Glossary
What is a Social Media Algorithm?
The system a platform uses to decide which content to show users, in what order, and how prominently.
How Social Media Algorithms Work
Every major social platform uses algorithms to personalize what each user sees. Instead of showing content chronologically, algorithms analyze hundreds of signals to predict what content you'll find most engaging.
Key Insight: Algorithms are designed to maximize time spent on the platform. Content that keeps users engaged gets shown to more people.
What Algorithms Consider
Engagement Signals
Likes, comments, shares, saves, watch time
Relationship
How often you interact with this account
Timeliness
How recently the content was posted
Content Type
Video, image, text — what you engage with most
Platform-Specific Algorithms
- Instagram: Prioritizes Reels, engagement in first hour, saves
- TikTok: Watch time is #1 signal, any video can go viral
- LinkedIn: Favors native content, comments over likes
- Twitter/X: Recency matters more, replies boost visibility
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