15 Viral Topics on LinkedIn Examples

Hey there, it's Will McTighe here. Between March and October 2024, I grew my LinkedIn following from 4,000 to over 190,000. Along the way, I've noticed certain topics that people absolutely go mad for on LinkedIn.

This is the first part of a series where I'll share these viral topics with you.

But before we dive into these 5 hot topics, let's chat about some underlying platform dynamics that influence what works and what doesn't:

Professional Visibility: LinkedIn is a professional network, so your connections—including colleagues and clients—can see what you engage with. This means people often avoid interacting with content that might be seen as unpopular or controversial in their professional circles.
Employee Majority: Most users are employees, many of whom are looking to change jobs or make significant changes in their lives. Viral content needs to be relatable to this group.
Relatability is Key: For a topic to go viral, it needs to be highly relatable to a large number of people.
The Power of Visuals: Images play a huge role in grabbing attention. Look for visuals that have gone viral before. Tools like Saywhat, Kleo, and Favikon can help you find these images. Just remember to credit the creator when you use them.

Note: Every post in this article was found using Saywhat.

Alright, let's dive into the first 5 topics!

1. Bad Bosses

Most people have had a bad boss at some point: bosses who micromanage, lack empathy, or don’t value their team. Posts about bad leadership hit a nerve, and that’s why they spread like wildfire. These experiences can really traumatize people, so they jump in to share their own stories, vent, and offer support.

Why it resonates: We've all worked under someone we didn't exactly love. These posts are relatable, and that connection gets people engaged.
How to tap into this theme: Talk about signs of bad leadership. Highlight what effective leadership looks like in contrast.

Here's the original post by Dora Vanourek.

2. Showing Kindness

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-competitive world, kindness can stand out like a beacon. Whether it’s about leaders going the extra mile for their teams or small acts of compassion at work, these feel-good stories go viral quickly. They bring out the best in people, encouraging others to share their experiences or take similar actions.

Why it resonates: Most people love an uplifting story, and kindness is something we all appreciate. It reminds us that even in the busiest workplaces, we can still make time for empathy and connection.
How to tap into this theme: Share powerful visuals on the importance of kindness or offer actionable ways people can build a more empathetic environment in their teams.

Here's the original post by Luke Tobin.

Personally, I'm a big fan of this topic because it is positive!

3. Actions Make a Leader, Not Titles

Titles don't make leaders; actions do. Posts emphasizing that true leadership comes from behavior, not just by holding a managerial position, really land well. People appreciate posts that highlight the importance of leading by example, inspiring others, and having a positive impact regardless of their official role.

Why it resonates: Many have experienced both good and bad leadership, realizing that those who truly inspire aren't always the ones with high-ranking titles. This theme encourages recognition of leaders at all levels.
How to tap into this theme: Share impactful one-liners about the importance of leading through actions, regardless of position. Or create an infographic on what good leadership looks like.

Here's the original post by Daniel Abrahams.

4. Leadership That Prioritizes the Team

Great leaders put their teams before their own self-interest. Posts highlighting leadership that empowers, supports, and advocates for team members resonate deeply.

Why it resonates: People want to feel valued and supported at work. Content on leaders prioritizing their team’s well-being and success inspires others and sets a standard for effective leadership.
How to tap into this theme: Share what great leadership looks like. Discuss the benefits of leadership styles and encourage others to adopt similar practices.

Here's the original post by Ronnie Kinsey and a visual by Kacy Maxwell.

5. Toxic Workplaces

Let's face it, toxic workplaces are not uncommon. Posts calling out toxic behaviors—whether it’s lack of respect, unrealistic demands, or office politics—grab people’s attention fast. They encourage those who've been in similar situations to share their own stories and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

Why it resonates: Almost everyone has faced a tough work environment at some point. These posts connect on an emotional level, prompting people to engage and reflect on how they can improve their own work lives.
How to tap into this theme: Talk openly about what a toxic workplace looks like and how to spot red flags early. Share advice on coping strategies or, if necessary, how to move on to a better environment.

Here's the original post by Dora Vanourek.

6. Burnout

Burnout is a silent epidemic in today's workforce. Posts discussing burnout, recognizing the signs, and finding ways to recover often strike a chord with many people. People appreciate conversations that acknowledge the pressures of modern work life and offer solutions.

Why it resonates: Many people are struggling with stress and burnout but may feel alone or unsure of how to address it. Sharing stories and advice provides support and practical help.
How to tap into this theme: Share your own journey with burnout, including how you recognized it and the steps you took to overcome it. Offer tips on maintaining mental health and balancing workloads. Infographics on burnout tend to do well.

Here's the original post by Victoria Repa.

