If you google hacking the algorithm, the main topic of conversation is marketing and hacking the algorithm. It’s mostly about how brands can combat algorithms and hack them for themselves. It touches on AI and the impact social media algorithm hacking could have on their business without ever really saying how people do it. Or they share wild stories and talk about buying bots. Nothing accessible or easy to repeat.
So consider this the content creator’s guide to hacking the algorithm!
What does “Hacking the Algorithm” Mean? 🤔
It’s exactly what it sounds like; optimizing your content to perform well and gain visibility. It requires some work to figure out and tactics to do it well, but anyone can hack the algorithm. You’ve just got to spend time figuring out what makes it tick.
While every algorithm is different, there are some things they all respond well to.
1. Consistency 👍
Unless you get overwhelmingly lucky and have razor-sharp wit or the perfect story, you’ll need to be consistent. You have to develop a schedule and stick to it. Algorithms are more likely to push content from creators that are invested in the platform. And if you have a set schedule, there are more videos to push.
Your content itself should also be fairly consistent. There should be a style or brand associated with your content, and it should all have your unique mark stamped on it. That doesn’t mean you can’t try new things or have to follow the same exact format for every single post. But they should all be similar in some way. Using the same kind of music or similar filters is a great example!
2. Creating Quality Content 💡
Every algorithm favors high-quality (or at least well-made) content. Literally, every single one of them prefers quality content. That doesn’t mean you have to make movie-quality content or super time-consuming content, but you want to make sure your followers can clearly hear and see you. If you need to, invest in a microphone and lights!
3. Engaging With Followers 🧡
Platforms are more likely to push your content when you engage with your followers. Responding to comments on your video boosts engagement and shows that you’re connecting with the community. It also makes your followers and viewers more likely to engage with you.
4. Strategic Hashtags 🔖
Most platforms will use hashtags to put the right content on the right person’s FYP. If you engage with certain hashtags, you’re more likely to see that content again. So you want to choose hashtags that will target your community. We dive into this topic in this article if you’d like further expertise!
The real hacking starts with research and analysis. There are social media experts out there who have done the hard work of figuring out what makes social media platforms and their algorithms tick.
Testing a Social Media Algorithm ✏️
There are some classic ways to test the algorithm and research what it likes. Most of it will be trial and error or involve a little reading. If you’re trying to optimize your content or up your creator game, you’ve probably done a few of these before!
Analyze Performance 📊
Keep track of how your posts perform, either in a spreadsheet or with an analytic tool. Which ones perform better? Is there a pattern or shared traits you can use across the board? This is the easiest way to hack the algorithm. You’re already testing it just by posting!
Bonus tip: Track the time you post your content. You might find it does better in the afternoon or morning, or it makes no difference at all.
Research the Platform 🔍
Keep an eye on any new releases or upcoming events. Using new features or getting involved in trends can boost engagement and reach. More viewers are looking for this kind of content, and platforms tend to favor content that uses their own features.
Test Out Styles 🕵️♀️
Look, we said that consistency was important and we do mean that…but don’t be afraid to test content styles too! You just have to be intentional about what you post and make small, incremental changes one at a time. Keep your usual schedule, but slip a few new videos in. This way you can clearly see what’s doing better or worse and adjust accordingly.
Don’t Niche Yourself 🗂️
Similarly, if you post a wide variety of content, it’s more likely to be pushed to a larger audience. You might find that posting content in a few different niches works better for you. Run a few tests where you consistently post content in two or three niches (if you have that many!) and see if it works for you.
Just Scroll 📱
You’d be surprised how easy it is to pick up on what the algorithm likes. Literally, scroll through your FYP and see what videos get a lot of engagement. To really get a good idea, log out of your account altogether or ask a few friends to scroll their FYP. You’re less likely to get content targeted to you.
But most importantly…
Get Specific 🌟
Every platform is different. They have unique formats, a special social media algorithm, and their own community expectations. You’ll have to get to know whatever platform you’re using to really hack its algorithm.
We can help with Clapper! Here, community is king. You want to engage with your community and the larger Clapper community to build a platform. You’ll have to do more than just post content to grow your reach and expand your audience. Also, success will come easier if you create authentic content and don’t follow trends. We just want you to be yourself and make friends.
To learn more about hacking the social media algorithm, check out our Clapper Writes For You article with JDubsArts! Content warning: we talk about sandwiches a lot, so make sure you’re not too hungry.