LinkedIn Messaging API: Complete Integration Guide 2026
Connect your CRM to LinkedIn messaging with ConnectSafely's API. Retrieve conversations, send messages with typing indicators, and automate outreach.
The LinkedIn Messaging API enables developers to programmatically retrieve conversations, send messages with human-like typing indicators, and integrate LinkedIn communication directly into CRM systems. ConnectSafely.ai provides a comprehensive LinkedIn Messaging API that supports retrieving recent messages, fetching conversation details, and sending messages with natural engagement patterns—all through secure REST endpoints.
LinkedIn dominates B2B lead generation with 80% of B2B social leads originating on the platform. Integrating LinkedIn messaging into your sales workflow through API access can significantly improve response times and lead tracking.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn Messaging API allows CRM integration for automated outreach tracking and conversation sync
- ConnectSafely provides 7 messaging endpoints for complete conversation management
- Typing indicators mimic natural behavior to improve deliverability and engagement
- Message retrieval supports pagination for handling large conversation histories
- API-based integration is safer than browser extensions or unofficial scraping tools
- REST API format works with any programming language or CRM platform
What is the LinkedIn Messaging API?
The LinkedIn Messaging API provides programmatic access to LinkedIn's messaging functionality. Instead of manually checking LinkedIn for new messages or sending individual outreach, developers can build automated workflows that:
- Retrieve recent conversations and unread message counts
- Fetch complete conversation histories with sender details
- Send messages with typing indicators for natural appearance
- Track message delivery acknowledgments
- Integrate LinkedIn communications into CRM pipelines
Official vs Third-Party APIs
LinkedIn provides an official Marketing API with limited messaging capabilities, primarily for enterprise customers. Third-party solutions like ConnectSafely's API offer broader functionality for sales teams and developers.
| Feature | Official LinkedIn API | ConnectSafely API |
|---|---|---|
| Message retrieval | Limited | Full inbox access |
| Send messages | Enterprise only | Available |
| Typing indicators | No | Yes |
| Conversation history | Limited | Complete |
| CRM integration | Complex | Simple REST |
| Pricing | Enterprise licensing | From $39/month |
ConnectSafely LinkedIn Messaging API Endpoints
ConnectSafely provides comprehensive LinkedIn messaging endpoints for building sales automation:
1. Get Recent Messages
Endpoint: GET /linkedin/messaging/recent-messages
Retrieve recent LinkedIn conversations with participant details, unread counts, and message previews.
Parameters:
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
accountId | string | No | LinkedIn account ID; defaults to most recently used |
nextCursor | string | No | Pagination token from previous response |
count | integer | No | Conversations to return (default: 20, max: 100) |
keywords | string | No | Filter by keywords in participants or messages |
read | boolean | No | Filter by read status |
Example Request:
curl -X GET 'https://api.connectsafely.ai/linkedin/messaging/recent-messages' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer <your_api_key>'
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"accountId": "507f1f77bcf86cd799439011",
"total": 3,
"nextCursor": "xqS2pdVm4vDq0NZmLnVybjpsaTptYWJyaWM...",
"conversations": [
{
"conversationId": "urn:li:messagingThread:...",
"participants": [
{
"profileId": "123456",
"name": "John Doe",
"headline": "Software Engineer",
"profilePicture": "https://..."
}
],
"unreadCount": 2,
"lastActivityAt": 1704067200000,
"latestMessage": {
"text": "Hello, how are you?",
"sentAt": 1704067200000,
"senderName": "John Doe"
}
}
]
}
2. Get Conversation Details
Endpoint: GET /linkedin/messaging/conversation-details
Fetch complete conversation history including all messages, sender profiles, attachments, and reactions.
Parameters:
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
accountId | string | No | LinkedIn account ID |
conversationUrn | string | Yes | Conversation URN or ID |
Example Request:
curl -X GET 'https://api.connectsafely.ai/linkedin/messaging/conversation-details?conversationUrn=urn:li:msg_conversation:(...)' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer <your_api_key>'
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"conversationUrn": "urn:li:msg_conversation:(...)",
"total": 11,
"messages": [
{
"messageId": "urn:li:msg_message:(...)",
"text": "Message content",
"sentAt": 1763378062881,
"sender": {
"profileId": "ACoAACr-hewBS7g6...",
"name": "John Doe",
"profileUrl": "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAACr-...",
"profilePicture": "https://media.licdn.com/..."
