This tool decodes the LinkedIn post URL to extract the upload timestamp, which is not visible in the standard metadata visible on the platform. For instance, consider the URL https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christian-wanser_data-analytics-dataanalytics-ugcPost-7187448476148846592-xBpC. The number "7187448476148846592" within this URL is the post ID.
The post ID is a 64-bit integer that encodes the timestamp when the post was created. We use a regular expression to extract this number and then convert it into binary. The first 41 bits of this binary representation are the actual timestamp, expressed in milliseconds since the Unix epoch (January 1, 1970). By converting these bits back to a decimal, we retrieve the original timestamp.
Once we have the timestamp, it is converted into two date formats: UTC and the browser's local time, providing both a universal and localized perspective on when the post was originally made.
Whether you're digging into market trends, ensuring content accuracy, or even conducting some serious digital investigation, each Linkedin post URL contains more than just the location of the post!
So, whether you're a marketer, a researcher, or just a curious cat, knowing the precise date a LinkedIn post was made can be surprisingly pivotal. Don't just scroll past—dig deeper, because every post's story starts with "when".