How to Tag Someone on LinkedIn: @ Mention in Posts & Comments (2026)

To tag someone on LinkedIn, type the @ symbol followed by their name. A dropdown list will appear with matching profiles. Select the correct person, and they'll receive a notification when you publish your post or comment.

This guide covers everything about LinkedIn tagging—the step-by-step process, best practices for engagement, and common issues you might encounter.

Key Takeaways

• How to tag on LinkedIn: Type the @ symbol → Enter person's name → Select from dropdown → They get notified when you publish
• Works everywhere: Tag people in posts, comments, and LinkedIn articles using the same @ method
• Tagged people get notified: They receive email and in-app notifications when you publish
• Tag limit: Keep it to fewer than 5 people per post—more appears spammy and reduces engagement
• Tag not working?: They may have disabled mentions in privacy settings, or try typing their full name

How to Tag Someone in a LinkedIn Post

Tagging someone in a LinkedIn post is straightforward. According to LinkedIn's official help documentation, here's how to do it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start a new post: From your LinkedIn homepage, click "Start a post"
2. Type the @ symbol: Position your cursor where you want the tag
3. Enter their name: Type the first few letters of their name after @
4. Select from dropdown: Choose the correct person from the suggestions
5. Complete your post: The name will appear in bold, indicating a successful tag
6. Publish: Click "Post" to share

Example

Excited to share this project with @John Smith!
Looking forward to collaborating further.

When published, "John Smith" becomes a clickable link to their profile, and John receives a notification.

How to Tag Someone in a LinkedIn Comment

The process for tagging in comments is identical to posts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Find the post: Navigate to the post you want to comment on
2. Click "Add a comment": Located at the bottom of the post
3. Type @: Enter the @ symbol where you want to tag
4. Enter the name: Type the person's name
5. Select from list: Choose from the dropdown suggestions
6. Post comment: Click the "Post" button

When to Tag in Comments

Tagging in comments is useful for:

• Bringing someone's attention to a relevant discussion
• Crediting someone mentioned in the post
• Continuing a conversation with a specific person
• Introducing someone to a thread they'd find valuable

How to Tag a Company on LinkedIn

You can also tag companies and organizations using the same @ method.

Company Tagging Steps

1. Type @ in your post or comment
2. Start typing the company name
3. Look for company profiles (shown with company icons)
4. Select the correct company page

According to LinkedIn's mention feature, the company's page administrators receive a notification when you tag their organization.

Why LinkedIn Tags Don't Always Work

Sometimes tagging fails or the tag disappears after publishing. Here's why.

Privacy Settings Block Tags

According to LinkedIn's privacy settings, members can choose whether others can mention or tag them. If someone has disabled this setting:

• Their name won't appear in tag suggestions
• The tag may disappear when you publish
• No notification is sent to them

Common Name Issues

People with very common names may not appear in suggestions because:

• LinkedIn limits dropdown results
• Hundreds of "John Smith" profiles exist
• Algorithm prioritizes closer connections

Solution: Type more of their name or scroll through the suggestions carefully.

Not a Direct Connection

While you can tag anyone on LinkedIn, suggestions prioritize:

1. 1st-degree connections (appear first)
2. 2nd-degree connections
3. Group members
4. Others based on relevance

If you're not connected, you may need to:

• Type their full name exactly
• Wait a few seconds for suggestions to load
• Search for their profile first, then copy their exact name

Best Practices for LinkedIn Tagging

Follow these guidelines to use tags effectively without appearing spammy.

Limit the Number of Tags

According to LinkedIn engagement research, best practice is to tag fewer than 5 people per post. More tags can:

• Appear spammy
• Reduce engagement rates
• Annoy tagged individuals
• Trigger LinkedIn's spam detection

Only Tag Relevant People

Every tag should make sense in context:

Get Permission for Frequent Tags

If you plan to tag someone regularly:

• Ask their permission first
• Explain the context
• Respect their preferences
• Don't over-tag even with permission

Use Descriptive Context

Don't just tag—explain why:

Bad: "Check this out @Jane Doe"

Good: "This reminds me of the strategy @Jane Doe shared at last month's conference about content distribution."

Tagging for Engagement and Authority Building

When used strategically, tagging supports your LinkedIn authority building efforts.

Strategic Tagging for Inbound Leads

For professionals focused on inbound lead generation, thoughtful tagging:

• Acknowledges thought leaders in your space
• Builds relationships with potential referral partners
• Adds value to discussions where prospects are reading
• Demonstrates industry connections and credibility

When Tagging Adds Value

Tag people when you're:

• Sharing their content with added commentary
• Referencing something they said or wrote
• Introducing them to someone who should connect
• Thanking them publicly for help or insights
• Collaborating on shared content

When Tagging Hurts Your Brand

Avoid tagging when:

• You're only trying to get views from their network
• The tag feels forced or promotional
• You're tagging influencers hoping they'll notice you
• The tagged person isn't relevant to the content

How to Edit Tags After Posting

You can add or remove tags after publishing.

Adding a Tag to an Existing Post

1. Click the three dots (...) on your post
2. Select "Edit post"
3. Add the @ mention where needed
4. Save changes

Removing a Tag

1. Edit the post
2. Delete the tagged name (like regular text)
3. Save changes

The previously tagged person won't receive a notification about the removal.

Tagging vs. Mentioning: Are They Different?

On LinkedIn, tagging and mentioning are the same thing. Both refer to using the @ symbol to create a clickable reference to another profile. Some platforms distinguish between these terms, but LinkedIn treats them identically.

Both actions:

• Use the @ symbol
• Create a clickable profile link
• Send notifications to the tagged/mentioned person
• Work in posts and comments

How to Tag Someone in a LinkedIn Article

Tagging in LinkedIn articles works differently than in regular posts. LinkedIn's native article editor (accessed via "Write article" from the homepage) has specific functionality for mentions.

Step-by-Step for Article Tagging

1. Start writing an article: Click "Write article" from your LinkedIn homepage
2. Type @ in the article body: Position your cursor anywhere in the article text
3. Enter their name: Type the person's name after the @ symbol
4. Select from dropdown: Choose the correct profile from suggestions
5. The tag appears in-line: The name becomes a clickable link in your article

Key Differences: Articles vs. Posts

Articles handle tags differently than regular posts:

Why Article Tags Matter

According to LinkedIn's publishing platform, articles have longer visibility than posts. Strategic tagging in articles:

• Notifies key people about long-form content
• Adds credibility by linking to referenced experts
• Increases article reach through tagged networks
• Builds relationships with industry thought leaders

Pro tip: Tag people when you reference their work, quote them, or build on their ideas. Always add context explaining why you tagged them.

LinkedIn Tagging Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

Following proper tagging etiquette protects your professional reputation and respects others' time.

The Do's

DO tag when you:

• Credit someone's ideas, work, or contributions
• Answer their question or respond to their comment
• Share content they created or contributed to
• Reference something specific they said or wrote
• Introduce them to someone who should connect
• Thank them publicly for help, advice, or collaboration
• Continue a relevant conversation they started
• Share results from a joint project or partnership

DO follow these practices:

• Keep tags under 5 per post (3 is even better)
• Add context explaining why you tagged them
• Tag at the relevant point in your content, not just at the end
• Check spellings to ensure the correct person is tagged
• Consider time zones when posting (respect off-hours)

The Don'ts

DON'T tag when you:

• Only want views from their audience
• Hope they'll share your promotional content
• Tag influencers just to get noticed
• Repeatedly tag the same people in every post
• Tag people in content unrelated to them
• Use tags as clickbait or engagement bait
• Tag competitors in negative content
• Tag your entire contact list for reach

DON'T make these mistakes:

• Tagging before asking for frequent mentions
• Tagging in sales pitches or promotional posts
• Tagging people who disabled mentions (tags won't work)
• Over-tagging—quality beats quantity
• Tagging without reading their content preferences

Quick Reference Checklist

Before hitting "Post," ask yourself:

• Is this person directly relevant to the content?
• Would they find value in seeing this tag?
• Have I explained why I tagged them?
• Am I tagging fewer than 5 people?
• Am I giving proper credit or attribution?
• Would I appreciate being tagged in this context?

Remember: Your tagging behavior affects your professional brand. Tag thoughtfully, tag sparingly, and always add value.

How to Disable LinkedIn Tags/Mentions

If you're receiving too many unwanted tags, LinkedIn lets you control who can mention you.

