If you’ve ever updated your profile, sent a connection request, or applied for a job online, you’ve probably wondered at some point: when was LinkedIn created, and how did it become such a giant in the professional world? What started as a simple networking idea quietly turned into a global platform with more than one billion members. The real story is more layered, and in some ways more unexpected, than most people realize.
Below is a clear look at when LinkedIn was created, how it began, and how it grew into the platform professionals rely on today.
When was LinkedIn created and who was behind it
The short answer to when was LinkedIn created depends on how you define “created.” The company itself was founded in December 2002 in Mountain View, California. The public launch came a few months later.
LinkedIn officially launched on May 5, 2003. It was created by Reid Hoffman and Eric Ly, along with a founding team that included former members of PayPal and Socialnet.com. From the start, the idea was focused on professional networking, not casual social interaction. This clear focus set LinkedIn apart from other social platforms that followed.
The early version allowed users to connect with colleagues, share resumes, and begin building professional relationships online. It was a simple concept, but one that filled a real gap.
The early growth that proved the idea worked
After its launch in 2003, LinkedIn didn’t explode overnight. Growth was steady but meaningful. By August 2004, the platform had reached one million users. That milestone showed there was strong demand for an online professional network.
In March 2006, LinkedIn reached its first month of profitability. This was a major turning point, proving the business model could work. Just one year later, in April 2007, the platform had grown to 10 million users. That rapid increase pushed LinkedIn to expand internationally. These early years answered an important question: when was LinkedIn created may be a date, but its success was built over time through steady adoption by professionals.
How LinkedIn expanded beyond networking
As LinkedIn grew, it added features that went beyond simple connections. Users could create and join groups, organize offline events, write articles, and share photos and videos. Employers began posting job listings, while jobseekers used the platform to showcase their CVs.
By 2008, major venture capital firms purchased stakes in the company. In 2010, LinkedIn was ranked No. 10 on Silicon Valley Insider’s Top 100 List of most valuable startups. By then, it had offices around the world and an international headquarters in Dublin.
LinkedIn today and why its origin still matters
As of 2026, LinkedIn has more than one billion registered members across over 200 countries and territories. The platform plays a central role in business-to-business marketing, recruitment, and professional content distribution.
Understanding when was LinkedIn created helps explain its culture and purpose. Unlike platforms built for entertainment, LinkedIn was designed from day one around careers, work, and professional identity. That original focus still shapes how the platform operates today.
From its founding in December 2002 to its public launch in May 2003, LinkedIn’s creation marked the start of a new way for professionals to connect. What followed was not overnight fame, but steady growth, strategic expansion, and long-term relevance. And that’s exactly why LinkedIn is still here, more than two decades later.
