How Do Social Media Algorithms Work?

by | Dec 8, 2023

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve been itching to get a new pair of sneakers for a while, so you finally do some online shopping to find that perfect pair of trainers. Next thing you know, your Instagram feed is filled with sponsored posts depicting deals and sales on shoes. So, what’s the correlation between shopping for shoes online and seeing ads on your social media feed? Three Words: Social Media Algorithms. 

So, how do social media algorithms work? Let’s dive into how social media algorithms shape our digital experiences, especially in the realm of digital marketing!

 

What are Social Media Algorithms?

Social media algorithms are complex, mathematical formulas used by social media platforms to determine the content that users see on their feeds. Social media platforms collect vast amounts of data about their users, including their behavior, interests, demographics, and interactions. 

Based on this data collection, the algorithm will rank the content in a user’s feed based on aspects like the user’s past interactions, the recency of the post, and the content’s popularity. Essentially, the online actions of the user inform the algorithm to deliver the content the user is most likely to be interested in.

Clip art of social media algorithms

Social Media Algorithms in Digital Marketing

 

Digital marketers can tap into this interest and behavior-based data collection to help achieve their campaign objectives. If a marketer wants to deliver their ads to people of a certain demographic or particular interests, then the algorithm will assist in getting the ads in those people’s feeds at the right time. 

Process of AI in social media

Furthermore, if a marketing campaign objective is to deliver ads to people who have visited a website but have not converted yet, algorithms will use retargeting, a technique where ads are shown to users who have previously interacted with a brand or visited their website. This keeps the brand top-of-mind and encourages users to convert.

How Social Media Algorithms Affect User Experience

 

Personalization

Algorithms tailor user experiences by showing content aligned with individual preferences and behaviors.

 

Engagement

Content that resonates or is popular among users tends to get higher visibility, encouraging more engagement.

clip art of people all engaging on social media

End Note

Social media algorithms mold our digital experiences. They curate our feeds, shape our online interactions, and enable advertisers to target their audience with incredible accuracy. Algorithms will keep adapting to deliver content in more precise ways. Utilizing social media algorithms will allow digital marketers to increase the visibility of their ads and ultimately connect with more potential customers. 

Are you looking to harness the power of social media algorithms for your digital marketing strategies? Contact Corkboard Concepts today and let us help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with our expert insights and tailored solutions!

Contact Corkboard Concepts Today!

Author:

Madison is our hardworking Campaign Specialist. She’s worked in a few different marketing positions in several industries, including digital marketing, print media, music, and fashion, making her a well-rounded addition to the team! She is always excited to explore her passion for creativity while helping businesses succeed.

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