LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning traces its origins to Lynda.com, founded in 1995 by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin in Ojai, California. Initially a resource for web design tutorials, Lynda.com grew into a leading online learning library. In 2015, LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com for approximately $1.5 billion, rebranding it as LinkedIn Learning in 2016. The platform retained its original content library while integrating LinkedIn's professional data to offer personalized recommendations. In 2021, LinkedIn Learning expanded its reach by offering free courses on topics like remote work and diversity, and it continues to evolve with new features such as learning paths and skill assessments.

The platform hosts over 16,000 courses across business, technology, and creative fields, taught by recognized experts. Courses are structured into short video segments, often with transcripts and exercise files. LinkedIn Learning offers learning paths—curated sequences of courses designed to build specific skills—and skill assessments that allow users to validate their proficiency. The platform also provides certificates of completion, which can be added directly to a user's LinkedIn profile. For organizations, LinkedIn Learning offers a corporate solution with admin tools, analytics, and the ability to assign courses to employees.¹

LinkedIn Learning has become a significant player in the e-learning market, particularly in professional development. Its integration with LinkedIn's network gives it a unique advantage: users can see which courses their connections have taken, and employers can use skill data to identify talent. The platform has been praised for its accessibility and the quality of its instructors, but some critics note that completion rates are low, as many users enroll in courses without finishing them. Despite this, LinkedIn Learning has been credited with helping professionals upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it offered free courses on remote work and resilience.

Beyond its mainstream offerings, LinkedIn Learning has several niche features. It includes a library of courses in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese, and offers a mobile app with offline viewing. The platform also hosts "learning paths" tailored to specific job roles, such as "Become a Data Scientist" or "Become a Project Manager." A lesser-known fact is that LinkedIn Learning acquired the online coding platform Lynda.com's sibling, but it also partnered with universities to offer academic credit for certain courses. Additionally, the platform has a feature called "Check with a coach" that provides personalized career advice from human coaches, a service that is not widely advertised.

Learning path

A curated sequence of courses designed to build a specific skill or prepare for a job role.

Skill assessment

A test that allows users to validate their proficiency in a particular skill, often leading to a badge on their profile.

Certificate of completion

A credential awarded after finishing a course, which can be displayed on a LinkedIn profile.