The truth is, the algorithm isn’t out to get you. It’s not a monster guarding the gates of visibility. It’s more like an audience matchmaker, trying to connect your work with the people most likely to enjoy it. Once you understand how it thinks, you can stop fighting it — and start befriending it.

Here’s how:

1. Think Connection, Not Just Content

The algorithm rewards engagement, but engagement starts with you. Instead of treating your posts like billboards, think of them as invitations to a conversation. Ask questions, share behind-the-scenes moments, invite feedback, or tell a story that people can respond to.

Tip: End your posts with a prompt like, “Which version do you prefer?” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this.” This encourages interaction, which signals to the algorithm: “People care about this — show it to more of them.”

2. Consistency Builds Trust

Algorithms (and audiences!) love consistency. That doesn’t mean posting 10 times a day — it means showing up regularly so your audience knows what to expect. Think of it like watering a plant. You don’t flood it once a month; you nurture it steadily.

Tip: Choose a rhythm that’s realistic for you — whether that’s 3 posts a week or one solid video every Friday — and stick to it.

3. Format Matters

Different platforms prioritize different types of content. Instagram loves Reels. TikTok thrives on short, punchy videos. Pinterest favors vertical visuals. Twitter/X is all about quick thoughts and threads. Tailoring your art to the platform’s preferred format increases your chances of visibility.

Tip: Repurpose your creations. That one painting can become a Reel of your process, a TikTok timelapse, a Twitter/X story thread, and a Pinterest pin. One idea, many formats.

4. First Impressions Are Everything

Algorithms notice how people respond in the first few moments your content goes live. If they scroll past it, that’s a signal. If they pause, like, comment, or share — that’s an even better signal.

Tip: Hook your audience fast. Start videos with movement, bright colors, or a question. Open captions or posts with something curiosity-sparking. Don’t bury the good stuff at the end.

5. Play, Don’t Chase

Be authentic — The biggest trap creatives fall into is obsessing over what the algorithm “wants” and forgetting what they want. The sweet spot? Playing with trends while staying true to your style. If a trending sound or meme fits your vibe, use it. If not, skip it. Audiences can smell inauthenticity a mile away.

Tip: Treat the algorithm like a creative collaborator, not a boss. Use its rules as playful constraints, the way a poet uses rhyme or a painter uses a limited palette.

6. Community Is Greater Than Numbers

At the end of the day, algorithms change. What doesn’t? Human connection. Focus on building genuine relationships with your audience. Reply to comments, engage with other creatives, and celebrate small wins together.

Tip: Instead of stressing over “beating the algorithm,” focus on nurturing the humans already in your corner. When people truly connect with your work, they’ll engage naturally — and the algorithm will follow their lead.

Befriending the algorithm doesn’t mean sacrificing your art. It means understanding the digital ecosystem you’re sharing it in, so your work can shine where it deserves to. Think of it less as hacking the system and more as learning the rhythm of the dance.

Show up consistently, invite conversation, repurpose your creations, and most importantly — stay authentic. Because while the algorithm may open the door, it’s your art and your story that keep people coming back.

Written by Fiorella Angelie Baldeo