The Truth About Social Media Algorithms (And How to Work With Them, Not Against Them)
When you understand how social media algorithms affect your reach and visibility, you can stop guessing—and start showing up more strategically online.
Let’s break it down.
What is a Social Media Algorithm—and Why Should You Care?
Social media algorithms are computer programs that look at patterns in how people use each platform. They watch what users click on, what they skip, who they follow, what they comment on—and then decide what content to show them next.
So your video content, your posts, even your short-form videos are being filtered before your audience ever sees them.
If you’re relying on social media and marketing to attract new clients or donors, this matters—a lot.
If you’ve been posting but still feel invisible, it might be because the algorithm doesn’t see your content as relevant or engaging enough to push it further.
So what do you do—post more? Use trending sounds? Add a bunch of hashtags and hope something sticks?
It’s not about doing more.
It’s about being the most strategically visible and creating content that earns attention—content the algorithm (and your audience) will recognize as relevant and worth sharing.
Let’s get a little deeper.
How Social Media Algorithms Actually Work
Algorithms work in two main steps:
First, they create a profile of each user. Then, they decide what content to show based on that profile. It’s less about who you are—and more about what you do on the app.
Here’s what the platform is paying attention to:
• How long someone spends on a post
• Which posts they scroll past without interacting
• What content they watch or view repeatedly
• Who they follow and engage with
• Which posts they “like,” share, comment on, or save
Once the platform learns what a user tends to enjoy, it filters content through that lens. If your post doesn’t grab attention quickly—it might not get seen at all.
What Makes the Algorithm Push a Post Further?
The algorithm is constantly evaluating content based on a few key signals:
• Engagement (likes, shares, saves, comments)
• Speed of interaction (how quickly people respond after posting)
• Time spent on the post
• Relevance to the viewer’s behavior
• Posting time and frequency
In short? If your content sparks interaction and holds attention, the algorithm is more likely to serve it up to others.
This is where strategy really matters—especially for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and nonprofits who are trying to grow without burning out.
Not All Platforms Are Built the Same
Each social media platform has its own quirks—and its own rules for what performs well.
How the Instagram Algorithm Works
• Prioritizes high-quality visuals and short-form video
• Loves trending audio and strong captions
• Rewards consistent posting (3+ times/week)
• Reels and Stories get more traction than static images
• Hashtags still matter, especially early on
📌 Tip: Use Insights to track your best-performing posts and repeat what works.
How the LinkedIn Algorithm Works
• Loves thoughtful, real conversations
• Prioritizes comments and original content
• Dislikes links that take users off-platform
• Rewards credibility and expertise
📌 Tip: Ask open-ended questions. Share what you’re learning or unlearning in your work.
How the Facebook Algorithm Works
• Boosts content that keeps people on the platform
• Values link clicks, reactions, and comment threads
• Performs well with video and strong written posts
• Still good for local visibility and groups
📌 Tip: Don’t just post links—frame them with something personal or thought-provoking.
Key Factors That Influence What Gets Seen
1. Engagement is Everything
Every like, comment, share, and save tells the algorithm: “People care about this.” Posts that start conversations tend to go further.
📌 Tip for creators: Don’t just post—ask. End with a question. Share a mini-story and ask your audience if they relate.
👀 Example: A nonprofit could post a photo from the field and ask, “Have you ever volunteered somewhere that changed you?”
2. Relevance Matters
If your content doesn’t feel useful, timely, or interesting to your audience, it won’t get prioritized.
📌 Tip for marketers: Use your analytics. What content gets the most clicks, comments, or saves? Build more of that.
👀 Example: A business coach might find that “How I booked 5 clients with 1 reel” outperforms generic tips.
3. Timing Is Underrated
Newer content gets a boost—especially if people interact with it quickly. Timing your posts matters more than you think.
📌 Tip for social media users: Look at when your audience is most active. For some, it’s weekday mornings. For others, it’s Sunday night. Use a simple spreadsheet or scheduler to plan ahead.
👀 Example: One of our clients—a service-based entrepreneur—started posting tips at 7:45 AM before school drop-off. Engagement doubled.
4. Every Platform Has Its Own Rules
Don’t copy-paste the same post everywhere. Different platforms reward different things.
📌 Tip: Match your format to the platform. A Reel may work on Instagram, but a short personal story might land better on LinkedIn.
How to Win (Without Burning Out)
You don’t need to post 24/7 or jump on every trend. You just need a plan that’s strategic and sustainable. Here’s what we recommend:
Create Content That Connects
Speak to real people. Are they overwhelmed? Curious? Trying to grow? Make your posts feel like a conversation—not a pitch.
Use Analytics to Guide You
Check what’s working (and what’s not). Platforms give you insights for a reason. Let the data shape your strategy.
Stay Consistent
You don’t have to post daily—but showing up regularly builds trust (with both your audience and the algorithm).
Stay Curious
Pay attention to social media trends, but don’t lose your voice. Try carousels, reels, behind-the-scenes content. See what resonates.
👀 Example: A business owner we work with started sharing simple “Day in the Life” videos. Nothing fancy—just honest. It became one of their most engaged content series.
Authenticity Still Wins
You can know every trick in the book—but if your content feels forced or generic, people will scroll right past it.
Be real. Be helpful. Be you.
And when it comes to actual social media marketing strategy, authenticity is not a buzzword—it’s your advantage. It’s how you build trust, connection, and momentum.
What the Algorithm Wants in 2025
Algorithms shouldn’t control your strategy—but understanding how they work can help you show up more intentionally.
Yes, it’s important to know what the algorithm wants. But it’s even more important to remember: you’re not creating for the algorithm—you’re creating for people.
Keep the algorithm in the back of your mind. But let your audience lead the way. Because at the end of the day…
The algorithm doesn’t donate to your cause.
It doesn’t buy your product.
It doesn’t recommend you to a friend.
People do.
And when your message is clear, relatable, and strategically visible—those people will find you.
Ready to Build a Strategy That Works With the Algorithm and Stays True to You?
Let’s talk. At Undercover Creators, we help purpose-driven entrepreneurs and nonprofits build content strategies that grow your audience, reflect your voice, and get real results.
You’ve got something worth sharing. We’ll help you say it right—and get it seen.