Your network on LinkedIn is made up of your 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, and 3rd-degree connections, as well as your followers and fellow members of your LinkedIn groups. You can build your network by sending invitations to connect with other LinkedIn members and your contacts you’ve imported or by accepting invites from others. The degree of connection you have with another member affects how you can interact with them on LinkedIn.

Note: To ensure an optimal site experience, LinkedIn members can have a maximum of 30,000 1st-degree connections. Learn more about LinkedIn’s network size limit.

1st-degree connections - People you're directly connected to because you've accepted their invitation to connect, or they've accepted your invitation. You'll see a 1st degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can contact them by sending a message on LinkedIn.

2nd-degree connections - People who are connected to your 1st-degree connections. You'll see a 2nd degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can send them an invitation by clicking the Connect button on their profile page.

3rd-degree connections - People who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections. You'll see a 3rd degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile.

Followers - People who choose to follow your public updates in their LinkedIn feed, subject to your settings.

Fellow members of your LinkedIn Groups - People who are considered part of your network because you're members of the same group. The Highlights section of a member profile may display the groups you’re both a part of. You can contact them by sending a message on LinkedIn or directly through the group.

LinkedIn Member (Out of Network) - LinkedIn members who fall outside the categories listed above. Some fields of profiles out of your network have limited visibility as described here, but you can build your network with other valuable connections to see more profiles. If the option is available, you can also send them an InMail to introduce yourself.