Turn Off LinkedIn Mentions Completely

According to LinkedIn's privacy controls, here's how to disable tags:

1. Open Settings & Privacy: Click your profile photo → Settings & Privacy
2. Navigate to Visibility: Select "Visibility" from the left menu
3. Find "Mentions or tags": Scroll to "Visibility of your LinkedIn activity"
4. Click "Mentions or tags": Opens the mentions settings
5. Toggle off: Switch "Allow others to mention or tag you" to OFF
6. Save changes: Your preference saves automatically

What Happens When You Disable Mentions

When mentions are disabled:

• Your name won't appear in tag suggestions when others type @
• Existing tags on previous posts remain visible
• People can't tag you in new posts, comments, or articles
• You won't receive tag notifications
• Your profile remains public and searchable

Selective Mention Controls

LinkedIn doesn't offer selective controls (like "only connections can tag me"), but you can:

Option 1: Temporarily disable mentions

• Turn off mentions during busy periods
• Re-enable when you want to allow tags again
• Takes effect immediately

Option 2: Remove tags after posting

• Let someone know you prefer not to be tagged
• Ask them to remove the tag
• They can edit their post to delete your tag

Privacy Settings on LinkedIn Mobile

To disable mentions on the LinkedIn mobile app:

iOS/Android:

1. Tap your profile photo
2. Select "Settings"
3. Tap "Visibility"
4. Select "Visibility of your LinkedIn activity"
5. Tap "Mentions or tags"
6. Toggle off "Allow others to mention or tag you"

Note: Mobile tagging works identically to desktop. Type @ in posts or comments, enter a name, and select from suggestions. The interface adapts to smaller screens but functionality remains the same.

When to Disable Mentions

Consider disabling tags if you're experiencing:

• Spam tags in irrelevant posts
• Promotional posts you didn't approve
• Excessive tagging by the same person
• Tags in content that conflicts with your values
• Privacy concerns about your profile visibility

Important: Disabling mentions reduces engagement opportunities but protects your professional image. Many professionals keep mentions enabled but message people who tag inappropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tag someone on LinkedIn in a post?

To tag someone on LinkedIn: 1) Start a new post or edit an existing one, 2) Type the @ symbol where you want the tag, 3) Start typing the person's name, 4) Select the correct profile from the dropdown list, 5) Their name appears in bold as a clickable link, 6) Click "Post" to publish. The tagged person receives both email and app notifications. Learn more about creating effective LinkedIn posts.

Why is my LinkedIn tag not working?

LinkedIn tags don't work when: 1) The person has disabled "Allow others to mention or tag you" in their privacy settings, 2) You misspelled their name, 3) They're not appearing in suggestions because you're not connected (try their exact full name), 4) LinkedIn's suggestion system is slow (wait a few seconds). According to LinkedIn's help docs, tags are removed if the person has mentions disabled.

How do I mention someone in a LinkedIn comment?

To mention someone in a LinkedIn comment: 1) Click "Add a comment" on any post, 2) Type the @ symbol, 3) Enter the person's name, 4) Select from the dropdown suggestions, 5) Click "Post." The process is identical to tagging in posts. Comments with @ mentions notify the tagged person and can boost engagement by drawing relevant people into discussions.

Can I tag someone on LinkedIn if we're not connected?

Yes, you can tag non-connections on LinkedIn, but they may not appear in your suggestions as quickly. Type their full name exactly as it appears on their profile and wait a few seconds. If they still don't appear, they may have disabled mentions. 1st-degree connections appear first in suggestions, followed by 2nd-degree and group members. Try searching for their profile first, then copy their exact name.

How many people can you tag in a LinkedIn post?

Best practice is to tag fewer than 5 people per post. While LinkedIn doesn't publish an official limit, engagement research shows excessive tagging appears spammy, reduces engagement rates, and can trigger LinkedIn's spam detection. Only tag people genuinely relevant to your content—quality over quantity improves your LinkedIn engagement rate.

How do I tag a company on LinkedIn?

To tag a company on LinkedIn: Type @ followed by the company name → Select the company page from the dropdown (shown with a company icon). Company page administrators receive notifications when their organization is tagged. Company tags work in both posts and comments. This is useful for showcasing partnerships, mentioning clients, or crediting organizations in your content.

Can I remove a tag after posting on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can remove tags after posting: 1) Click the three dots (...) on your post, 2) Select "Edit post," 3) Delete the tagged name like regular text, 4) Save changes. The previously tagged person won't be notified about the removal. You can also add new tags to existing posts using the same edit function and @ mention process.

Is tagging the same as mentioning on LinkedIn?

Yes, tagging and mentioning are identical on LinkedIn. Both refer to using the @ symbol to create a clickable reference to someone's profile. Both actions send notifications, create clickable profile links, and work in posts, comments, and articles. Some platforms distinguish between these terms, but LinkedIn treats them the same way.

