Platform Algorithms

---
name: platform-algorithms
description: "A specialized skill for the sns-strategist and visual-planner agents covering platform algorithms. Provides how recommendation algorithms work and reach optimization strategies for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X. Use for 'algorithm,' 'reach rate,' 'exposure optimization,' 'feed algorithm,' and similar topics."
---

# Platform Algorithms — Platform Algorithm Methodology

Specialized algorithm knowledge used by the sns-strategist and visual-planner agents when designing content strategy and visuals.

## Why Understanding Algorithms Matters

Even great content can be **shown to only 10% of followers** by the algorithm. The algorithm is not the enemy — it is a **tool to be leveraged**.

## Instagram Algorithm (2025 Baseline)

### Feed Ranking Signals

| Signal | Weight | Description |
|--------|--------|-------------|
| **Relationship** | 30% | Frequency of prior interactions (likes, comments, DMs, tags) |
| **Interest** | 25% | History of consuming similar content |
| **Timeliness** | 20% | Time elapsed since posting (recent favored) |
| **Session Frequency** | 15% | More diverse content shown to frequent users |
| **Following Count** | 10% | More follows = lower individual content exposure probability |

### Algorithm Differences by Format

| Format | Key Metric | Optimization Strategy |
|--------|-----------|----------------------|
| **Feed Post** | Save > Share > Comment > Like | Information-rich content worth saving |
| **Reels** | Completion Rate > Share > Replay | Hook within 3 sec, 15-30 sec optimal, loop structure |
| **Carousel** | Swipe Rate > Save > Share | Hook on first slide, CTA on last |
| **Stories** | Reply > Poll/Quiz Participation > Tap Speed | Interactive stickers, questions |

### Instagram Golden Hours

| Audience | Optimal Posting Time |
|---------|---------------------|
| General | Tue-Fri 11:00-13:00, 19:00-21:00 |
| B2B | Tue-Thu 08:00-09:00 |
| Weekend Content | Sat 10:00-12:00 |

## TikTok Algorithm

### For You Page Ranking

| Signal | Weight | Description |
|--------|--------|-------------|
| **Completion Rate** | 35% | Watched to the end (most important) |
| **Re-watch** | 20% | Repeated viewing of same video |
| **Share** | 15% | DM/external sharing |
| **Comments** | 15% | Comment writing and length |
| **Profile View** | 10% | Visited profile after watching |
| **Follow** | 5% | Followed after watching |

### TikTok Optimization Essentials

1. **First 1 second is everything**: Visual/text hook to stop scrolling
2. **15-30 seconds optimal**: Maximize completion rate (longer videos reduce completion)
3. **Loop structure**: End flowing into beginning encourages re-watching
4. **Trending sounds**: Using popular music/audio boosts exposure
5. **Text overlay**: Subtitles essential for muted viewers

## LinkedIn Algorithm

### Content Classification and Reach

| Classification | Reach | Characteristics |
|---------------|-------|-----------------|
| **Native Text** | Highest | Text only, no external links |
| **Image Post** | High | Includes 1-3 images |
| **Document/PDF** | High | Slide-format document upload |
| **Video** | Medium | Native upload only (no YouTube links) |
| **External Link** | Low | Including external URLs reduces reach 40-50% |

### LinkedIn Golden Hour

The **first hour's reactions** after posting determine overall reach:
- 10+ comments in the first hour -> Algorithm boost
- **Strategy**: After posting, request opinions from relevant connections via DM

## X (Twitter) Algorithm

### For You Feed Signals

| Signal | Effect |
|--------|--------|
| **Retweet + Quote** | Highest weight — virality signal |
| **Reply Threads** | Conversation creation = content value |
| **Bookmark** | Signal strengthened since 2023 |
| **Dwell Time** | Content read at length is favored |
| **Image/Video** | 1.5-2x reach vs text-only |
| **External Link** | 30-50% reach decrease (separate to self-reply) |

## Cross-Platform Strategy

### Content Calendar Optimization

| Day | Optimal Platform | Reason |
|-----|-----------------|--------|
| **Mon** | LinkedIn | Week start, work mode |
| **Tue-Wed** | Instagram, X | Peak activity hours |
| **Thu** | TikTok | Weekend content consumption pattern begins |
| **Fri** | X, Instagram | Light content, weekend preview |
| **Sat-Sun** | Instagram, TikTok | Leisure time, entertainment |

### Recommended Posting Frequency

| Platform | Minimum | Recommended | Maximum |
|----------|---------|-------------|---------|
| Instagram Feed | 3x/week | 4-5x/week | 1x/day |
| Instagram Stories | 1x/day | 3-5x/day | 10x/day |
| TikTok | 3x/week | 1-2x/day | 3x/day |
| LinkedIn | 2x/week | 3-4x/week | 1x/day |
| X | 1x/day | 3-5x/day | 10x/day |