Social Media Algorithms: How to Overcome Them in a Business

You’ve probably heard about social media algorithms, especially now that these platforms have become essential tools for a company’s communication strategy. Beyond creating valuable content, it’s crucial to understand these algorithms to ensure your content reaches your brand’s community and helps it grow.

There’s no exact formula to understanding algorithms since they are constantly changing, but there are certain clues that can help boost your brand’s content on social platforms. So, if you want to learn how to make the most of them, stick around—we’ll break down how social media algorithms work. Let’s get started! 

What Are Social Media Algorithms?

To begin understanding social media algorithms, it’s essential to know what they are. Simply put, algorithms are a set of rules that control a post’s visibility—deciding who sees it and when. These algorithms also simulate user search behavior, offering content that is predicted to be of the highest interest to them.

Algorithms are constantly evolving, adapting to new trends and differing from one platform to another. Below, we’ll explain how they work on each platform so you can incorporate them into your content strategy.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?  

Understanding Instagram algorithms can benefit your business by allowing you to navigate the platform more effectively and position your content to impact your target audience. Instagram has different algorithms for each format within the app: the feed, stories, and reels. Here’s how to optimize each one for your business, since posts are no longer displayed chronologically as they used to be.

Feed Algorithm

The feed is the first screen users see when they open the app. It includes stories, image or video posts, and sponsored content. The algorithm prioritizes posts based on user behavior—interactions for example saves, likes, comments, and watch time. As a business, you should create relevant content to build stronger connections with your audience. Encouraging engagement can help position your posts higher in users’ feeds.

Stories Algorithm

Instagram’s story algorithm prioritizes stories from accounts users interact with the most. To increase visibility, we recommend consistently posting stories so your followers have more opportunities to engage with your content, increasing your chances of appearing first in their story feed.

To encourage interaction, use Instagram’s built-in features like polls or question boxes. Additionally, to expand your reach, include music (if relevant), hashtags, or location tags.

Reels Algorithm

Reels are Instagram’s primary video format, and their visibility depends on user interests, engagement levels, and previous interactions. Here are some techniques to maximize your reels’ reach:

• Create eye-catching covers to grab viewers’ attention and encourage them to watch the full reel. Understanding your brand’s target audience can help with this.
• Use relevant hashtags to improve content discoverability.
• Add location tags to geographically position your content, especially if your business operates locally.
• Include trending sounds that align with your brand identity.
• Share reels via stories to increase visibility and reach a broader audience.

How Does the Algorithm Work on X (Formerly known as Twitter)?

On X (formerly known as Twitter), several factors influence how algorithms rank content. First and foremost is content quality. If the platform detects that your company’s posts are relevant and not spam, it will position them in the “For You” section for users who might find them interesting. For example, try to make your content visual, and if you need to include more text, consider sharing it in a thread.

Additionally, the number of interactions determines how long your post remains visible in users’ feeds. To encourage engagement, you can:

• Use hashtags
• Take advantage of polls
• Mention other relevant profiles
• Include useful links

However, on X, engaging with accounts that mention your business is also essential—whether through comments, likes, or shares. This signals to the platform that your company is active and participating in ongoing conversations. A good practice is responding to user inquiries and requesting feedback to humanize your brand and foster a sense of community.

X prioritizes profiles that update content frequently and engage in trending discussions. To take advantage of this, keep an eye on trending topics and see if there’s a way to tie them to your industry.

How Does the Facebook Algorithm Work?

Facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the world (Statista), making it crucial to understand how to gain visibility in its feed. Like other social media algorithms, engagement is key, with comments being the most valued interaction. The longer and more numerous the comments, the greater the post’s visibility, as Facebook interprets this as a sign of user interest.

Another important factor is ensuring that your content is exclusive to Facebook. For example, if you’re sharing an image, upload it directly instead of using an external link.

Additionally, using a variety of content formats—such as photos, videos, live streams, and events—will help your business appear in more users’ feeds.

Finally, analyze which types of content have performed best. If Facebook detects that your profile receives the most engagement on video posts, it will prioritize showing more of this content to users.

Reels on Facebook

On Facebook, you can share Reels, and the platform provides helpful tips on how to do so effectively. Once again, they emphasize that content must be high quality, which includes having music, good resolution, engaging elements, a vertical format, or a mix of text, images, and other effects. 

How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work?

To boost your company’s visibility on TikTok, follow these guidelines to ensure the algorithm works in your favor:

• Short videos (around 15 seconds) are more likely to be watched in full, leading to higher engagement and increased exposure to non-followers.
• Unique and engaging content encourages users to watch longer. Focus on a compelling title and an eye-catching thumbnail, as these are the first elements users see.
• Participate in trends by using popular sounds and hashtags related to trending challenges.
• Go live, as TikTok values creators who actively engage with the platform.

How Does the LinkedIn Algorithm Work?

First, ensure that the content you share is high quality, valuable, and professionally relevant. Craft well-thought-out posts that align with your company’s message, as LinkedIn rewards posts that generate engagement within the first few minutes after being shared. To achieve this, write an engaging caption, pair it with images or videos, and end with a clear call to action (CTA).

Second, your company’s network of connections plays a key role, as posts appear in their feeds. Encourage your audience to comment and interact to boost your content’s reach.

At Redegal, we recommend creating a content calendar to maintain a consistent posting schedule, as LinkedIn also values regular activity.

Our content strategy team can help make these algorithms work in favor of your business’s social media presence. Shall we talk? We’re here to help. Shall we talk?