Algorithms are an important, yet elusive facet of social media management and understanding them is of utmost importance for anyone taking up the task. Learn about how the algorithms of popular social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook work, and how you can harness the power of the algorithm to your advantage. Check out this article to learn more!
Learning how to navigate social media algorithms is an incredibly important task for anyone who decides to embark upon the journey of social media management as a career or even if you’re looking to become an influencer. While algorithms are controlled by user behavior, there are some strategies you can use to harness their power to get your posts out there to the masses. Keep reading for your guide to algorithms and some tips and tricks on how to use them to your advantage on multiple social media platforms.
What Even are Algorithms?
Before you can harness their power, it’s incredibly important to understand how algorithms work. To give a brief definition, algorithms are essentially sets of rules and symbols that rank content on social media sites based on how likely user is going to like and interact with it. The algorithm on every platform is different, but they are all based on a machine learning ranking signals, which place a value on each individual piece of content for each user. These signals are then individualized based on your previous interactions with the app, which is why you’re seeing similar kinds of content every single time you open TikTok.
How Does it Work?
Think about the TikTok FYP page (For you Page), the Instagram Discover Page, etc., for example. Content on these pages is selected just for you based on the content you’ve been watching and interacting with the most.
That is especially prevalent on both Facebook and TikTok. Instagram on the other hand, shows you more posts from the accounts that you follow and will show you similar accounts. The most fascinating part about this is that it tells you why these different accounts are being suggested to you.
Explaining Algorithms
While social media platforms keep a tight lip about their specific ranking signals, there are some that are known by the general public.
Relationships are at the forefront, as you’re more likely to see content with the people you follow and engage with.
Interests are also at the forefront, so you’re going to see the things that you’re interested in based on who and what you follow.
Relevance is also incredibly important, pushing current events and trends.
Popularity is key. If your post is being liked and shared at a fast rate, or you have a popular account, your posts will end up on the Explore Page.
TikTok
TikTok will show you accounts and content that you have preciously interacted with, and is less likely to show you accounts that have been hidden or marked not interesting. The algorithm also analyzes your behavior on your For You Page, like sounds and trednign topics
TikTok also takes your location into account, showing you content that is made in your language in your country.
Different trends are also key, if you have seen a million TikToks with Maxwell the cat in the sky, like I have, that’s because it’s trending.
TikToks that are the way thatthey are”supposed” to be with fun sounds and crazy sound effects that are trending.
Lastly, follower account doesn’t matter, anyone can go viral on TikTok.
Your feed will mostly be filled with content with people and pages you’ve interacted with. You’ll be suggested more content based on the type of content you’re consuming (if you watch more videos, you’ll see more videos) You’ll see post siwth lots of engagement that will be boosted by the algorithm. Facebook also pushes content of higher quality.
So Now What?
Now that we have an idea of what is being pushed by the algorithm, how do we attempt to be picked up by it?
Posting relevant and high-quality content is key. These are two qualities for posts to get pushed by the algorithm on all social media platforms.
Delivering what you promise is also incredibly important. With the prevalence of clickbait, platforms have trained their algorithms to not push content that appears misleading.
Understanding Trends! Trends are fleeting, but they keep people engaged, so platforms are pushing it more.
Lastly, knowing the best times to post is a super helpful tool to getting more traction on your posts. Websites will give you general recommendations, but with Meta introducing their new creator studio, it now gives you suggestions on what the best times to post are, which is super helpful. While suggestions are good, trial and error are key here. You have to find the most popular times for you by just getting out there and posting.
With all of that being said… Good Luck and Happy Posting!
Eyes on Social Media 