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LinkedIn API Python: The Complete Developer’s Guide

If you’re building a CRM, ATS, or Outreach tool, chances are you’re looking to embed LinkedIn features directly into your app. Whether it’s syncing conversations, sending InMails, managing contacts, or posting content, LinkedIn API Python integration has become a critical asset for SaaS editors who want to stay competitive.

But here’s the catch: LinkedIn’s official API requires joining their Partner Program, which involves a lengthy approval process. Unipile offers a faster path to integration for software publishers. That’s where Unipile comes in, a powerful unified API platform that lets you connect LinkedIn (and other channels like WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram, Calendars…) in just a few lines of Python.

In this complete guide, we’ll show you:

  • How to connect LinkedIn using Python via Unipile’s unified API
  • What you can actually do with the LinkedIn API in Python: from messaging to profiles to integration workflows
  • Real Python code examples based on Unipile’s SDK
  • How to build a full-featured, multi-channel integration without writing 10 different connectors

Why Software Platforms Choose Python for LinkedIn Integration

Python’s simplicity and power for API automation. Python is the go-to language for many backend teams building automation and integrations. It’s fast to write, readable, and has a massive ecosystem of libraries like requests, pydantic, or asyncio that make it perfect for API workflows.

LinkedIn API
List all accounts (Python) 
    
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/accounts"

headers = {"accept": "application/json"}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

print(response.text)
Retrieve a profile (Python) 
    
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/users/identifier"

headers = {"accept": "application/json"}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

print(response.text)

Get Access to LinkedIn API – LinkedIn Partner Way vs Unipile Shortcut (with Python)

The Official Way: LinkedIn Partner Program

LinkedIn offers several APIs through its Partner Program, each serving a distinct use case:

  • Profile API: Grants access to user profile details such as name, headline, and professional summary.

  • Connections API: Enables retrieval of a user’s first-degree network connections.

  • Share API: Allows your app to publish posts (text, URLs, media) on behalf of authenticated users.

  • Invitation API: Lets you send connection requests to other LinkedIn members programmatically.

  • Organization API: Provides access to data about LinkedIn company pages, including admins and posts.

  • UGC (User Generated Content) API: Supports publishing and managing rich media posts (videos, images, documents).

  • Compliance API: Allows submission of reports for policy-violating content.

    User interface showing a unified profile view connected to LinkedIn API Classic, Recruiter, and Sales Navigator

    The Developer-Friendly Alternative: Unipile

    Unipile provides a streamlined way to integrate LinkedIn features into your application, designed for software publishers and developers. You can:

    • Connect user accounts with a single API call
    • Access inbox, send messages and InMails, and interact with posts
    • Manage Recruiter and Sales Navigator pipelines
    • Build outreach workflows, track invitation status, and enrich profiles on behalf of your users

    All of this is available with Python, using a simple requests-based flow and clear documentation. Whether you’re building a CRM, ATS, or outreach product, Unipile gives you powerful LinkedIn integration out-of-the-box.

      LinkedIn API

      Setting Up Your Python Environment for LinkedIn

      Install dependencies : pip install requests

      Authenticate via Unipile dashboard

      Create an account and app

      Copy your API key (X-API-KEY) and DSN URL

      Your first request with LinkedIn API Python: Connect a LinkedIn account

      Although this endpoint returns all connected services (LinkedIn, Gmail, etc.), it’s especially useful for LinkedIn-focused applications. You can filter and display only LinkedIn accounts connected to your platform. This is a foundational step before sending messages, retrieving profiles, or syncing inbox data with LinkedIn.

      Connect an account (Python) 
          
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/accounts"
headers = {"accept": "application/json", "X-API-KEY": "your-api-key"}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
print(response.json())

      Core LinkedIn API Features You Can Use with Python

      Once you’ve authenticated a user and connected their LinkedIn account, the real value begins. Whether you’re building features for recruiters, sales reps, or outreach teams, Python and the Unipile API give you access to rich, actionable LinkedIn data and interactions.

      Below is a curated list of high-impact LinkedIn features that you can activate directly from your application using Python. Each action has been designed with developers in mind: RESTful, documented, and production-ready.

