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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossarySocial & CreatorThought Leader Ads

Social & Creator

Thought Leader Ads

A LinkedIn ad format that lets companies promote posts from individual members, such as executives or employees.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Thought Leader Ads are a LinkedIn ad format that lets companies promote posts from individual members, such as executives or employees. The ads appear under the person's name rather than the company page. Because people tend to trust individuals more than brands, the format helps amplify expertise and personal perspectives to targeted professional audiences.