Do I have your attention? It seems like social media algorithms are always changing. Both TikTok and Instagram have made recent algorithm adjustments aimed at enhancing user engagement and retaining audiences on their platforms. But we’re on top of it all so YOU can be, too. Here's a breakdown of what's changed:
TikTok Algorithm Updates
Personalized Content Feed:
TikTok is emphasizing hyper-personalized content by prioritizing videos that are highly relevant to user interests, even if the creator doesn’t have a large following. The algorithm factors in details like video completion rates, watch time, and re-watches more heavily. This is great news for new or smaller businesses with niche audiences.
Searchable Content:
TikTok’s algorithm is also increasingly focused on search intent. By optimizing your video’s caption, hashtags, and even voiceovers with keywords, your content can appear in search results for related topics or questions. SEO remains ever important.
Community Interaction Signals:
Engaging more with followers through comments, replies, and live streams has a bigger influence on organic reach. TikTok wants creators who interact with their audiences, so maintaining active engagement is more rewarding. So, like we always say, social media is still social!
Video Lengths and Frequency:
TikTok still prioritizes videos that capture attention quickly but has started valuing slightly longer videos, especially when they’re deeply engaging. Posting consistently (ideally 3-4 times per week) without compromising content quality can positively impact reach. Quality + quantity = success.
Instagram Algorithm Updates
Multi-Content Variety:
Instagram favors accounts that post a mix of Reels, carousels, static images, and stories. They’re encouraging users to engage with a diverse content feed, so balancing these formats can improve visibility. It’s important for businesses not to solely rely on static content on their feeds. Use all that Instagram has to offer.
Keyword Search:
Similar to TikTok, Instagram’s keyword search has improved, especially for Reels and captions. Incorporating specific, relevant keywords in your captions and alt text can increase your discoverability on Explore and in general search. SEO SEO SEO!
Prioritizing Reels for Discovery:
Reels remain the platform’s TOP focus for new audience reach. Adding text overlays, captions, and trending audio can give a better chance of going viral. And in contrast to TikTok, Instagram has adjusted its Reel algorithm to favor highly shareable and short content.
Engagement Patterns:
Instagram’s algorithm now factors in your direct engagement with users, such as DMs, comments, and story interactions. Prioritizing interactive features (polls, quizzes, question stickers) within Stories can increase your content’s visibility.
These changes highlight the platforms’ focus on personalized, searchable, and interactive content that encourages active user engagement across all content types. To put it succinctly, post quality, diverse content often. And, the more you engage with the apps and with your audience, the better!
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