This guide explains why PhantomBuster sometimes returns LinkedIn profile URLs that don't show the profile name, what those links mean, and when you may want to convert them into readable, name-based URLs, sometimes called clean URLs.
Understanding LinkedIn profile URL formats
When working with LinkedIn data, you may come across two different formats of LinkedIn profile URLs. Both point to the same profile, even though they look different.
URLs that show the profile name
These URLs display the profile name directly in the link. These URLs are sometimes called clean, readable, or name-based LinkedIn profile URLs.
You'll typically see this format when opening a profile directly on LinkedIn or copying the URL from your browser.
Example:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-doe/
URLs that don't show the profile name
These URLs don't display the profile name and instead contain letters and numbers generated by LinkedIn.
You'll often see this format when hovering over profiles in LinkedIn search results, browsing lead lists in Sales Navigator, or navigating LinkedIn internally.
Examples:
-
Example from LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAABc123XYZ/
-
Example from Sales Navigator:
https://www.linkedin.com/sales/lead/ACwAAABd456DEF,NAME_SEARCH,xyz
How these profile URLs behave in PhantomBuster
Profile URLs that don't show the profile name behave the same way as clean or name-based URLs.
They:
- Open the correct LinkedIn profile.
- Can be reused as input in other Phantoms.
- Work the same way as standard profile URLs in most automations.
If you don't have a specific need for URLs that show the profile name, you can keep using these links without any issue.
How to get LinkedIn profile URLs that show the profile name
You may prefer URLs that show the profile name. In this case, the best way to get them depends on whether your data comes from LinkedIn or Sales Navigator.
If your data comes from LinkedIn
If your results come from LinkedIn search, run the LinkedIn Profile Scraper. This Phantom visits each profile and returns a standard LinkedIn profile URL.
If your data comes from Sales Navigator
If your results come from Sales Navigator, use the Sales Navigator URL Converter. This Phantom converts Sales Navigator profile URLs into clean, name-based LinkedIn profile URLs.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my LinkedIn profile URL contain random letters and numbers?
LinkedIn uses internal identifier-based URLs (like /in/ACoAAA...) in search results, Sales Navigator, and some internal pages. These are valid profile links and work the same as name-based URLs.
Do URLs without the profile name still work in PhantomBuster?
Yes. They open the correct LinkedIn profile, can be reused as input for other Phantoms, and work the same way as name-based URLs in most automations.
How do I convert LinkedIn profile URLs to show the profile name?
For LinkedIn data, run the LinkedIn Profile Scraper. For Sales Navigator data, use the Sales Navigator URL Converter. Both return clean, name-based profile URLs.
Do I need to convert these URLs before using them?
Not unless you have a specific reason to want readable URLs. URLs without the profile name work identically in PhantomBuster automations.