7. Overcoming Fear

We all deal with fear in some form—fear of failure, imposter syndrome, fear of speaking up. Stories about pushing through that fear and finding success are often popular. They inspire, build confidence, and create a community around shared struggles.

Why it resonates: We all have our insecurities and fears, and seeing others overcome their challenges is empowering. It reminds people that they’re not alone and that success often comes from stepping out of their comfort zone.
How to tap into this theme: Share your own story of overcoming fear. Share tips and frameworks to help others do the same.

Here's the original post by Me (Will McTighe).

8. Shorter Job Applications

Long, complicated job applications are a common complaint among job seekers. Posts that advocate for streamlined application processes or highlight the inefficiencies of overly lengthy forms resonate with many. They often spark discussions on how companies can improve their hiring practices.

Why it resonates: Job seekers appreciate when someone voices the frustrations they experience. It validates their feelings and opens up conversations about better practices.
How to tap into this theme: Discuss the drawbacks of long applications and suggest ways companies can make the process more efficient. Share positive examples of companies with user-friendly application systems.

Here's the original post by Anna Chernyshova.

9. Job Search Help

Let’s not forget one of LinkedIn’s core topics—job searching. Tips on landing a new role, advice on optimizing resumes and job search hacks are evergreen content. Whether people are actively looking for a job or just want to improve their career skills, these posts grab attention.

Why it resonates: Everyone has either been through a job search or knows someone who is. It’s practical, actionable, and people are quick to share advice they found helpful or success stories they’re proud of.
How to tap into this theme: Share practical tips for job seekers—how to stand out in an application, send cold emails, or network. Give actionable advice people can use immediately.

Here's the original post by Brianna Doe.

10. Non-Linear Career Paths

The traditional career ladder is becoming a thing of the past. Posts celebrating non-linear career paths, career changes, and unconventional journeys inspire people to embrace their unique trajectories. Sharing stories about switching industries, taking gaps, or following passion projects encourages openness to new possibilities.

Why it resonates: Many people feel trapped in their current jobs or worry that changing paths isn't socially acceptable. Hearing from people who've taken the road less traveled can be incredibly motivating.
How to tap into this theme: Share your own career journey, or highlight others who have forged unique paths. Offer advice on navigating the uncertainties of a non-linear career.

Here's the original post by Adam Grant.

11. Work-Life Balance

Discussions around maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life are always popular. Tips on avoiding burnout or setting boundaries can spark conversation.

Why it resonates: Many struggle with this balance and are seeking ways to improve it.
How to tap into this theme: Offer insights on managing work-life balance and encourage others to share their strategies.

Here's the original post by Rachel Carrell.

12. Hiring for Skills Over Credentials

There's a growing movement toward valuing skills and experience over traditional credentials like degrees or certifications. Posts advocating for hiring based on practical abilities rather than educational background resonate with many people.

Why it resonates: It challenges outdated hiring norms and offers hope to those without conventional qualifications but with the necessary skills.
How to tap into this theme: Discuss the benefits of skills-based hiring and share success stories without traditional credentials.

Here's the original post by Chase Dimond.

13. Job Interview Tips

A lot of people are on LinkedIn to get a new job. Sharing advice on preparation, common pitfalls to avoid, and ways to make a strong impression can be really valuable. Posts that demystify the interview process often get great engagement.

Why it resonates: Interviews are universal for job seekers, and so many people are on LinkedIn looking for jobs.
How to tap into this theme: Provide actionable advice, share common interview questions and how to answer them, or offer insights from your own experiences.

Here's the original post by Me (Will McTighe).

14. Soft Skills

While technical abilities are important, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are really in demand from job seekers and hiring organizations. Posts highlighting the importance of soft skills or offering tips on developing them are very popular.

Why it resonates: Employers want well-rounded individuals, and many people want to improve these aspects of their professional persona.
How to tap into this theme: Create infographics on the important soft skills, share resources to help people improvement, or highlight the most in-demand soft skills.

Here's the post by Adam Grant.

15. Ghosting Job Seekers

Unfortunately, many job seekers get "ghosted" by potential employers—losing contact without explanation. Posts calling out this unprofessional behavior and advocating for better behavior get a lot of traction.

Why it resonates: It's a common frustration among job seekers, and addressing it publicly brings attention to widespread issues in hiring practices.
How to tap into this theme: Share experiences about ghosting, encourage transparent communication from employers, and suggest best practices during the hiring process.

Here's the post by Tobi Oluwole.

Conclusion

Understanding these viral topics can help you create content that resonates with your audience. Remember, relatability is key on LinkedIn.

That's a wrap on our series exploring the topics that do well on LinkedIn! I hope this article helps you create content that resonates and engages.