If you’ve ever wondered why your cousin’s cat video gets 100k likes while your carefully crafted business post gets 10 pity thumbs-ups from family members, you’ve met the mysterious beast known as the social media algorithm.

But what is an algorithm? And why does it act like a picky date who only wants to “see other people”? Let’s break it down.

So, What Exactly Is a Social Media Algorithm?

Think of an algorithm as the bouncer at the nightclub of your feed. Millions of posts are trying to get in, but the bouncer (the algorithm) decides who makes the cut. It looks at:

Who you interact with

What you like, comment, share, or stalk (yep, it knows)

How long you watch a video before swiping away

Then it serves you a personalised cocktail of posts designed to keep you scrolling until your thumb cramps.

Why Do Platforms Use Algorithms?

Simple: if you stay longer, they make more money. Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn—all of them want your attention the way Netflix wants you to click “Next Episode.”

No one is manually choosing what you see. The algorithm is basically saying:

“Hey, you liked one pizza reel last week—here’s 500 more. Forever.”

The Funny Truths About Algorithms

1. They reward drama.
A boring “Happy Monday” post won’t fly. But a post where you accidentally spill coffee on your laptop? Viral.

2. They’re clingy.
Reply to someone once, and suddenly you see everything they post. Like an ex who won’t stop texting.

3. They hate ghosts.
If you post and disappear, the algorithm sulks. Engage back (reply to comments, interact with others), and it’ll forgive you.

4. They love shiny toys.
New features = free reach. Reels, Stories, LinkedIn polls… it’s like giving candy to a toddler.

How to Make Algorithms Love You (Literally Speaking)

Hook in 3 seconds – People scroll fast. Start with something punchy.

Consistency > Random bursts – Don’t post 10 times one week and vanish the next.

Mix formats – Video, images, carousels, memes. Keep it spicy.

Talk like a human – No one engages with “We are delighted to announce…” Talk like you’re texting a mate.

Engage first – Comment on other posts before you publish your own. Algorithms reward reciprocity.

Bottom Line

Social media algorithms aren’t evil masterminds. They’re just obsessed with keeping people glued to their screens. If you create content that makes people laugh, learn, or lean in, the algorithm will slide into your DMs with more reach.

So stop fighting it. Instead, ask yourself:
Would I stop scrolling for this?

If yes, congratulations, you’ve just outsmarted the bouncer.