      List All LinkedIn Accounts with Python

      To retrieve all LinkedIn accounts linked to a user, use the GET /accounts endpoint. This gives your app visibility into which channels are already authorized. From there, you can filter the results to display only LinkedIn accounts and proceed to actions like messaging, profile retrieval, or syncing inbox data.

      This is a crucial first step before implementing any deeper LinkedIn features.

      Request: List all accounts 
          
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/accounts"

headers = {"accept": "application/json"}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

print(response.text)

      > List All Accounts

      Response: List all accounts 
          
{
  "object": "AccountList",
  "items": [
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "MOBILE",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "phone_number": "string",
          "sim_serial_number": "string"
        },
        "call": {
          "phone_number": "string",
          "sim_serial_number": "string"
        }
      },
      "last_fetched_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "MAIL",
      "connection_params": {
        "mail": {
          "imap_host": "string",
          "imap_port": 0,
          "imap_user": "string",
          "imap_encryption": "tls",
          "smtp_host": "string",
          "smtp_port": 0,
          "smtp_user": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "GOOGLE_OAUTH",
      "connection_params": {
        "mail": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        },
        "calendar": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "ICLOUD",
      "connection_params": {
        "mail": {
          "imap_host": "string",
          "imap_port": 0,
          "imap_user": "string",
          "imap_encryption": "tls",
          "smtp_host": "string",
          "smtp_port": 0,
          "smtp_user": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "OUTLOOK",
      "connection_params": {
        "mail": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        },
        "calendar": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "GOOGLE_CALENDAR",
      "connection_params": {
        "calendar": "string"
      },
      "sync_token": "string",
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "WHATSAPP",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "phone_number": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "LINKEDIN",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "id": "string",
          "publicIdentifier": "string",
          "username": "string",
          "premiumId": "string",
          "premiumContractId": "string",
          "premiumFeatures": [
            "recruiter",
            "sales_navigator",
            "premium"
          ],
          "organizations": [
            {
              "name": "string",
              "messaging_enabled": true,
              "organization_urn": "string",
              "mailbox_urn": "string"
            }
          ],
          "proxy": {
            "source": "USER",
            "host": "string",
            "port": 0,
            "protocol": "http",
            "username": "string",
            "password": "string"
          }
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "SLACK",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "url": "string",
          "user": "string",
          "user_id": "string",
          "team": "string",
          "team_id": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "TWITTER",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "EXCHANGE",
      "connection_params": {
        "mail": {
          "imap_host": "string",
          "imap_port": 0,
          "imap_user": "string",
          "imap_encryption": "tls",
          "smtp_host": "string",
          "smtp_port": 0,
          "smtp_user": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "TELEGRAM",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "user_id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "INSTAGRAM",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "object": "Account",
      "type": "MESSENGER",
      "connection_params": {
        "im": {
          "id": "string",
          "username": "string"
        }
      },
      "id": "string",
      "name": "string",
      "created_at": "2025-12-31T23:59:59.999Z",
      "current_signature": "string",
      "signatures": [
        {
          "title": "string",
          "content": "string"
        }
      ],
      "groups": [
        "string"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "id": "string",
          "status": "OK"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

      Retrieve a user LinkedIn User Profile with Python

      To access enriched profile data from LinkedIn, use the GET /users/{identifier} endpoint provided by Unipile. This allows your application to retrieve profile data such as name, current job title, and company, on behalf of the connected user.

      It’s a powerful feature to enrich CRM or ATS records directly from your app. Be sure to follow rate limits and restrictions set by the platform to maintain compliance.

      Request: Retrieve a profile 
          
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/users/identifier"

headers = {"accept": "application/json"}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

print(response.text)

