How do social media algorithms decide whether to show my posts to more people?

Think of posting like dropping a rock in a pond—concentric circles spread outward. When you post, a timer starts on the first circle. A certain number of people will see it initially. The platform measures engagement ratios: likes, comments, shares relative to views. Based on those metrics, the algorithm decides whether your content deserves to reach the next larger circle of viewers. Strong initial engagement signals quality and relevance, prompting the platform to show it to progressively more people. Weak initial engagement kills the post’s reach. This is why tactics that boost immediate engagement (like broadcast channels) are so powerful—they game the initial metrics that determine overall reach.

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Asked by an artist trying to understand social media · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-02-25