LinkedIn is like a digital watering hole for professionals. Whether you’re exploring a new opportunity, building partnerships, or reaching out to someone who genuinely inspires you, it often starts with a simple message. But here’s the thing: when messaging people, you must stay within the LinkedIn message character limit.
At first, it might feel like a nuisance. But these limits exist for a reason—they encourage us to be clear, concise, and purposeful. For instance:
- Connection requests: Max of 300 characters.
- InMail messages: Up to 2,000 characters for the body.
Think about it. Who really has the patience to read a novel-length message in their inbox? Keeping things short and engaging increases your chances of getting a response. And don’t worry—these limits are more than enough if you know how to work them.

LinkedIn Message Character Limits (And How to Use Them)
Different message types have different character limits, so knowing what you’re working with is step one. Here’s a breakdown:
1. InMail Messages
InMail is your go-to tool for reaching out to people outside your network (hello, LinkedIn Premium users). With 2,000 characters at your disposal, you’ve got room to introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out.
The trick? Don’t overdo it. Share enough to grab their attention, but keep it easy to skim. Most people are reading on the go—make it worth their while.
Pro Tip: Start with a strong opener. Be personable and professional, and show you’ve done your homework.
Example:
Hi [Name], I saw your post about [topic] and found it incredibly insightful. Your take on [specific point] really resonated with me, and I’d love to hear more about your perspective.
2. Direct Messages (DMs)
When you’re messaging a 1st-degree connection, LinkedIn gives you up to 3,000 characters. That’s plenty of space to follow up after a meeting, share updates, or even just catch up.
But let’s be real—more space doesn’t mean you should write an essay. Use short paragraphs or bullet points to make it easier to read, especially for people scrolling through their phone.
Pro Tip: Structure is your friend. Break up the text to keep it scannable.
Example:
Hi [Name], just following up on our recent conversation! Here’s what I had in mind:
- Collaborating on [specific project]
- Sharing insights about [topic]
- Exploring ways to align our goals
3. Connection Request Notes
This is where it gets tricky: you’ve only got 300 characters. Think of it as your elevator pitch. The goal is to explain why you want to connect while keeping it personal.
Skip the generic “I’d like to add you to my network.” Instead, mention something specific about them, like a post they wrote, a mutual connection, or something about their profile that caught your eye.
Pro Tip: Personalization is key. It takes a little extra effort, but it makes all the difference.
Example:
Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your post about [topic]. Your thoughts on [specific point] were spot on, and I’d love to connect to exchange ideas.
Why Character Limits Are Actually a Good Thing
At first, LinkedIn’s character limits might feel restrictive, but they’re a hidden blessing. Here’s why:
- They save time: Everyone’s busy. A concise message respects their time and is more likely to get a response.
- They’re easier to read: Most LinkedIn users are on their phones, so shorter messages are less intimidating and more skimmable.
- They make you look professional: A well-written, to-the-point message shows you know how to communicate effectively.
Tips for Writing LinkedIn Messages That Get Responses
Now that you know the limits, here’s how to craft messages that stand out:
1. Start strong
Your first line is crucial. Skip the “Hi, how are you?” and lead with something personal or specific.
Example:
Hi [Name], your recent post on [topic] really caught my eye. I loved your perspective on [specific point].
2. Be clear about your intent
Don’t leave them guessing. Explain exactly why you’re reaching out.
Example:
I’m reaching out because our work in [field] aligns. I’d love to explore how we might collaborate on [specific idea].
3. Make it easy to skim
Big blocks of text? No, thanks. Break your message into smaller chunks or use bullet points.
Example:
Here’s what I’d love to discuss:
- Collaborating on [specific project]
- Sharing strategies on [topic]
- Exploring mutual goals
4. Add a personal touch
Show you’ve done your homework. Reference their achievements or interests to make your message more genuine.
Example:
Hi [Name], congrats on your recent [achievement]! That’s such an impressive milestone. I’d love to hear how you made it happen.
5. End with a clear next step
Don’t leave it open-ended. Be specific about what you’re asking for.
Example:
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call next week? Let me know what works for you!
Mistakes to Avoid
Even great messages can fall flat if you:
- Use generic language. Personalize it!
- Overload with details. Stick to one or two key points.
- Ignore the character limits. Short and sweet wins.
- Skip proofreading. A typo can make you look sloppy.
LinkedIn’s character limits aren’t roadblocks.
They’re tools to help you communicate better. By keeping your messages sharp, focused, and engaging, you’ll stand out best.
It’s not about how much you say. It’s about saying it well. So, go ahead—craft that message and start connecting!