      > Retrieve a profile

      Response: Retrieve a profile 
          
{
  "provider": "LINKEDIN",
  "provider_id": "string",
  "public_identifier": "string",
  "first_name": "string",
  "last_name": "string",
  "headline": "string",
  "summary": "string",
  "contact_info": {
    "emails": [
      "string"
    ],
    "phones": [
      "string"
    ],
    "adresses": [
      "string"
    ],
    "socials": [
      {
        "type": "string",
        "name": "string"
      }
    ]
  },
  "birthdate": {
    "month": 0,
    "day": 0
  },
  "primary_locale": {
    "country": "string",
    "language": "string"
  },
  "location": "string",
  "websites": [
    "string"
  ],
  "profile_picture_url": "string",
  "profile_picture_url_large": "string",
  "background_picture_url": "string",
  "hashtags": [
    "string"
  ],
  "can_send_inmail": true,
  "is_open_profile": true,
  "is_premium": true,
  "is_influencer": true,
  "is_creator": true,
  "is_hiring": true,
  "is_open_to_work": true,
  "is_saved_lead": true,
  "is_crm_imported": true,
  "is_relationship": true,
  "is_self": true,
  "invitation": {
    "type": "SENT",
    "status": "PENDING"
  },
  "work_experience": [
    {
      "position": "string",
      "company_id": "string",
      "company": "string",
      "location": "string",
      "description": "string",
      "skills": [
        "string"
      ],
      "current": true,
      "status": "string",
      "start": "string",
      "end": "string"
    }
  ],
  "volunteering_experience": [
    {
      "company": "string",
      "description": "string",
      "role": "string",
      "cause": "string",
      "start": "string",
      "end": "string"
    }
  ],
  "education": [
    {
      "degree": "string",
      "school": "string",
      "field_of_study": "string",
      "start": "string",
      "end": "string"
    }
  ],
  "skills": [
    {
      "name": "string",
      "endorsement_count": 0,
      "endorsement_id": 0,
      "insights": [
        "string"
      ],
      "endorsed": true
    }
  ],
  "languages": [
    {
      "name": "string",
      "proficiency": "string"
    }
  ],
  "certifications": [
    {
      "name": "string",
      "organization": "string",
      "url": "string"
    }
  ],
  "projects": [
    {
      "name": "string",
      "description": "string",
      "skills": [
        "string"
      ],
      "start": "string",
      "end": "string"
    }
  ],
  "recommendations": {
    "received": [
      {
        "text": "string",
        "caption": "string",
        "actor": {
          "first_name": "string",
          "last_name": "string",
          "provider_id": "string",
          "headline": "string",
          "public_identifier": "string",
          "public_profile_url": "string",
          "profile_picture_url": "string"
        }
      }
    ],
    "given": [
      {
        "text": "string",
        "caption": "string",
        "actor": {
          "first_name": "string",
          "last_name": "string",
          "provider_id": "string",
          "headline": "string",
          "public_identifier": "string",
          "public_profile_url": "string",
          "profile_picture_url": "string"
        }
      }
    ]
  },
  "follower_count": 0,
  "connections_count": 0,
  "shared_connections_count": 0,
  "network_distance": "FIRST_DEGREE",
  "public_profile_url": "string",
  "object": "UserProfile"
}

      Send a message or InMail

      To initiate a LinkedIn conversation or send an InMail using Python, you can call the POST /chats endpoint from Unipile. This endpoint supports one-to-one messages and even advanced options like Recruiter InMails or HTML formatting inside your message body.

      You’ll need the recipient’s LinkedIn URN and the correct account ID from your previous connection steps. This feature is ideal for sales engagement tools, candidate follow-ups, and smart outreach flows embedded in your SaaS.

      Here’s how it works:

      Request: Start a new chat 
          
import requests

url = "https://api1.unipile.com:13111/api/v1/chats"

payload = "-----011000010111000001101001\r\n-----011000010111000001101001--"
headers = {
    "accept": "application/json",
    "content-type": "multipart/form-data; boundary=---011000010111000001101001"
}

response = requests.post(url, data=payload, headers=headers)

print(response.text)

      > Start a new chat

      Response: Start a new chat 
          
{
  "object": "ChatStarted",
  "chat_id": "string",
  "message_id": "string"
}
      Documentation Access

      Going Multi-Channel: Integrate All Communication Channels with Python

      Add Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram & Calendar instantly

      From the same SDK, let users:

      • Sync Gmail & Outlook inboxes
      • Send messages via WhatsApp & Instagram
      • Schedule meetings via Google Calendar

      1 integration = 200+ features available

      With one API key, you control your users’ messaging experience across channels.