},
"attachments": null,
"reactions": null
}
],
"pagination": {
"hasMoreBefore": true,
"hasMoreAfter": false
}
}
3. Send Message with Typing Indicator
Endpoint: POST /linkedin/messaging/send-with-typing
Send a LinkedIn message with a typing indicator sent first, mimicking natural human behavior for improved engagement.
Request Body:
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
accountId | string | No | LinkedIn account ID |
recipientProfileId | string | Yes* | Recipient's LinkedIn profile ID |
recipientProfileUrn | string | Yes* | Recipient's LinkedIn profile URN |
message | string | Yes | Message content |
subject | string | No | Message subject (optional) |
messageType | string | No | 'normal' or 'inmail' (default: 'normal') |
conversationUrn | string | No | Required for typing indicator in existing conversations |
*Either recipientProfileId or recipientProfileUrn must be provided.
Example Request:
curl -X POST 'https://api.connectsafely.ai/linkedin/messaging/send-with-typing' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer <your_api_key>' \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-d '{
"recipientProfileId": "john-doe-123",
"message": "Hello! I would like to connect with you.",
"conversationUrn": "urn:li:msg_conversation:(...)"
}'
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"message": "Message sent successfully",
"recipientProfileUrn": "urn:li:fsd_profile:...",
"typingIndicatorSent": true
}
4. Send Typing Indicator
Endpoint: POST /linkedin/messaging/typing-indicator
Send a typing indicator to simulate natural conversation behavior. Creates authentic engagement patterns for automated LinkedIn messaging.
5. Send Message with Delivery Acknowledgment
Endpoint: POST /linkedin/messaging/send-with-ack
Send a LinkedIn message and receive delivery acknowledgment confirmation. Useful for tracking message delivery status in outreach campaigns.
6. Send Group Message with Typing
Endpoint: POST /linkedin/messaging/send-group-with-typing
Send a message to a LinkedIn group conversation with a typing indicator. Creates natural engagement in group discussions.
7. Send Group Message with Acknowledgment
Endpoint: POST /linkedin/messaging/send-group-with-ack
Send a message to a LinkedIn group conversation with delivery acknowledgment.
Integrating LinkedIn Messaging API with Your CRM
The LinkedIn Messaging API enables powerful CRM integrations for sales teams.
Common Integration Patterns
Sync conversations to CRM: Pull recent messages and log them as activities against contact records in HubSpot, Salesforce, or Pipedrive.
Automate follow-ups: When a prospect responds, trigger workflows that update deal stages and schedule next actions.
Track engagement: Monitor response rates and message open patterns to optimize outreach timing.
Example: HubSpot Integration
// Fetch LinkedIn conversations
const conversations = await fetch('https://api.connectsafely.ai/linkedin/messaging/recent-messages', {
headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${API_KEY}` }
}).then(r => r.json());
// Log each conversation as HubSpot activity
for (const conv of conversations.conversations) {
await hubspot.engagements.create({
engagement: {
type: 'NOTE',
timestamp: conv.lastActivityAt
},
associations: {
contactIds: [findContactByLinkedIn(conv.participants[0].profileId)]
},
metadata: {
body: `LinkedIn message: ${conv.latestMessage.text}`
}
});
}
Multi-Channel Coordination
According to industry research, multi-channel campaigns achieve 31% lower cost per lead than single-channel efforts. Integrating LinkedIn messaging with email sequences creates coordinated outreach:
- Initial LinkedIn connection request
- Welcome message via LinkedIn API
- Follow-up email after 3 days
- LinkedIn re-engagement based on email opens
Why Use Typing Indicators?
LinkedIn's messaging interface shows typing indicators ("John is typing...") when users compose messages. The ConnectSafely API can send these indicators before automated messages for several benefits:
Natural Appearance
Messages preceded by typing indicators appear more human-like than instant automated responses. This improves recipient perception and engagement.
Better Deliverability
According to LinkedIn's algorithm preferences, natural engagement patterns receive better treatment than bot-like behavior.
Higher Response Rates
Messages that appear personal and thoughtfully composed typically achieve higher response rates than obviously automated outreach.
API Authentication and Security
ConnectSafely's API uses Bearer token authentication for all endpoints.
Getting Your API Key
- Sign up at ConnectSafely.ai
- Navigate to Settings → API Keys
- Generate a new API key
- Store securely—keys cannot be retrieved after creation
Request Authentication
Include your API key in the Authorization header:
curl -X GET 'https://api.connectsafely.ai/linkedin/messaging/recent-messages' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer your_api_key_here'
Security Best Practices
- Never expose API keys in client-side code
- Rotate keys periodically
- Use environment variables for key storage
- Monitor API usage for unusual patterns
Compliance and Platform Safety
Using APIs for LinkedIn messaging requires understanding platform guidelines.
What's Allowed
According to LinkedIn's Professional Community Policies:
- Personalized, relevant outreach to connections
- Integration with legitimate business tools
- Automation that respects rate limits
- Natural engagement patterns
What's Prohibited
- Mass messaging without personalization
- Spam or unsolicited commercial messages
- Exceeding platform rate limits
- Automated activity that mimics human behavior deceptively
ConnectSafely's Compliance Approach
ConnectSafely maintains 100% platform compliance through:
- Built-in rate limiting to prevent excessive requests
- Typing indicators that create natural message patterns
- Human-like delays between automated actions
- Zero permanent bans across thousands of users
Getting Started with ConnectSafely's API
Step 1: Create an Account
Sign up at ConnectSafely.ai to access the API. Plans start at $39/month with full API access.
Step 2: Connect Your LinkedIn Account
Link your LinkedIn account through OAuth to enable API access to your conversations.
Step 3: Generate API Keys
Create API keys in the dashboard for authenticating your requests.
Step 4: Test Endpoints
Use the API documentation to test endpoints and understand response formats.
Step 5: Build Your Integration
Integrate the API with your existing CRM, sales tools, or custom workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LinkedIn have a public messaging API?
LinkedIn's official Marketing API provides limited messaging capabilities primarily for enterprise customers. For broader messaging functionality including conversation retrieval and automated sending, third-party solutions like ConnectSafely's API offer more comprehensive access with endpoints for recent messages, conversation details, and sending with typing indicators.
How do I send LinkedIn messages via API?
Send LinkedIn messages via API using ConnectSafely's send-with-typing endpoint. Make a POST request with recipient profile ID, message content, and optionally a conversation URN. The API sends a typing indicator first for natural appearance, then delivers your message.
Can I integrate LinkedIn messages with my CRM?
Yes, integrate LinkedIn messages with your CRM using ConnectSafely's messaging API. The recent messages endpoint retrieves conversations with participant details and message previews that can be synced to HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, or other CRM systems through standard REST API calls.
Is using a LinkedIn messaging API safe for my account?
Using a LinkedIn messaging API is safe when the provider follows platform guidelines. ConnectSafely maintains 100% compliance with built-in rate limiting, typing indicators, and human-like delays. The platform has zero permanent bans across thousands of users because it respects LinkedIn's terms of service.
How do I get LinkedIn conversation history via API?
Get LinkedIn conversation history via ConnectSafely's conversation details endpoint. Send a GET request with the conversation URN to retrieve all messages, sender profiles, attachments, and reactions. The response includes pagination for handling long conversation histories.
What's the difference between LinkedIn InMail and regular messages in the API?
In ConnectSafely's API, specify messageType: 'inmail' for InMail or messageType: 'normal' for regular messages. InMails reach users outside your network (requires Sales Navigator or Premium) while regular messages go to connections only. Both support typing indicators and delivery acknowledgments through the API.
Ready to integrate LinkedIn messaging into your sales workflow? View the full API documentation or start your free trial to access the LinkedIn Messaging API.
