~/networks/2026/compare.md
$ cat linkedin_vs_alternatives_2026.txt
LinkedIn
vs the rest
// a flat, no spin comparison of the default professional network against four working alternatives.
READ_ME: informational only. not career or financial advice. figures are approximate and point in time for 2026.
[00]LinkedInfull suite // microsoft
Profiles, job board, recruiter, learning, content, and B2B reach in one stack. The reference point everyone else is measured against.
members: 1.2B+ / mau: ~310M / rev_2024: ~$17.1B
organic reach down sharply since 2023; visibility favours paid + daily posters.
[01]Indeedvolume job board
Massive job aggregator, free for seekers, with salary tools and company pages.
monthly: ~350M visitors / seeker_cost: 0
no real networking; sponsored posts can bury organic results.
[02]Wellfoundstartup channel
Startup and tech roles with salary + equity shown up front and direct lines to founders.
startups: 150K+ / candidate_cost: 0
startup only; smaller pool than the giants.
[03]GitHubdev proof of work
For engineers, your public code and contribution graph are the resume.
scope: technical roles / profile: code-based
relevant mainly to developers and technical hiring.
[04]Blueskyopen network
Decentralised social where professional circles grow without pay to play reach caps.
model: open / reach: organic
not a job board; pro tooling still early.