Social Media Algorithms: How to Understand and Use Them to Your Advantage

Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives. From sharing personal moments to marketing campaigns and building personal or business brands, these platforms are everywhere. Behind every post you see in your feed is an invisible force – the algorithm. This algorithm determines what you see, what content appears in your feed, and which posts get prioritized.

Algorithms are essential for the functioning of social networks, but for many users, they remain a mystery. In this article, we will explore how algorithms work and how you can leverage them to your advantage.

What are social media algorithms?

Social media algorithms are mathematical models used to filter and personalize content shown to users. Their goal is to ensure that each user sees the most relevant content based on their preferences, behavior, and interactions on the platform.

Each social network has its own algorithm, but they all share a common goal – to increase engagement and keep users on the platform for as long as possible. The fundamental principle of most algorithms is content personalization based on past interactions and predictions of what the user is most likely to find interesting.

How do algorithms work on different platforms?

Facebook / Instagram:

Instagram and Facebook use a similar algorithm, which focuses on ranking content based on three main factors:

Interest: If a user regularly interacts with certain types of content (e.g., posts related to travel, art, sports, etc.), the algorithm increases the likelihood that this content will appear more frequently in their feed.

Timeliness: The fresher the post, the higher the likelihood it will appear in the user's feed. Facebook and Instagram take into account when the content was posted.

Relationships: The algorithm takes into account who the user interacts with most frequently – whether it's through comments, likes, shares, or direct communication. These accounts tend to be prioritized.

TikTok:

TikTok is known for its powerful algorithm that enables rapid viral success. Its algorithm focuses primarily on engagement – interactions such as likes, comments, and shares. TikTok analyzes how long users stay on certain videos, which allows it to customize the feed according to their interests.TikTok also considers how quickly new users react to content. If a video receives positive feedback (likes, comments) within a short time, the algorithm is more likely to recommend it.

LinkedIn:

On LinkedIn, the algorithm prioritizes content that offers professional value and expertise. It focuses on:

Interests: Like on other platforms, the algorithm tracks who the user interacts with and what type of content they most frequently comment on or share.

Professional profile: If a user has a rich professional profile (e.g., experience, skills, publications), the algorithm may prioritize this content because it is more relevant to other professionals in the field.

How to leverage algorithms to your advantage?

Understanding how algorithms work can help you improve visibility and engagement on social media. Here are some proven ways to take advantage of them:

• Regular and meaningful interaction with your audience

Social media algorithms prioritize content that is relevant and generates interaction. The more comments, likes, and shares your content gets, the greater the chance it will reach a broader audience.

Tip: Respond to comments, engage with your followers, and share content that is valuable and engaging.

• Optimize your post timing

The timing of your posts can significantly affect how the algorithm evaluates their relevance. Most social networks favor fresh content.

Tip: Post when your followers are most active. Most platforms provide analytics tools that show when your followers are online.

• Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags help algorithms determine what your content is about and how to categorize it. This increases the chances it will appear in the right feeds.

Tip: Choose hashtags that are both popular and relevant to your content. You can also create your own hashtags tied to your brand.

• Create visually appealing content

High-quality, professional images, videos, and graphics are more likely to generate interactions. Visual content grabs users' attention, which increases the chance of it spreading.

Tip: Invest in quality visual content – use clean, aesthetic images and videos that are easy to share. Make content creation easier for yourself! Get my Canva templates completely free – just enter your email address and I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Get templates!

• Consistency is key

Algorithms favor accounts that post content regularly. If you maintain consistent reach and interactions, the algorithm will "remember" you and prioritize your content.

Tip: Try to post consistently so that you remain relevant and present in your followers' feeds.

Social media algorithms may seem complex, but once you understand how they work, you can use them to your advantage. The key to success is providing high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience, engaging regularly, and responding to interactions. Understanding algorithms will help you achieve better visibility and engagement, which can significantly boost your personal or business online presence.