What is feed?

A feed is the continuously updated stream of posts you see when you open a social network, made up of content from accounts you follow and recommended content.

The feed is where most people experience social media, so it is where your posts compete for attention. Understanding how feeds work helps you create content that stands out as people scroll quickly past dozens of posts.

Most networks now use algorithmic feeds, which rank posts based on what the network thinks each person wants to see, rather than showing everything in time order. Some offer a choice between a following feed and a recommended feed, such as Threads, X and Bluesky. Your profile grid on Instagram is also sometimes called your feed.

Make the first second count, with a striking image, clear text or a strong opening line. Post content suited to each network's feed, such as vertical video for TikTok. Encourage people to engage, since interaction often helps posts appear higher in feeds.

Example

A cupcake shop uses bright, close-up photos so its posts stand out in followers' feeds among grey office updates and news.