Using LinkedIn Capabilities in Buffer
Showcase what you do in Buffer directly on your LinkedIn profile. Buffer LinkedIn Capabilities let you earn credentials based on your real activity in Buffer (like scheduling posts, engaging with your audience, and tracking performance) and display them on your LinkedIn profile as proof of your social media expertise.
📝 For general information about using LinkedIn with Buffer, see Using LinkedIn with Buffer.
In this article:
- What are LinkedIn Capabilities?
- How to enable LinkedIn Capabilities
- How to earn LinkedIn Capabilities
- Good to Knows
- FAQ
What are LinkedIn Capabilities?
Buffer LinkedIn Capabilities are credentials you earn by using Buffer — and can display on your LinkedIn profile, vouched for by Buffer. The more you use Buffer to manage your social media presence, the more skills you can unlock.
How to enable LinkedIn Capabilities
- Go to your LinkedIn channel in Buffer and open ⚙️ (Settings)
- Click the General tab.
- Scroll down to the Show Buffer LinkedIn Capabilities on LinkedIn section.
-
Toggle Show your Buffer Capabilities on your LinkedIn Profile on. You can turn this on at any time — you don't need to have earned a skill yet. Once you have, Buffer will display it automatically.
If your LinkedIn channel is missing the permission Buffer needs, clicking the toggle will open a Refresh LinkedIn permissions prompt instead. Approve it on LinkedIn, then come back to finish enabling.
- Once back in Buffer, select which LinkedIn Capability you'd like to display on your profile.
💡 Tip: You can come back to this section any time to switch which skill is displayed on your profile.
How to earn LinkedIn Capabilities
Each skill is tied to a specific type of activity in Buffer. Here's what's available now (with more on the way soon!):
| Skill | How to earn |
|---|---|
| Instagram & LinkedIn Publisher | Publishes social content across Instagram and LinkedIn in Buffer for high-volume audiences |
| Building with the API | Uses the Buffer API to build applications that automate social publishing and scheduling workflows |
| Community Management & Engagement | Responds to comments and tracks mentions across multiple social channels in Buffer |
| Content Scheduling & Planning | Schedules and publishes posts across multiple social media accounts in Buffer |
Once you've earned a skill, it's yours to keep. Skills are never revoked, even if your activity changes over time.
Good to Knows
📝 Good to Knows:
- Profiles only — LinkedIn Capabilities are available for LinkedIn personal profiles only. They're not supported for LinkedIn Company Pages or Showcase Pages. If you're on a Company Page's settings, you'll see a message explaining this with a link to connect a LinkedIn profile instead.
- One skill displayed at a time — you can only display one LinkedIn Capability on your LinkedIn profile at a time, but you can switch which one is shown whenever you like.
- Skills are permanent — once earned, a skill is never revoked, even if your usage patterns change.
- Disconnecting removes your skills — if you disconnect your LinkedIn channel from Buffer, your LinkedIn Capabilities will be removed from your LinkedIn profile.
- Existing users need to refresh — if you already have a LinkedIn profile connected to Buffer, you'll need to refresh your profile to access LinkedIn Capabilities. New LinkedIn profile users get access automatically.
⚠️ Note: Disconnecting your LinkedIn channel from Buffer will remove any LinkedIn Capabilities currently displayed on your LinkedIn profile.
FAQ
Can I display more than one LinkedIn Capability on my LinkedIn profile at a time?
Not currently — only one skill can be displayed on your profile at a time. You can switch which skill is shown at any time from your LinkedIn channel's Settings → General page in Buffer.
What happens to my LinkedIn Capabilities if I disconnect my LinkedIn channel?
If you disconnect your LinkedIn channel from Buffer, your LinkedIn Capabilities will be removed from your LinkedIn profile. They won't be lost from Buffer — if you reconnect the same LinkedIn profile, you'll be able to display them again.
Will I lose a skill if I stop doing the activity that earned it?
No. Once you've earned a LinkedIn Capability, it's yours permanently. Skills are not timebound and will never be revoked.
Does this work for LinkedIn Company Pages?
No. LinkedIn Capabilities are only supported for LinkedIn personal profiles. If you manage a Company Page, you'll see a message in the settings explaining this.
I already have a LinkedIn profile connected. Why don't I see LinkedIn Capabilities?
Existing LinkedIn profile users need to refresh their profile connection to access LinkedIn Capabilities. Head to your LinkedIn channel's Settings → General page in Buffer to get started.
How many LinkedIn Capabilities can I earn?
Buffer is launching with 4 LinkedIn Capabilities. More will be added over time.
📝 Need help with LinkedIn Capabilities? Send us an email at hello@buffer.com and our Advocacy team will be standing by to assist!