How Social Media Algorithms Work
How Social Media Algorithms Work
Algorithms Work
Introduction
The Mechanics of Social Transitioning Curated The Rise of Recommendation
03-10 Media Algorithms Algorithms to Enhanced Models Algorithms
Social Algorithms
Explained Unveiling the Moderation Unlocking the Growth Harnessing the Power of
Algorithm Algorithm Generative AI
10-20
22-27
29-34
Introduction
The purpose of this whitepaper is to shed light on the intricate workings
of social media algorithms and provide actionable insights for next Leverage specific social network
1
expertise from today’s leading
level content creation. product managers across today's
top social networks
Drawing from our collective experience across TikTok, Meta, LinkedIn
and the creator economy - we aim to demystify the complexities
surrounding social media algorithms.
3
knowledge and manipulate each
social platform to your brands
Jeremy Barnett benefit.
90
One prevailing concern voiced by users is the perceived hindrance
imposed by algorithms on content visibility. Undeniably, reaching
Over % your existing followers has become increasingly challenging.
However, it is vital to note that while connecting with your
of marketers believe that that creating established audience may present difficulties, forging connections
high-quality, engaging content is a with new potential followers is more accessible than ever before.
fundamental aspect of successful marketing
Less than 5 %
of digital marketers truly understand how
To navigate this landscape effectively, it is crucial to understand
how social media algorithms operate. These algorithms are
intricate systems meticulously designed to curate and prioritize
content based on a range of factors, such as user preferences,
engagement levels, and timeliness. By grasping these
algorithms work on the social channels they
market on fundamental principles, you can optimize your approach to
enhance your business's visibility and reach.
INTRODUCTION 2023
The Mechanics of Social Media Algorithms
INTRODUCTION 2023
The Transition from Curated
Algorithms to Enhanced Models
“
address this issue, product managers initiated the
As social media users consumed
development of a new algorithmic model.
content, platforms faced the risk of
losing these same users who sought Limitations of Curated Algorithms:
fresh and engaging media.”
Curated algorithms initially served as the foundation for
content curation, providing users with content exclusively
from their selected network. While this approach aimed to
cater to users' preferences, it inadvertently resulted in a
systemic content saturation problem.
INTRODUCTION 2023
The Transition from Curated
1979
Algorithms to Enhanced Models
Pioneering Change:
Elaine Rich created unknowingly the first
Recognizing the potential drawbacks of curated algorithms, recommender systems (algorithm) Grundy.
platform pioneers like Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged the She looked for a way to recommend a user a book
need for a new, transformative solution. With the realization
she might like. Her idea was to create a system that
that user retention was critical for sustained platform
success, Meta product managers devised an innovative
asks the user specific questions and assigns her
algorithmic model that would address the content saturation stereotypes depending on her answers.
issue.
INTRODUCTION 2023
Total users by platform The Rise of Recommendation Algorithms
In recent years, social media platforms have implemented
2.8B Users recommendation algorithms that track user behavior,
interactions, and conversations across various features such as
comments, stories, and other interactive elements.
1.5 Users
This shift in algorithmic focus began in 2015 when platforms like
Meta, Pinterest, and others emerged as highly valuable digital
500M Users spaces for businesses.
1B Users
$25B Influencer Market Size, 2023
2B Users
INTRODUCTION 2023
The Rise of Recommendation Algorithms
This year-over-year
26.12%
Influencers and Online Brands
growth rate for 2020
is estimated at
The introduction of recommendation algorithms in the mid-2010s
marked a turning point for businesses across social media. With the
ability to analyze user behavior and preferences, algorithms empowered
influencers and online brands to reach wider audiences through their
engaging content. This shift led to the emergence of a new breed of This market will be
social media success stories, fueled by effective content marketing
strategies and the cultivation of organic influencers.
ACCELERATING at
CAGR of almost
30%
Continuous Algorithmic Development:
$3.58bn
development to enhance their effectiveness. Machine learning engineers INCREMENTAL
have refined these algorithms to ensure they deliver increasingly GROWTH
accurate and relevant content suggestions. As a result, platforms like
Meta, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest provide users with hyper-personalized
social media experiences.
