Are you creating for humans or algorithms?

It's getting harder to produce quality content & why is this actually a good thing?

The digital paradox: Visibility vs. authenticity

In the age of content overload, creators and businesses are caught in a dangerous balancing act—optimizing for algorithms while trying to maintain authenticity. The pressure to rank higher, trend faster, and gain more visibility often forces creators to cater to machines rather than people. But at what cost?

The more we conform to algorithmic preferences, the more we risk losing our unique voice, diluting our message, and ultimately disengaging our audience. Let’s explore why breaking free from the algorithmic prison is essential for long-term success.

The tyranny of the algorithm

Algorithms dictate which content gets seen and which is buried. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube reward engagement, consistency, and trending formats. As a result, many creators spend more time trying to "game the system" rather than focusing on delivering real value.

The issue? Algorithmic changes are unpredictable. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. And when content is built solely around these shifting rules, it becomes disposable, lacking depth and originality.

Netflix learned this lesson early on. When it transitioned from DVD rentals to streaming, it used a data-driven recommendation algorithm to surface content. While initially successful, over-reliance on algorithms led to content fatigue—viewers saw the same kinds of shows repeatedly, leading Netflix to pivot towards premium, unique productions rather than relying solely on algorithmic recommendations.

Algorithm dependency = short-term visibility, long-term irrelevance.

The homogenization of content

Ever noticed how every platform starts looking the same? The rise of clickbait headlines, repetitive video formats, and SEO-driven articles has led to a sea of indistinguishable content.

Creators who prioritize ranking over originality risk blending into the noise. The best-performing content today often lacks the soul and character that once made online spaces dynamic and engaging.

And now, AI is accelerating this issue at an unprecedented rate. Basic "5 Tips to Do XYZ" posts are everywhere because AI can generate them in seconds. The result? An oversaturated market where everyone sounds the same, making it harder than ever to stand out.

Amazon provides an example of what happens when optimization goes too far. The company’s relentless focus on automation and efficiency led to an ecosystem where algorithm-driven product recommendations flooded users with low-quality, identical products, diminishing trust in the platform’s authenticity.

Optimizing for machines makes you forgettable to humans.

The authenticity gap

Audiences crave realness, but the algorithm often prioritizes performance metrics over depth. When creators chase engagement at all costs, they may sacrifice nuance, depth, and vulnerability in favour of mass appeal.

The old content funnel worked like this:

• Top: Tips, trends, and opinions to attract attention
• Middle: Deeper insights to build trust
• Bottom: Solutions to drive conversions

But today, the top-of-funnel content—once useful for catching attention—has been commoditized by AI. Anyone can create "good enough" basic content. The real challenge is going deeper.

To stand out, creators must lead with their expertise. Your most valuable insights, the ones you used to save for premium content, should now be at the forefront.

True influence isn’t measured in views but in impact.

The exhaustion of constant adaptation

The relentless pace of platform updates and algorithm shifts forces creators into a cycle of endless adaptation. What starts as a creative endeavour quickly turns into a grind.

Take LinkedIn’s algorithm shifts—what worked a month ago might be ineffective today. Many creators try to chase these changes, adjusting post formats, engagement strategies, and content length based on fleeting trends.

But here’s the problem: Algorithms will always change. The only way to remain resilient is to focus on community, not algorithms. When you build a strong network, your influence remains intact—regardless of platform shifts.

If your strategy depends on algorithmic trends, you’re always playing defense.

The power of human-driven content

While algorithms reward consistency and engagement, people reward depth and authenticity. The future of content isn’t about who can post the most but about who can create the most meaningful connections.

Consider thought leaders who don’t just share generic advice but provide real-world case studies, lessons from personal failures, and behind-the-scenes insights. This type of content builds trust and credibility in a way that algorithms can’t replicate.

Your true advantage? Being human.

If your strategy depends on algorithmic trends, you’re always playing defense.

The golden opportunity in the age of AI-generated content

AI-generated content is flooding digital spaces, but that presents a unique advantage for those who create quality content. While the market is becoming saturated with surface-level posts, this is the perfect time to stand out by focusing on depth, expertise, and real human insights.

Instead of competing with AI-generated fluff, turn this into an opportunity. Offer unique perspectives, personal experiences, and specialized knowledge that algorithms and AI can't replicate.

AI is levelling the playing field for mediocre content. This is your chance to rise above it.

The path to sustainable influence

The future of content belongs to those who focus on long-term credibility rather than short-term visibility. Instead of optimizing for trends, prioritize community, expertise, and meaningful storytelling.

The goal isn't to beat the algorithm—it's to become irreplaceable, no matter how the digital landscape evolves.

Depth, originality, and consistency will outlast any algorithm update.

Final thoughts

Build a legacy, not just a following

At the end of the day, creating content that truly matters means prioritizing impact over immediate reach. The goal shouldn’t be to "beat" the algorithm—it should be to render it irrelevant by building something that lasts.

The riskiest strategy today? Creating for machines instead of humans.

Your next steps

Want to break free from the algorithmic trap and create content that truly stands out? Here’s what to do next:

1. Audit your content – Are you creating for people or machines? Look at your recent posts and assess their depth and originality.

1. Lead with expertise – Share the insights you once saved for premium content. Depth is your new differentiator.
2. Focus on your community – Engage directly with your audience. Build relationships that outlast algorithm changes.
3. Own your distribution – Don’t rely solely on platforms. Start an email list, launch a podcast, or build a community.
4. Be human – AI can generate content, but it can’t replicate your personal experiences, failures, and unique voice.

??Bonus: Adapt or be left behind:

“If we fail to adapt, we fail to move forward.” - John Wooden

Kodak serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when adaptation fails. The company invented the digital camera but was so focused on optimizing its film business that it ignored innovation. As a result, it was outpaced by competitors who embraced digital photography.

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And remember - a strong community is your #1 weapon against constant algorithm changes.

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