When Content Creators Blame the Algorithm

Did the algorithm change? Does the algorithm have a personal dislike for your content? Or is something else going on?

There's a great way of taking no responsibility for your flops, you blame the algorithm.

The algorithm is not personal. It wants you to succeed. It's in the social network’s interest for your posts to do well. They want you to achieve big numbers.

But social media doesn't work the way it did in the past.

Used to be that you built a following, and then served your work to than fanbase.

Now it's different.

You start from scratch each time.

Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash

If you post something, it has to engage the people who are watching your video now - today - in this moment.

If you engage that person, they'll like/comment on/share your work.

If they don't do those things, then the thing you created won't get views.

Some guru is going to tell you how to crack the algorithm. He's gonna say to use a trending sound, or to have videos a certain length.

But the truth is you have to make great stuff.

Not good, but GREAT.

Yes, attention spans are fractured. But people are ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GREATNESS. And when they find it, they share it.

Sometimes greatness comes from a unique creative endeavour, other times it's a girl saying 'Hawk Tuah!'

Either way, social media drives our culture. Your job is to create stuff, to do your best and see what sticks.

If your work is deserving, you'll find an audience.

If the algorithm hates you, you can blame Zuckerberg and Musk, or you can take a look at the work you're creating, and figure out how to serve your audience in a way that excites them.