More Connects to win more of the work you love

[katbenjamin]

UPDATE: This is already live. You’ll see these free Connects added to your account at the start of your next billing cycle. You can find this date on your Memberships and Connects page under User Settings.

In December, we’re upgrading Connects to provide you free monthly Connects and bonus Connects for interviews you win. You’re doing amazing things on Upwork, and more Connects means more chances to do the work you love. 

We’ve seen a huge surge in client activity, and our work marketplace is full of opportunities for all the incredible talent on our platform. We can’t wait to watch you use these Connects to win your share of these opportunities, form stronger relationships with clients, and grow your career on Upwork.

We introduced paid Connects to keep spam from crowding out your proposals and help you win the jobs you want. But we want to ensure connecting with clients is exciting and affordable, so we’re changing our program to provide you with the Connects you need to build deeper relationships and unlock the best opportunities.

Here’s exactly what you can expect:

Freelancer Basic Plan	Receive 10 free Connects per month (according to billing cycle)
Freelancer Plus Plan	Receive 80 Connects per month (70 + 10 free Connects) (according to billing cycle)
Connects Rollover Limits	The Basic and Plus roll over limit is now 200 Connects
Interview Requests	Freelancers receive free Connects (the number may vary) when they win an interview with an established client on Upwork**

In December, you’ll see these free Connects added to your account at the start of your next billing cycle. You can find this date on your Memberships and Connects page under User Settings. You’ll also receive an email when your Connects are available for use.

These changes will create more opportunities for everyone in our community, and we’re continuing to explore other ways to show our appreciation for everything you do. Your success is our success, and we’re proud to provide a home where you can do the work you love, form lucrative relationships, and build an amazing independent business.

Learn more about how Connects work here. 

* Update 7/23/2021: Note that when Connects are awarded for interview requests this will show up as two transactions in the Connects History. There is no change to how these are awarded, this is simply done for accounting purposes.

** Updated 1/2/2023

[potential77]

It's a good idea in its entirety.

Whether upwork provide free connects or not, freelancers who love what they do at their own pace and time would still tick and build their own businesses that way.

In my opinion, upwork is doing all they can or need to do so to speak in order to encourage and build a strong community as they've done thus far.

However, not every new freelancer on upwork is entirely new to their skill or expertise as the case may be.

My concern is, if the chances of getting hired are minimal, it'll sure be detrimental to both upwork and the freelancers.

It is true that upwork makes more when we work on jobs and get paid, so the connects should not have been much of a problem.

But what's more important is, they (team upwork) are the ones running the processes and it must favour them well.

If it won't bring them business, they'd fix it without delay.

Let's just do all we can to up our chances of getting more jobs as we can and also ensure to deliver topnotch when a client bets their trust on our ability to deliver a great job.

[toobazafar]

HI, 

As per below new policy, I am supposed to get 10 free connects if I get response from client against submitted proposal?

I applied to a job on 9th December and received the offer same day. But my connects history is still same. Where am I making a mistake? 

Interview Requests (NEW)

Each interview request you (freelancers and agencies) receive and respond to from a submitted proposal earns 10 free Connects (maximum of 50 Connects per 7-day period)

[g_vasilevski]

Hi Mehma,

The Connects will be credited to your account automatically. Regarding the Rising Talent badge, once qualified you will receive an email confirmation, the badge will be awarded on your profile in up to 48 hours. To learn more about the requirements check out this Help Article. Thank you.

[abualezz]

It is very good news to heard. I personally thank the committee and the upwork team for the support they are going to provide to us and to get more knowledge.

[faizanhassan95]

Don't worry within 24hr automatically added free connects to your
account.Thanks

[g_vasilevski]

Hi Tooba,

If a freelancer submits a proposal for a job without being invited to it first > receives a follow-up request from a client to interview > responds to the client's message in Messages, they will earn 10 bonus Connects. Thank you.

[08de86cd]

Thanks for sharing 

[2b3c9a6f]

Thanks to upwork community.
The connects should be increased.

[2a61a43f]

I am realy so happy for this news and me agree with upwork team.

Thank you,

Niyasha

[keneth_o]

Good take but I would request the team increase the free connects offered. In fact if they can make it 60 or more like it was before that would be so great and will not only help the new freelancers but also allow the other freelancers to grow to greater heights.