# What is a LinkedIn 2nd-degree connection?
> A 2nd-degree connection shares a mutual first-degree connection with you. Invites to them often accept better because a name they know appears.
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1st-degree people are already connected. You can usually DM them. 2nd-degree means you both know someone in the middle. 3rd-degree is further out. LinkedIn shows these labels on profiles and in search.

2nd-degree invites often accept at a higher rate because the mutual person is social proof. That only helps if the mutual is real. Name-dropping a stranger you both collected at a conference in 2017 does not.

You still need a reason. "We're both connected to Priya" is weak if Priya would not introduce you. Pair the degree with a trigger.

TeamLink in Sales Navigator is a related idea at company scale: colleagues' networks. It is not a license to pretend you are close.

Do not buy 1st-degree connections to manufacture 2nd-degree paths. That graph is junk, and LinkedIn is not confused about farms.

## Related

- [What is LinkedIn TeamLink?](https://omentir.com/help/what-is-linkedin-teamlink.md)
- [Can I send LinkedIn connection requests to people I do not know?](https://omentir.com/help/can-i-send-linkedin-requests-to-people-i-dont-know.md)
- [How do I find decision makers on LinkedIn?](https://omentir.com/help/how-to-find-decision-makers-on-linkedin.md)

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I filter search to 2nd-degree only?**

Yes, in both consumer search and Navigator. It is a useful slice when you have a real network in the market.

**What is 3rd-degree plus?**

Out of network, or far enough that LinkedIn will not show a path. You will need InMail, Open Profile, a group, or a colder invite.

**Does 2nd-degree skip the invite limit?**

No. An invite is still an invite. It may just be more likely to be accepted.

**Should I only write 2nd-degree people?**

If your graph is dense in the ICP, it is a good default. If your graph is empty, you will have to go colder and write better reasons.

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