Content Creation
Yasmina Akni Ebourki
Last updated: Sep 2, 2025
Ever wondered why some LinkedIn profiles have thousands of connections while you struggle to grow yours? For many, the shortcut seems tempting: buying LinkedIn connections to look more credible and open doors faster.
But does it really work? Is it even allowed? And most importantly, could it backfire and damage your professional reputation?
Before you hit “buy,” let’s break down what this trend is all about and what you need to know to avoid costly mistakes.
What Are LinkedIn Connections?
Before diving into whether getting LinkedIn connections is a good idea, let’s get clear on what a LinkedIn connection actually is and why so many people are tempted to boost their numbers.
Unlike other social platforms where followers are just a vanity metric, LinkedIn connections carry professional weight.
They’re a signal of credibility, trust, and influence in your industry. That’s why some professionals consider shortcuts like buying connections, but is that really worth it?
Let’s start by understanding the basics.
Difference Between Connections vs. Followers: What’s the Difference?
Connections: A two-way relationship. Both people agree to connect, and you’ll see each other’s updates.
Followers: A one-way relationship. Someone can follow your posts without being connected to you.
Pro tip: You can have unlimited followers, but connections are limited—so every connection matters.
What’s the LinkedIn Connection Limit (and Why Does It Exist)?
But why do some profiles never show “10,000 connections” but instead just “500+”?
LinkedIn limits how many people you can officially connect with to maintain quality over quantity. Here’s what you need to know:
500+ milestone: Once you reach 500 connections, your profile displays “500+.” It’s a strong trust signal for recruiters, clients, and partners because it shows you’re active and well-connected.
The 30,000 hard cap: LinkedIn sets a maximum of 30,000 connections to prevent spam and ensure the network stays meaningful. This forces users to focus on quality connections instead of random adds.
Followers have no limits: After hitting the connection cap, people can still follow you without sending a connection request, and there’s no follower limit.
Why People Are Obsessed with Buying LinkedIn Connections
Why do professionals go down this route instead of building a network the “right” way? And more importantly, does it actually work?
The main reason: speed. Building genuine relationships on LinkedIn requires time, effort, and a strategic approach.
This involves finding the right people, sending personalized invitations, and engaging with their content. Buying connections promises an instant shortcut.
Most of these services rely on bots or fake accounts to inflate your numbers quickly. But why do people still fall for it? Because the psychology behind it works.
1. Boosting Visibility and Social Proof
On LinkedIn, numbers talk.
A big connection count signals credibility and influence at first glance.
Recruiters, potential clients, and business partners often assume “big network = authority.”
It creates FOMO if others see you as well-connected; they’re more likely to engage.
2. Gaming the LinkedIn Algorithm
LinkedIn’s algorithm loves popularity. The more connected and active you are, the more visibility you get. Here’s why so many people try to “hack” the system:
A bigger network means a bigger reach. More first-degree connections means your posts immediately land in more feeds.
Engagement drives distribution. Posts with high likes, comments, and shares are pushed to a wider audience because LinkedIn assumes they’re valuable.
Consistency accelerates growth. Regular posting combined with a large network significantly boosts your chances of going viral.
And here’s the kicker:
40% log in daily, making it a constant fight to stay visible.
122 million people have landed interviews through LinkedIn, so the stakes are high.
Only 24%–29.6% of connection requests are accepted without personalization.
Posts with meaningful comments (>10 words) can get up to 2.5x more reach than those with only likes.
No wonder some people buy followers, endorsements, or likes; it’s a shortcut to make their profile look “hot” to the algorithm. But is that really worth the risk? We’ll dive into that next.
Is It a Good or Bad Idea to Buy LinkedIn Connections?
Before making that decision, the real question is: Is it worth the risk? Could that quick boost actually cost you your credibility, or even your entire account?
Let’s break it down: what LinkedIn really says about buying connections, and the hidden risks most people overlook.
Is Buying LinkedIn Connections Against the Rules?
Yes. LinkedIn’s User Agreement explicitly prohibits selling, buying, or monetizing connections or engagement.
This means that any attempt to purchase connections goes against the platform’s core policies—and puts your account at risk.
What Penalties Could You Face?
Account restriction or suspension: Your ability to send invites or messages could be temporarily blocked.
Shadowbanning: Your posts may stop appearing in feeds, making your profile virtually invisible.
Permanent ban: In serious or repeated cases, LinkedIn may disable your account altogether—losing all of your network and content.
This isn’t just theoretical. Reddit users report being permanently restricted due to high volumes of suspicious invites and automation tools
Hidden Risks of Buying LinkedIn Connections
Beyond LinkedIn penalties, consider these subtle but serious downsides:
Fake or low-quality accounts: Most purchased connections are bots or dormant profiles, offering zero engagement or value.
Damaged reputation: If people notice suspicious activity, it can undermine your credibility among real prospects.
Algorithmic de-prioritization: Even if your connection count grows, your posts may be deprioritized due to a lack of authentic engagement.
4 Places Where You Can Buy LinkedIn Connections
If you’ve searched for “buy LinkedIn connections,” you’ve probably seen dozens of options.
While we don’t recommend doing it (for reasons we’ll explain later), here are the types of services people use and the most popular names in the market:
SocialPlug: Offers followers and engagement packages for LinkedIn and other social platforms.
UseViral: Sells LinkedIn connections, followers, and endorsements with tiered pricing.
Media Mister: Known for offering targeted connections by industry or geography.
AppSally: Provides packages for followers and profile engagement.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy LinkedIn Connections?
Buying LinkedIn connections isn’t always as cheap as you might think, and prices vary depending on the provider and the “quality” they claim to offer.
Here’s the average market range:
100 LinkedIn connections: $10–$20
500 LinkedIn connections: $40–$70
1,000 LinkedIn connections: $80–$150
If you’re looking at engagement bundles (likes, comments, endorsements), expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50, depending on the volume and the level of authenticity of those accounts.
Here’s the catch: the cheaper the deal, the more likely those connections are fake or low-quality. That’s a red flag for LinkedIn’s algorithm, and it could lead to losing those connections, damaging your credibility, or even getting your account restricted.
How to Get LinkedIn Connections Without Buying Them
Now, you prefer to grow your LinkedIn network fast, without bots, fake profiles, or breaking the rules? The truth is, organic growth isn’t just safer; it’s more powerful because it leads to real conversations and opportunities.
Here are the proven steps to build connections quickly and authentically.
1. Optimize Your Profile
Your profile is your first impression. A strong, professional presence encourages people to connect with you:
Use a high-quality headshot that looks professional but approachable.
Write a compelling headline and summary that clearly explain what you do and the value you provide.
Highlight achievements, projects, and recommendations to build credibility.
2. Engage With Content Regularly
Content is the fastest way to increase visibility and attract genuine connections.
Post insights, tips, or industry news at least 3 times per week.
If your goal is to grow quickly, increase frequency and consistency, daily posts generate more profile views and connection requests.
Engage with trending topics in your niche to appear in searches and feeds of your target audience.
3. Engage Actively With Others
Meaningful interactions make people notice you:
Comment thoughtfully on posts by people you want to connect with.
Share insights or ask questions to start conversations.
React strategically—don’t just like; add value with your comment.
4. Network Strategically
When sending connection requests, quality beats quantity:
Always personalize your requests, referencing shared interests, mutual connections, or something from their profile.
Follow up with short, meaningful messages rather than generic notes.
Focus on second- and third-degree connections in your target industry to expand your network faster while maintaining relevance.
Tools like LinkedIn search filters and Boolean search can help you find the exact professionals you want to connect with, speeding up your growth organically and safely.
Conclusion: Should You Buy LinkedIn Connections or Not?
At the end of the day, it’s not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Buying connections might make your profile look impressive for a moment, but what happens next? No engagement. No conversations. No real opportunities.
The real value of LinkedIn lies in trust and interaction. Clients, recruiters, and partners don’t just check your connection count; they look for authentic activity, endorsements, and mutual credibility. A network of fake profiles can’t deliver that.
So ask yourself:
Do you want a profile that looks popular, or one that actually works for your career?
The choice isn’t about growth vs. no growth, it’s about short-lived vanity metrics vs. long-term influence and opportunity.
FAQ
Is it possible to buy LinkedIn connections?
Yes, some services sell connections, followers, and endorsements, but doing so violates LinkedIn’s Terms of Service and puts your account at risk.
Is buying LinkedIn connections worth it?
While it can temporarily boost your numbers, the long-term risks—account restrictions, shadowbanning, and credibility loss- often outweigh the benefits.
How can I grow to 500+ connections on LinkedIn fast?
Focus on daily engagement, personalized connection requests, posting 3–5 times per week, and optimizing your profile with achievements and recommendations.
What happens when you reach 30,000 connections on LinkedIn?
30,000 is the hard connection cap. Beyond that, you can’t add more connections, but your followers remain unlimited, allowing continued audience growth.
Where can people buy LinkedIn connections?
Some known providers include SocialPlug, UseViral, Media Mister, and Famups, though using them carries significant risks.
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