Why XING will have hardly any user activity by 2025 compared to LinkedIn
The dynamic development of social networks and professional platforms has produced many winners and losers in recent years. Who still remembers “Wer kennt wen”? The then-popular platform lost popularity within a few years as Facebook, its international counterpart, spread further and further into the German market. In our opinion, this scenario seems to repeat itself again in 2025 between XING and LinkedIn. But why is XING increasingly overshadowed by LinkedIn? And what does a decline in user numbers mean for the future of the network?
1. the global market is picking up
In today’s world, where the business world is becoming more and more interconnected and international relations are becoming more and more important, it is of great advantage to be on an international platform. LinkedIn has just that: a huge global network that includes professionals from all over the world. Although XING has long been the leader in the DACH countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland, it does not offer the same international scope as LinkedIn.
2. decrease in activity leads to faster user loss
One problem that many online platforms have is the subsequent snowball effect. When users start to leave the platform or become more inactive overall, other users notice this and also consider leaving the platform or use the platform less often. Fewer interactions mean less valuable content, fewer job opportunities, fewer networking opportunities, and an overall less engaging online experience. And then comes the thought, if the majority of one’s contacts and business partners move to LinkedIn, why stay on XING?
3. higher trust in established brands
It’s similar to Facebook and “Wer kennt Wen” on XING and LinkedIn. LinkedIn, which is part of Microsoft, enjoys a high reputation due to its global presence. LinkedIn, das zu Microsoft gehört, genießt aufgrund seiner globalen Präsenz ein hohes Ansehen.
4. changes in the corporate culture
With an increasingly diverse labor market and multinational companies setting up shop in DACH countries, understanding international platforms is becoming more and more important. Companies that operate globally tend to send their employees to LinkedIn rather than XING, simply because it appeals to a broader audience.
5. the influence of influencers and opinion leaders
Add to that the influence of influencers and opinion leaders in the business world. When these key people move their presence from XING to LinkedIn, they attract a large number of followers and fans with them.
Conclusion
Just as Facebook has knocked “Wer kennt Wen” out of the running with its global presence and enormous user growth, LinkedIn is also expected to push XING further and further into the background. The shift of users to a more international platform, combined with a resulting decline in activity, could seal the slow demise of XING. It remains to be seen how XING will react to these developments, but history has shown that local platforms have a hard time competing against global giants. In our opinion, the only salvation would be a re-branding on an international business platform to save this current crash with good brand marketing.
