Creators often blame “the algorithm” for poor engagement—but how much do we actually understand it? Social media algorithms are not out to get you; they’re designed to prioritize content users are most likely to interact with.
Each platform has its own ranking logic. Instagram looks at past interactions, content relevance, and timeliness. TikTok analyzes watch time and completion rate. Facebook weighs shares and comment quality. The key is not to fight the algorithm, but to work with it.
Some common myths include:
- Shadowbanning every time a post performs poorly
- Overusing hashtags leading to punishment
- Posting at “wrong” times being fatal to reach
Instead, focusing on quality, consistency, engagement, and variety (e.g., carousels, reels, polls) is what really moves the needle.
Understanding how algorithms function empowers creators and businesses to optimize content strategy, rather than chasing short-term trends or blaming tech.
