What the study looked at
Goodie AI analysed 219,351 AI citations to LinkedIn posts and articles across nine AI tools, including Google AI Overviews, Google AI Mode, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot and Claude. The study covered 32 industries from January to September 2026.
AI mostly cites individuals
"When AI engines cite a LinkedIn feed post, they cite a personal profile 73% of the time."
On Google AI Overviews, the gap was even wider: 86% of its feed post citations went to personal profiles.
For LinkedIn articles, the split was close to even between personal profiles and company pages. But in 16 of the 32 industries, personal profiles led for both posts and articles.
Articles get cited more than posts
"Pulse articles draw 3.6x as many citations as feed posts."
Pulse is LinkedIn's name for the longer articles you can publish from your profile. They're longer and more structured, which may make them easier for AI to quote.
Why individuals might be winning
The authors are careful here. Their data shows what gets cited, but it "can't prove why." Their best guess is that personal profiles carry signals AI tools seem to value: a named author, a stated role, consistent posting and original takes.
That's good news if you're an experienced professional. You already have the expertise and the original takes. What's often missing is a profile that says clearly who you are and what you know.
What this means for you
- Make your profile clear about your expertise. Your headline and About section tell AI, and people, who you are and what you know.
- Post from your own profile. If AI mostly cites individuals, your voice is worth putting out there, not just your company's.
- Try an article now and then. One thoughtful LinkedIn article on a question you get asked often can go a long way.
You don't need to be loud. You need to be clear, and easy to find.