In a recent LinkedIn post, Richard van der Blom discusses how reader consumption may matter more to post reach than visible engagement. This article reports on van der Blom’s analysis and his account of findings from the November update of his Algorithm Insights Report; it is not written by him.
“Since 2020 I’ve researched nearly 10 million LinkedIn posts, and the November update of the Algorithm Insights Report shows reach is decided in 3 layers.”
Three layers shape reach
According to Richard van der Blom, LinkedIn distribution can be understood through three layers: a baseline shaped by what the platform knows about an account, consumption of the post itself, and audience engagement. He argues that creators often concentrate on the third layer because likes and comments are easy to see, while reading behavior is less visible.
Van der Blom’s central claim is that the middle layer carries the greatest weight in 2026. That puts attention on whether readers continue through a post, rather than simply whether they react to it. His post does not provide the report’s full methodology or supporting data; he directs readers to the report for further details.
“And still, in 2026 the middle layer weighs the most.”
Write for completion
As Richard van der Blom notes, a strong opening can attract a click on “…more” but still fail if the following paragraphs lose the reader. In his view, that gap between initial curiosity and sustained attention could undermine reach more than a missing like.
He offers practical examples of adapting content to hold attention: reconsidering lengthy carousels, splitting an eight-minute video into shorter pieces, and removing a paragraph if it slows the reader. These suggestions follow from his emphasis on completion, though the post does not set out a universal ideal length for each format.
“Write to be finished.”
Attention as a publishing choice
Van der Blom’s advice is less about adding another visible engagement tactic than about editing for the audience’s ability to stay with the material. He asks creators to stop where readers might naturally stop and to judge posts by whether people reach the end.
The post also distinguishes its summary from details reserved for the full report. Van der Blom says the report covers what rapid replies do and a completion threshold for carousels, directing readers to a pinned comment. Those specifics are not included in the post itself, so his public argument here rests on the broader point: consumption deserves attention alongside baseline audience signals and engagement.
Van der Blom closes by asking readers which of their own posts they believe people actually finished. The question turns his analysis into a prompt for creators to assess audience retention, not just the reactions they can count.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Richard van der Blom on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on November 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →