Upwork My Network Update. And what freelancers think

Upwork My Network

Update. And what

freelancers think about it.

Starting December, Upwork has been testing a new feature. Upwork My Network is supposed to allow freelancers to grow relationships that can lead to bigger projects.

Let’s see how it works:

You can find people using their name or email address and send a request to add to your network.
When they accept it, you can communicate with them in messages.

*If you are not included in the beta-test, you’ll be able to accept network requests but not send them. You can also “Join the waitlist” for full access to the feature.

Upwork My Network February updates:

Improvements to the search bar – you can find talent using first and last name more easily;
Adding professionals to your network directly from top navigation search;
Network recommendations in Your Network page based on geo proximity, skills, people you may know, and others;
Inviting professionals that are not on Upwork.

What is the freelancer’s opinion about Upwork My Network:

Many people are skeptical, mainly because they see this it quickly resulting in LinkedIn-style spam.

Finding a person seems complicated unless you know someone’s email from communication outside Upwork or their last name. Many freelancers would prefer searching for people by their expertise.

What we think about the feature:

We think it is wrong to see My Network as a way to find new connections. But this feature is a great way to connect with people you already know! For example, clients on Upwork can save freelancers they like to connect later. Now with My Network Upwork has allowed freelancers to do the same to keep in touch and establish useful relations within the platform.

Also, My Network seems like the first part of some bigger future update, and we wouldn’t think of it as a feature of itself. Let’s see what Upwork is preparing for us in the future!

How SEO Is Changing in the Age of AI

21-10-2025

AI is transforming search. Learn how SEO evolves into AEO and GEO — where visibility means being cited in AI answers, not just ranked in results.

Learn more

Keeping the Human Mind Sharp When AI Can Do It All

16-10-2025

AI makes work easier, but thinking harder. Learn how to stay creative, critical, and human in the age of intelligent machines.

Learn more

AI Workslop: Why Businesses Pay Freelancers to Fix AI

07-10-2025

AI speeds up work but often creates “workslop” - results that look complete yet lack value. Freelancers are the ones turning them into quality.

Learn more

Disney Creative Strategy: How Ideas Become Reality

03-10-2025

Disney Creative Strategy: dream, plan, critique — a tool to guide ideas from imagination to real-world results.

Learn more

Upwork Boost: Increasing Freelancer Profile Visibility

29-09-2025

Discover how Upwork’s Available Now badge and Profile Boost work, their costs, pros and cons, and which boost is best for freelancers or agencies.

Learn more

10 Posts to Help You Get Started on Upwork

29-09-2025

We’ve gathered a set of articles to guide you through the essentials — from setting up your profile to building long-term client relationships.

Learn more

Etcetera summer 2025 report

26-09-2025

Etcetera summer 2025 results: quiet season, new team members, shifting Upwork rules, and plans for an active autumn.

Learn more

Upwork Feedback: a trust tool you should learn to read and write

22-09-2025

Upwork feedback is more than stars — it builds trust, shapes reputation, and guides choices. Learn how to read, request, and write reviews effectively

Learn more