LinkedIn launches Stories (but it isn't an Insta success)

It might not be the sexiest social media platform around, but LinkedIn is hoping a fresh coat of paint will make the professional network easier, more inclusive and more enjoyable to use. Introduced last week, the new look is designed to embody a "warmer" experience – but it seems not all users have responded, er, warmly. 

At the heart of the new look is LinkedIn's very own version of Stories, the ephemeral video and image tool made famous by Instagram and Snapchat. The redesign also includes a new video chat feature, as well a streamlined search function and the upcoming addition of dark mode. Check out our best web design tools if you're embarking on a redesign project of your own.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Stories, anyone? (Image credit: LinkedIn)

The updated search function now includes jobs, courses and events alongside companies and individuals, while the UI has been updated across the board with new illustrations that showcase "people with different abilities, diverse backgrounds and ethnicities".

The addition of Stories might seem odd for a professional app like LinkedIn, but then it shouldn't feel like a huge surprise – companies have been implementing the feature left, right and centre (could Microsoft Excel Stories be around the corner?). And LinkedIn says the feature is particularly suited to 2020's 'new normal' of home working, "letting people replace those essential water cooler moments".

LinkedIn redesign

LinkedIn's updated UI (Image credit: LinkedIn)

Unfortunately for LinkedIn, it seems users aren't completely sold on the site's new look. The emphasis on Stories in particular brings it much more in line with other social media platforms – and many aren't convinced that a so-called professional network should be trying to mimic Facebook or Instagram. 

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In short, the general response to LinkedIn Stories appears to be: why? Much like the controversial 'new Facebook' update, the shift to a more mobile, content-oriented design isn't exactly going down a storm. Time will tell whether the feature will take off, but as we well know, anything can happen in 2020. Even Wikipedia is getting a redesign

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Daniel John
Senior News Editor

Daniel John is Senior News Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of art, design, branding and lifestyle tech (which often translates to tech made by Apple). He joined in 2020 after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more.