Social Media Algorithms Are Changing: 5 Key Updates You Need to Know

18 Sept

If you’re managing social media, you’ve probably noticed your reach and engagement fluctuate — often without explanation. That’s because platform algorithms are constantly evolving. Understanding these changes can help you stay ahead and make your content work smarter, not harder.

1. Prioritising Meaningful Interactions

Most platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram, now prioritise content that sparks real conversations. This means:

Comments, shares, and saves carry more weight than likes.
Content that generates discussions between friends or communities is boosted.

Tip: Encourage engagement by asking questions, prompting opinions, or inviting followers to tag friends. Avoid clickbait or generic “like this if you agree” posts — algorithms can detect low-value engagement.

2. Video Dominance is Here to Stay

Short-form video is no longer optional. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are prioritising vertical, engaging, and watchable content.

Tip: Repurpose blog posts or carousel tips into 15–30 second Reels. Add captions for sound-off viewing and hook viewers in the first 2–3 seconds.

3. Stories and Temporary Content Matter More

Stories and ephemeral content are taking priority because they create urgency and frequent touchpoints with followers.

Tip: Post daily or every other day to stay visible in Stories feeds. Use polls, quizzes, or sliders — interaction signals to the algorithm that your content is meaningful.

4. Personalisation and AI Curation

Algorithms are increasingly using AI to predict what content users want to see, prioritising posts tailored to individual interests. That means generic “one-size-fits-all” content struggles to get visibility.

Tip: Segment your audience by interests, behaviour, or past engagement. Tailor content for each segment to increase relevance and reach.

5. Reputation and Credibility Signals

Platforms are cracking down on misinformation and low-quality content. Accounts with consistent, trustworthy, and accurate content are more likely to be prioritised.

Tip: Maintain posting consistency, fact-check your content, and avoid misleading clickbait. Share behind-the-scenes transparency to build trust signals with both your audience and the algorithm.

Bottom Line

Algorithms are constantly shifting, but the principles remain the same: create content people actually want to engage with, be consistent, and stay authentic.

Keeping an eye on these updates ensures your content keeps reaching the right audience — without wasting time on posts that the algorithm might bury.