Navigating Social Media Algorithms: Strategies for Increased Visibility

Social media is still powerful—but only if your posts are seen. This article covers practical tactics for working with today’s platforms (not against them), like leveraging reels, carousel posts, live content, and engagement-based triggers.

The social media algorithm isn’t out to get you—it’s just not thinking about you at all. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn are constantly adjusting what they show users based on signals such as engagement type, viewing duration, shares, and more. That means if you're still posting like it’s 2018—photo dumps with no calls to action, text-only posts, or videos without captions—your visibility is going to tank.

Social media is no longer a chronological feed; it’s a content sorting machine with attention as its currency. Understanding how these platforms sort, promote, and hide content is now table stakes for anyone hoping to run a successful small business or grow an online presence.

Why Your Posts Are Getting Ignored

Recent research from Sprout Social shows that only 5.2% of your followers see an organic post on Facebook. On Instagram, it’s about 13.5%—and that’s if you’re doing everything right. What went wrong? The shift to AI-curated feeds means engagement is king.

Likes are nice, but if users aren’t commenting, sharing, saving, or watching all the way through, the algorithm interprets your content as low value.

Video Isn’t Optional

In 2025, video is the most algorithm-favored content type across all major platforms. As Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri bluntly put it, “We’re no longer a photo-sharing app.”

Short-form video (under 90 seconds) that tells a story or provides a quick tip is your best bet. Even B2B marketers are embracing TikTok-style edits and LinkedIn-native video clips. Adding captions is no longer optional—up to 85% of viewers watch without sound, according to.

Engagement Triggers You Should Be Using

🔹 Ask questions that are easy to answer

🔹 Use carousels on Instagram—they encourage swiping and increase time on post

🔹 Post polls and use stickers in Stories

🔹 Go live and respond to comments in real time

🔹 Pin your top-performing content

A report by Later.com showed carousel posts drive 60% more engagement on Instagram compared to single images. Reels outperform static posts by 67%.

Adapt Your Content to Each Platform

What works on LinkedIn won’t fly on TikTok. Cross-posting the same content with no editing is a missed opportunity. On LinkedIn, try long-form storytelling and behind-the-scenes business content.

On TikTok and Instagram, go with quick tips, memes, or day-in-the-life formats. On Facebook, your best bet is content that sparks conversation, like polls or strong opinion pieces.

How Often Should You Post?

According to Social Media Examiner, ideal posting frequencies for small brands are:

• Instagram: 3–5 times per week (include 2 Reels)

• TikTok: Daily or 5x per week minimum

• Facebook: 3–4 times per week

• LinkedIn: 2–3 times per week

Consistency beats volume. Better to show up 3x per week with strong content than post daily with filler.

Don’t obsess over follower counts. Instead, track:

• Engagement rate per post

• Reach vs. impressions

• Saves and shares

• Click-throughs and conversions

Final Tip: Stop Posting and Ghosting

If you’re not responding to comments or DMs, the algorithm knows. Meta literally said so in their 2024 documentation. Replying quickly not only builds loyalty—it boosts visibility.

🧠 “Content isn't king anymore—distribution is.” — Gary Vaynerchuk