down to see if LinkedIn lists mutual contacts. This helps you understand how your network overlaps. - Use the search feature.
When you search for professionals, LinkedIn automatically shows their connection degree next to their names in the results.
Knowing your connection level helps you decide the best way to approach someone — whether by sending a request directly or asking for an introduction.
Why It’s Important: Practical Implications for You
Understanding what does 1st 2nd and 3rd mean on LinkedIn isn’t just trivia — it impacts how you use LinkedIn every day. Here are actions and effects to be aware of.
Messaging & Outreach
You can message 1st-degree connections without restrictions. For 2nd and 3rd-degree users, you often need to use InMail (which may require Premium) or send a connection request. So, knowing the degree helps you figure out what path to take to reach someone. growth-x.com+1
Profile Visibility & Access
People who are your 1st-degree connections see more of you; those further away see less. If you want to share something specific (like contact details), it helps to have more 1st-degree connections who are relevant.
Network Growth Strategy
You can plan strategically:
- Engage with your existing connections so they appear in others’ feeds.
- Use mutual connections to introduce you to 2nd-degree people.
- For 3rd-degree, do small engagements (comment, like) before connection request so you’re not completely unknown.
Opportunity & Trust
People are more likely to accept a connection or consider your message when they see shared contacts or a relevant background. Working your way from 2nd to 1st increases credibility.
Wrapping Up
Now you know exactly what does 1st 2nd and 3rd mean on LinkedIn — these labels indicate how close your connections are and how you can interact with them. Understanding your connection degree and learning how to view mutual contacts allows you to network more effectively. By using this knowledge, you can build a stronger LinkedIn presence, connect with the right people, and uncover professional opportunities that truly contribute to your career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I message a 2nd or 3rd-degree connection without connecting first?
Usually no. Unless they have an open profile or you use InMail or Premium, direct messaging is restricted.
Q2. What’s the maximum number of 1st-degree connections I can have?
LinkedIn allows up to 30,000 direct connections. After that, you can still have followers, but you can’t add more first-degree connections.
Q3. What does “3rd+” mean next to some profiles?
That usually means someone is 3rd-degree or beyond, often indicating they’re connected to multiple people in your network. It suggests a somewhat greater relevance than “just 3rd” in isolation.
Q4. Does connection degree affect what people see on my profile?
Yes. First-degree connections often see more: contact info, endorsements, and sometimes more sections depending on how you set privacy. People who are 2nd or 3rd may only see headline, current role, or limited info.
Q5. Why do some people have no “Connect” or “Message” button visible?
Could be because they are out of network, or their privacy settings restrict interactions. Or their name or profile visibility doesn’t meet LinkedIn’s criteria for show-connect. Sometimes you must go through mutual groups or use InMail.