What was the name of LinkedIn's program for invite-only thought leaders launched in October 2012?

LinkedIn’s invite-only thought-leader program, launched in October 2012, was called LinkedIn Influencers. It selected prominent figures to share professional insights and original writing directly with LinkedIn members.

The program helped LinkedIn move beyond being primarily a résumé and recruiting site. Its invited contributors included business leaders, politicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and public intellectuals, giving the platform a steady stream of high-profile professional commentary.

LinkedIn Influencers is easy to confuse with later creator and publishing initiatives. Ordinary members could eventually publish long-form posts too, but the original Influencers program referred specifically to a curated group chosen by invitation. By May 2016, the program had grown to more than 750 Influencers.