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The Dark Side of LinkedIn Tagging: When It Backfires

While tagging someone on LinkedIn can be a great way to engage with others and start conversations, it's not without its risks. There are situations where tagging someone can backfire, leading to negative consequences for your professional reputation. For instance, if you tag someone in a post that's critical of their work or opinions, they may take offense and respond defensively. This can lead to a public argument that reflects poorly on both parties. Additionally, if you tag someone who is not actively engaged on LinkedIn, they may not even see your post, leading to a lack of response or engagement. It's also worth considering the timing of your tags. Tagging someone during a busy period or when they're on vacation may lead to a delayed response or no response at all. To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to be thoughtful and considerate when tagging others on LinkedIn. Make sure you're tagging people who are relevant to the conversation and who will appreciate the mention. It's also crucial to be respectful and professional in your posts, avoiding criticism or controversy that may lead to negative reactions.

Myth vs Reality: Debunking Common Misconceptions About LinkedIn Tagging

There are several common misconceptions about LinkedIn tagging that can lead to confusion and ineffective use of this feature. One of the most prevalent myths is that tagging someone on LinkedIn will automatically lead to a significant increase in engagement. While tagging can certainly help to spark conversations and drive engagement, it's not a guarantee of success. In fact, if you're tagging people randomly or without relevance to the conversation, it may actually lead to a decrease in engagement. Another myth is that you should tag as many people as possible to maximize your reach. However, this approach can come across as spammy and may lead to your posts being flagged or ignored. The reality is that LinkedIn tagging is most effective when used thoughtfully and strategically. This means tagging people who are relevant to the conversation, who will appreciate the mention, and who are likely to engage with your content. By taking a targeted and considerate approach to LinkedIn tagging, you can increase the effectiveness of your posts and build meaningful relationships with others in your industry.

Advanced LinkedIn Tagging Strategies for Power Users

For experienced LinkedIn users, there are several advanced strategies that can help to maximize the effectiveness of tagging. One approach is to use tagging in combination with other LinkedIn features, such as polls or questions. By tagging relevant individuals in a poll or question, you can encourage them to participate and share their opinions, leading to a more engaging and interactive conversation. Another strategy is to use tagging to facilitate collaborations or partnerships. By tagging potential collaborators or partners in a post, you can start a conversation and explore opportunities for working together. Additionally, you can use tagging to recognize and reward others for their contributions or achievements. For example, you could tag someone in a post congratulating them on a recent accomplishment or milestone. By using these advanced strategies, you can take your LinkedIn tagging to the next level and achieve greater results from your efforts.

The Impact of LinkedIn's Algorithm on Tagging: What You Need to Know

LinkedIn's algorithm plays a significant role in determining the visibility and effectiveness of your tags. While the algorithm is constantly evolving, there are several key factors that can influence how your tags are displayed and interacted with. One important consideration is the timing of your posts. LinkedIn's algorithm prioritizes content that is posted at times when your audience is most active and engaged. This means that if you're tagging someone in a post that's published during a peak period, it's more likely to be seen and interacted with. Another factor is the relevance and engagement of your content. If your posts are consistently receiving high levels of engagement, LinkedIn's algorithm is more likely to prioritize them and display them to a wider audience. However, if your content is not resonating with your audience, it may be demoted or hidden, reducing the effectiveness of your tags. By understanding how LinkedIn's algorithm works and adapting your tagging strategy accordingly, you can increase the visibility and impact of your posts.

Tagging in LinkedIn Groups: A Nuanced Approach

Tagging in LinkedIn groups requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the specific dynamics and rules of each group. While tagging can be an effective way to engage with others and start conversations in groups, it's essential to be mindful of the group's purpose, tone, and etiquette. For example, some groups may have specific rules or guidelines around tagging, such as limiting the number of tags per post or prohibiting self-promotional content. Additionally, the tone and culture of each group can vary significantly, ranging from formal and professional to informal and social. To navigate these complexities, it's crucial to take the time to understand the group's dynamics and adapt your tagging strategy accordingly. This may involve observing the group's conversations and interactions, reading the group's rules and guidelines, and engaging with the group's moderators or administrators. By taking a thoughtful and considerate approach to tagging in LinkedIn groups, you can build meaningful relationships with others, establish yourself as a valuable contributor, and achieve your professional goals.