What Are Social Media Algorithms?

An algorithm is a mathematical set of rules specifying how a group of data behaves. In social media, algorithms help maintain order and assist in ranking search results and advertisements. On Facebook, for example, there is an algorithm that directs pages and content to display in a certain order. (There are some great Facebook algorithm engagement hacks you can use if you’re looking to attract more views.)

As of October 2021, there were approximately 4.5 billion internet users, and of these users, about 57 percent of the world’s population use social media. That’s a massive undertaking to monitor and manage. This is why algorithms are so crucial in determining the validity and placement of social media accounts and content.

While there’s no handbook on the many algorithms and how to maintain them, we know enough to maneuver the social media land scape and succeed. One of the major shifts in the past few years has been a user-friendly focus, much like the one Google ranks by. This encourages social media users to submit relevant, high-quality content, and engage with consumers.