What is algorithm?

An algorithm is the set of rules a social network uses to decide which posts each person sees, and in what order, in their feed or recommendations.

Algorithms shape how many people see your content. Most networks show far more posts than anyone could scroll through, so they rank them. Posts the system thinks a person will enjoy are shown first, while others may barely be seen.

Each network weighs different signals. Common ones include how quickly people react, whether they comment, share or save, how long they watch a video, and how often they interact with your account. Feeds like TikTok's For You page lean heavily on recommendations, so even small accounts can reach new people. Networks update their algorithms often and rarely share full details.

Rather than chasing every rumored change, focus on what algorithms broadly reward: content people genuinely want to stop and engage with. Post consistently, reply to comments, and look at your own results to see which formats and topics work for your audience.

Example

A neighborhood coffee shop notices its short behind-the-scenes videos reach more people than its menu photos, so it starts posting more of them.