Social Media Algorithms: Understanding What Drives Visibility

In the digital age, the battle for attention is fierce. Social media platforms are the arenas where this battle is fought, with algorithms as the gatekeepers deciding what content gets seen. Understanding these algorithms is crucial for anyone looking to gain visibility and engagement on social media platforms. This article delves into the core elements of social media algorithms and how they influence content visibility as of 2023.

Relevancy:

Relevancy is a paramount factor that impacts how algorithms rank and display content. The more a user interacts with a particular type of content, the more likely the algorithm is to show similar content in their feeds. Relevancy is determined based on user interactions and engagement with the content, and it's how social media platforms decide how to rank content in user feeds(1).

Engagement:

Engagement is a significant ranking factor across most social media platforms. 80% of social media marketers say that their top strategy is to increase engagement across all channels. The amount of engagement a piece of content has received, especially within a short time frame, influences how algorithms rank that content. Engagement metrics could include likes, shares, comments, and other forms of interaction(2).

Content Creator Interaction:

The level of interaction a user has with a particular content creator also influences what content is shown to them. If a user frequently engages with a creator's content, they are more likely to see more content from that creator in their feed(3).

Content Type:

Different social media platforms may favor different types of content. For instance, if a user most often interacts with videos, they'll see more video content. This is a part of how algorithms personalize user feeds to enhance engagement and user experience(4).

Sponsored Content:

Sponsored content, or paid advertisements, are also a part of what users see on social media. These pieces of content are targeted towards specific audience sets based on their interests and previous interactions on the platform(5).

Noise Filtering:

Algorithms also work to filter out 'noise' or irrelevant content from user feeds. This includes content from connections or followed accounts that a user doesn't interact with. By filtering out such content, social media platforms aim to keep user feeds engaging and relevant(6).

Continuous Evolution:

It's important to note that social media algorithms are not static; they continuously evolve. Social media platforms regularly tweak their algorithms to enhance user experience and engagement. Understanding the basics and staying updated on these changes can be beneficial in optimizing content for better visibility(7).

Conclusion:

Social media algorithms play a crucial role in determining what content reaches the audience. Understanding the factors that influence these algorithms can empower content creators, marketers, and brands to optimize their strategies, create more engaging content, and ultimately, achieve better visibility on social media platforms. Digital algorithms have become so common place in our society that even our cinema's villains are named Al-G Rhythm [Spam Jam: A New Legacy]

How have you been impacted by the algorithm, and how have you adjusted your content in relation to it? What was your opinion of Don Cheadle's performance in Space Jam: A New Legacy? Share your thoughts below, and let's connect!