Updated Guide for Social Media Algorithms in 2025
Social media algorithms in 2025 may seem complex, but they all run the same basic repetitive test measuring how people interact with content. This guide breaks down how artists can work with, not against, these systems to boost visibility without burning out.
Updated Guide for Social Media Algorithms in 2025
by CARLO KIKSEN from The Fanbase Builder
Understanding the repetitive test that drives content distribution.
Why it matters
Entertainment platforms like Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube use recommendation algorithms to determine which content reaches which audiences. Many marketing gurus suggest investing resources into “hacking” these algorithms to go viral.
Obtaining some basic knowledge of these systems is crucial for artists to maintain visibility without becoming overwhelmed by constant changes.
While each platform’s algorithm has unique characteristics, it operates on similar principles. These evolving systems continue to offer artists opportunities to reach new audiences organically if they understand the fundamental repetitive test that drives algorithmic distribution.
How it works
At their core, recommendation algorithms are repetitive tests designed to measure human behaviour. The tests continually evolve but follow the same basic pattern across all platforms:
- The platform shows content to a small sample of users, say 10% of an artist’s followers.
- Users respond through platform-specific actions (likes, comments, saves, skips, streams, etc).
- The algorithm measures these responses to gauge interest. When people engage with content, algorithms favour this content over others.
- Content that generates strong positive responses is distributed to a larger audience cohort, say 20% of followers.
Platform executives consistently emphasise that there isn’t “one algorithm” controlling content distribution. Instead, each feature within each platform (Timeline, Reels, Shorts, Stories, Radio, etc) runs its version of the repetitive test, optimised for that particular context.
Yes, but..
We’re simplifying our explanation of algorithms by discussing the repetitive test. There are numerous platform-specific nuances.
However, cross-platform content strategy has become more challenging, as algorithms increasingly favour native, platform-specific content.
Therefore, the repetitive test explanation provides a good general overview of how algorithms work.
Take action now
Hacking algorithms starts with content. Remember that algorithms are simply systems measuring human behaviour, not mysterious entities to be feared. They’re tests that artists can prepare for with the right approach. For example, start optimising the first seconds of videos to persuade people to stop scrolling.