2019 2023
INTRODUCTION 2023
The Rise of Recommendation Algorithms
INTRODUCTION 2023
Social Algorithms Explained… a Deeper Look
Meaningful Interactions
Who a user interacts with, the type of media, popularity, timeliness and recency are all ranking signals within the algorithm
Who Type
Friends Videos
Celebrities Images
Brands Facebook lives
Companies Images
Show me more features
Why I am seeing this post feature
Popularity Timeliness
Reactions New post features
Shares Durations of engagements
Likes Time of the day
Comments
Unveiling the Moderation Algorithm:
Navigating Content Guidelines and
Relevance on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
Image
detection
Among the various algorithms employed by social media Crime Video
detection Analysis
platforms, the Moderation Algorithm holds significant importance,
as it acts as the initial gatekeeper for your content. Upon uploading
your post on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, this algorithm swiftly
analyzes your content, ensuring it complies with content guidelines
while determining its relevance to the platform. Cracking this
Behaviour Analysis Event marker
algorithm is imperative for content creators, as it directly influences
the reach and visibility of their posts, especially among existing
followers.
Content
It is worth mentioning that from 2015-2017, many Driven
platforms primarily relied on this algorithm, resulting
in creators and businesses experiencing faster
growth when compared to the current social media
landscape in 2023.
The Read-path model takes engagement metrics into account and recognizes their importance for content amplification. Once
content passes the initial evaluation based on its visual and textual identity, this algorithm shifts focus to factors like comments
and likes. These engagement metrics act as indicators of content quality and audience interest, determining whether the content
merits a second push to reach more followers.
RealGraph, T&S
Tweet engagements TwHIN
Visibility (T&S)
Content balance
Social graph
Follow graph,
Feedback fatigue Who to follow
engagements
2019 Introduction of the “Why am I seeing this post?” tool While Meta claims an overall increase in in-app
engagement through 2022, the current state of their AI
2018 “Meaningful interactions” update i.e., the algorithm has raised concerns amongst users and content
prioritization of posts that receive comments creators.
20% growth
Nurture your post after publishing & Short comments have half the impact of
stick around to engage with other posts comments that contain more than 12 words
Engage with at least 3 Every comment you receive will increase the
20% reach
posts from your network reach of your post 4% in your network 3% in the
network of the person that commented
SELFIES deliver…
@ Use TAGS wisely! 3x more engagements
Any tagged person or company that
does not engage slows down the Algorithm report Up to 2.5x more reach
growth of the post
AI Adoption on LinkedIn:
LinkedIn's ad revenue increased from
$3 billion in 2020 to $3.82 billion in 2021.
AI is integral to LinkedIn's vision and strategy In 2023 with a substantial
portion of LinkedIn's updates revolving around AI-driven
By 2026, it is predicted that LinkedIn will enhancements, indicating the platform's commitment to leveraging
generate yearly ad sales of almost $8 billion advanced AI-based technologies for improved user experiences.
822M
active users on LinkedIn. Professionals seeking new
740M
675M
800
opportunities and connections are flocking to the
590M
platform, creating a larger and more diverse user base..
548M
480M
433M
600 364M
Introduction to the LinkedIn Recommendation
Algorithm:
296M
400
218M
Engagement Factors:
Content Preferences:
Social Listening:
Be Creative:
approach in your CTAs platforms plays a crucial role in engaging audiences and
driving desired actions.
can help create a more
However, it is important to understand the psychology
positive response from behind CTAs and tailor them to suit the platform and
your audience.” audience.
Creativity in CTAs:
Learn more about the RAD AI Way We love keeping our community updated with the
latest changes in social algorithms and remember -
the combination of technical insights with creative
execution is what separates greatness from mediocrity.
Harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver ROI-based creative decisions, Big thank you to everyone that contributed to this
content strategy and high-performing influencer campaigns.
whitepaper as it was truly a labor of love.
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