      LinkedIn Endpoints
      Account connectionAccount
      Messages
      Users/ProfilesProfiles
      Posts/CommentsPosts
      Specific
      Webhooks
      Inboxes

      Account Connection

      2 endpoints available

      Hosted Auth: White label to connect your end users
      Custom auth: connect user with credentials, cookies, your chrome extension

      Messages

      10 endpoints available

      Send & Reply Messages
      Send an InMail
      List Messages, Chats & Attendees
      List Reactions
      Read Receipts
      Send Files attachments
      Receive Files attachments
      Send Voice Notes
      Send Embed Video

      Users/Profiles

      8 endpoints available

      Retrieve a Profile
      Retrieve & Edit own profile
      List all relations & Followers
      List all Invitations Sent & Received
      Handle & Cancel a received Invitation
      Send an Invitation
      Cancel an Invitation
      List all posts, comments, reactions

      Posts/Comments

      6 endpoints available

      Retrieve & Create a post
      List all comments from a post
      List all posts, comments, reactions
      Comment a post
      List all reactions from a post
      Add a reaction to a post, comment

      Specific

      17 endpoints available

      Retrieve Recruiter hiring projects
      Perform an action with a user profile
      Retrieve a company profile
      Get raw data from any endpoint
      Get inmail credit balance
      Retrieve LinkedIn search parameters
      Perform LinkedIn search
      List all job postings
      Create a job posting
      Get job posting
      Publish a job posting
      Solve a job publishing checkpoint
      Close a job posting
      List all applicants to a job posting
      Get a specific applicant to a job posting
      Download the resume of a job applicant
      Endorse a user profile specific skill

      Webhooks

      3 events available

      Account status
      New Message
      New Reaction / Read / Event

      Inboxes

      4 inboxes available

      LinkedIn Classic Inbox
      Sales Navigator Inbox
      LinkedIn Recruiter Inbox
      LinkedIn Company Page
      Explore API Reference

      Integrate LinkedIn API Features with Python Code

      1. Sign Up to Unipile

      Sign Up

      2. Log to Dashboard

      3. Get your DSN

      Unipile dashboard highlighting the DSN address

      Get your DSN (Data Source Name) which must be used by for your requests.

      4. Generate a token

      Form interface to generate an access token with permission scopes and expiration settings

      Generate Access Token >

      5. Connect LinkedIn Account

      Sign-in form for LinkedIn account with options to authenticate via credentials or cookies

      Developer Benefits of Implementing Linkedin API with Python 

      1 Icon

      Integration Call
      Secure an on-demand meeting with our founders (CTO & CEO) to align on technical and product strategy.

      1 Icon

      Integration Call
      Secure an on-demand meeting with our founders (CTO & CEO) to align on technical and product strategy.

      deliverability Icon

      Connect with Live Support
      Our live support is at your disposal before, during, and after integration, ensuring guidance at every step without extra cost.

      deliverability Icon

      Connect with Live Support
      Our live support is at your disposal before, during, and after integration, ensuring guidance at every step without extra cost.

      Integration and Technical Guidance

      Streamline the integration of the LinkedIn API with detailed documentation and sample code examples. These tools are designed to simplify the setup process, quickly enhancing your platform’s communication capabilities.

      Developer Support

      Access our specialized support team for continuous assistance during the integration. This includes real-time troubleshooting and strategic advice from Unipile’s experts, ensuring optimal use of LinkedIn API.

      Proactive Maintenance and Updates

      Benefit from regular updates and proactive maintenance, keeping all LinkedIn API features aligned with the latest standards and feature enhancements from LinkedIn, thus ensuring seamless performance and minimal downtime.

      Build Now with Unipile

      FAQs

      How do I connect to the LinkedIn API using Python?

      Use Unipile’s accounts endpoint and provide credentials or cookie-based auth. You’ll receive a valid account ID.

      Can I send LinkedIn messages with Python?

      Yes. Use POST /chats with the recipient URN and your message content.

      What are the main endpoints available via Unipile’s API?

      Messages, profiles, posts, invitations, search, recruiter pipeline, and more.

      How does Unipile compare to the official LinkedIn Partner Program?

      It’s faster, more flexible, and requires no approval. Plus, it integrates other channels.

      How do I integrate LinkedIn with my CRM using Python?

      Use Unipile endpoints to retrieve profile data, and manage communication workflows directly from your app.

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