LinkedIn rolls out AI-powered people search in the U.S.

LinkedIn is rolling out a new AI-driven search feature that changes how people look for profiles on the platform. Instead of typing specific names, titles, or company names, users can now describe the kind of person they want to find, and the system will return profiles that match that description.

The company says the tool understands natural language, which means a user can type something like “a marketer who has managed campaigns for small brands” and receive a list of profiles that fit the request. This update is currently available only to Premium subscribers in the U.S. LinkedIn says it intends to roll it out more widely over the next few months. 

AI-powered people search approach moves away from the usual pattern of searching for fixed keywords. It is similar to the AI-enabled job search feature the company released earlier this year that lets users describe their ideal job instead of filtering through titles or locations.

The new people search feature follows that same direction, which gives context to how LinkedIn is re-organising its search tools.

How the AI-powered people search works

The new people search system uses AI to interpret search prompts and then identify profiles that match the description. Instead of depending on keywords alone, the system reads the prompt and connects it to relevant experience, skills, or background listed on profiles. The company says users can search for people who interest them, and the system will match their queries.

The introduction of the new feature comes as major platforms push toward more conversational and AI-supported search systems. Companies, including Google and Reddit, are also moving toward conversational search.

‍