How do social media algorithms work?
What are social media algorithms?
However, before we focus on music promotion, let's take a look at what social media algorithms actually are. In short, algorithms are complex mathematical formulas developed by social media platforms to select content and display it in users' feeds. These algorithms analyze various factors, such as your behavior on the platform, your preferences, interactions, and the content of posts, to decide which posts are relevant to you and will be displayed in your feed.
How do social media algorithms work in detail?
The algorithms of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are based on a variety of factors to decide which content is displayed in users' feeds. Here are some of the main factors:
User behavior:
The algorithms analyze user behavior on the platform, such as which posts they like, comment on, share, or save. Based on these activities, similar content is given priority in their feed. So, if you are a musician and your fans like, comment on, or share your posts, you increase the chances that your content will be classified as relevant by the algorithms and displayed in your target audience's feeds.
Preferences and interests:
The algorithms also analyze users' preferences and interests based on their activities and profile information. For example, if you are a musician who makes music in a certain genre, the algorithms will try to show your content to users who are interested in that genre. It is therefore important that you know your target audience well and tailor your music content accordingly to be more relevant to their interests.
Post relevance:
The algorithms also favor current posts. If you regularly publish new content as a musician, such as new songs, music videos, or concert announcements, you increase the chances that your content will be classified as current and relevant and will appear in your target audience's feeds. By posting more often and always paying attention to current topics, you remain interesting for the algorithm.
User relationship:
Social media algorithms also take into account the relationship between the user and the content creator. If users have frequently interacted with your content in the past or subscribed to you as a musician, the algorithms will try to prioritize your content because they assume that you are interesting to the user. So once you've found an audience and built a fan base, keep providing them with the kind of content that got them interested in you in the first place.
Diverse content:
The algorithms also strive to offer users a diverse mix of content to keep their experience on the platform interesting. This means that even if a user interacts a lot with your content, the algorithms will also display other content in their feed to provide variety. It is therefore important that you, as a musician, create varied content to maintain the attention of your target audience.
How to use social media algorithms for your music promotion
You may be wondering how social media algorithms relate to music promotion. Well, social media has become an important tool for musicians to promote their music and build their fan base. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram offer opportunities for musicians to share their music videos, songs, concert announcements, and more with their audience. This is where social media algorithms come into play to ensure that musicians' content is seen by the right users. The challenge lies in determining and assessing your target audience in combination with the function of the individual algorithm. The various social media platforms have varying target audiences in terms of age, location, interests, and, accordingly, musical taste.
Checklist – How to rock social media algorithms!
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Frequency & consistency – Post regularly (e.g., daily or several times a week) to remain visible in the algorithm.
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Encourage engagement – Ask questions, use polls, reels, or stories to increase interactions (likes, comments, shares, saves).
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Use trending formats – Pick up on current trends, sounds, and hashtags to achieve greater reach.
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Create platform-specific content – Tailor your content to the respective platform (e.g., short, dynamic videos for TikTok, high-quality images for Instagram).
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Consider optimal posting times – Post at times when your target audience is active (e.g., in the morning, evening, or on weekends).
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Use hashtags and keywords strategically – Use relevant hashtags and keywords to be discovered in search and explore pages.
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Deliver high-quality content – Quality over quantity! Visually appealing and informative content is more likely to be shared and saved.
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Use cross-promotion – Share your content on multiple platforms (e.g., TikTok clips on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts).
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Actively engage your community – Respond quickly to comments and DMs to increase your engagement rate.
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Be patient & analyze – Focus on long-term strategies and regularly review your insights to optimize your content.
🔍 Tip: Algorithms are constantly changing – stay up to date and test new formats to maximize your reach!
Promotion Agencies - The Algorithm Whisperers
As you can see, social media and understanding social media algorithms are an important aspect of modern music promotion. However, it is essential to understand the algorithm correctly, because if you unintentionally steer the algorithm in the wrong direction, your promotion will not be effective and, in the worst case, may even be directed in the wrong direction.
Music promotion agencies such as BEFORE EIGHT can play an important role in ensuring that your music content is seen by the right target groups. They have in-depth knowledge of how Facebook and Instagram's social media algorithms work and how they can be used to optimize your music promotion.
A music promotion agency can develop customized strategies to position your music content in such a way that algorithms classify it as relevant and appealing, increasing your chances of being seen by your target audience. They can develop customized strategies to ensure that your content is high-quality, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. This can include, for example, creating eye-catching music videos for TikTok or YouTube, as well as supporting appropriate Social Media Ads and keywords.
BEFORE EIGHT - Always at your service
We hope that our article has helped you understand social media algorithms and how to use them for your music promotion. If you are interested in our social media promotion service or TikTok Influencer Marketing please feel free to contact us at any time.
Your BEFORE EIGHT Team
