The Algorithm: EXPLAINED
How to play Meta's game, befriend the algorithm, and make it work for you.
We’re doing it. We’re talking about The Algorithm. The number of times I’ve heard people complain about the “evil algorithm” makes me want to pull out my hair. The algorithm isn’t out to get you. It’s just formatted to make Meta the most money. But if you keep that in mind and know how to play their game, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Let’s break it down. Slowly. In bite-sized chunks.
First off, I get it. We’ve all been there, scrolling and thinking, “Why isn’t my content reaching people anymore? I just want my old linear feed back!” Trust me, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: Instagram is a business, and while we’re over here using it for free, they have to make their money.
How do they do this? Through ads. And the more time people spend on the app, the more ads they see (and the more $$ Meta makes).
So, Instagram’s algorithm is designed to keep us scrolling, watching, and (let’s be honest) addicted so we stay on the app and see more ads.
This means that when you create content, your goal is to make it sticky and watch-worthy because the algorithm rewards content that hooks people.
Think of it like hosting a party. The longer people stay, the more fun it gets, and suddenly, more people start showing up because it’s the place to be. The more time someone spends watching your video, the more Instagram thinks, "Hey, this is good stuff!" and starts showing it to people who also might like the vibe.
Very practically, it breaks down like this:
When you post something, Instagram first shows it to a small group, mostly your followers (with a sprinkle of new people).
If those people watch all the way through and engage, Instagram thinks, “Okay, this is great,” and then shows it to a similar but larger audience.
If that bigger audience watches and engages, Instagram shows it to an even LARGER group (and so on and so on.)
BUT if at any point, people stop watching or stop engaging, the algorithm stops pushing the content and the buzz dies down.
So, when you're creating content, you should constantly be asking yourself:
Is this interesting?
Am I giving people a reason to keep watching?
Am I being relatable and funny?
Am I telling a good story?
Do people want to see/hear/know about this?
If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, you’re in good shape. If not, you might want to rethink the post. It comes down to this: If you keep people interested — keep them watching — the algorithm will start working with you, not against you.
This week: the only enemy of active listening, dusting off your dancing shoes, and the quickest way to make your customer disappear (in a good way).
HOP ON THESE TRENDS:
If I was your Instagram strategist, here are 3 Reels I’d encourage you to recreate for your brand:
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