Algorithms are made up of parameters, rules, signals and data that determine how content is filtered, ranked, selected and recommended to users on social media platforms.
Why do social media algorithms matter?
Algorithms influence what we see on social media. What you are served on a social platform will be different to what the next person is served. This is because social media algorithms typically serve users content that is similar to what they have been previously interacting with.
Social platforms also double up as search engines so using the right keywords has never mattered more.
How to understand social algorithms
No channel’s algorithm is the same, and knowing what an algorithm is currently favouring takes experimentation and experience. For example, Instagram’s algorithm is currently hyper-personalised, whereas TikTok will throw more random videos your way that don’t correlate with what you usually watch. YouTube’s algorithm leverages its archives and serves videos from way back to its users.
No one truly knows how to ‘hack’ an algorithm, but each channel will reward you and serve your content more when you use it how it wants you to use it. Each channel’s algorithm will differ. It’s important to note that they also perpetually shift, so just when you think you’ve cracked it, you have to up your game again!
How to get my content seen more?
To be favourable to a social algorithm you have absolutely got to adopt the culture of the platform and utilise its features and formats. Merely posting a graphic made on Canva isn’t going to do it anymore. You will also be penalised for cross-posting, e.g., recycling a TikTok video with watermark as an Instagram reel (they know!)
Each channel varies but a solid place to start would be;
–> Take a lead from what’s on Explore pages and FYP. For example, Instagram’s Explore page is reel-dominated, showing us that if you post reels, you’re more likely to get discovered, because this is the format the app is prioritising. Video should dominate your content output.
–> The bigger the better – take up as much space as possible e.g. 9:16 format over 1:1
–> Always leverage creative enhancement tools, such as text, filter, effects and subtitles
–> Jump on trends and make them relevant to your business (everyone loves a capcut) to be immersed in trend bubbles
–> BUT create original content and be creative – don’t base your entire social strategy on following the trends
–> Utilise new features e.g. Instagram’s collaboration tool – this is what the platforms want!
–> Use insights to gather when your audience is most active and be consistent – whether that’s showing up 3x per week or every day.
–> Use engagement stickers on your stories – when people interact with you on Stories, you’re more likely to pop up to them again
–> Keywords in captions
–> Comment generated reach – if you’re not conversing with other people, you’re not going to be rewarded – social is meant to be social! Become besties with other people in your niche.
–> Trending sounds/audio are a no brainer.
Lastly – remember not everything you post is going to be a hit. Do some experimenting to discover what works best for you.






