Cracking the Algorithm: Which Social Media Platform Delivers?

By Greg Grzesiak Greg Grzesiak has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on May 19, 2025

Social media platforms have become a crucial battleground for online visibility and engagement. This article explores the unique algorithms that drive success across various platforms, from LinkedIn’s emphasis on genuine engagement to TikTok’s boost for new accounts. Drawing on insights from industry experts, we’ll uncover the strategies that can help you maximize your impact on each platform.

  • LinkedIn Rewards Genuine Engagement
  • YouTube Drives Qualified Leads Through Search
  • Two-Layer Value Approach Wins on LinkedIn
  • Reddit’s Meritocratic System Favors Valuable Content
  • TikTok Algorithm Boosts Discovery for New Accounts
  • Authentic Narrative Content Thrives on LinkedIn
  • Conversation Catalyst Framework Succeeds on LinkedIn
  • Instagram Stories Foster Real-Time Connections
  • Strategic Content Sharing Excels on Reddit
  • Facebook Boosts Local Business Through Community Engagement
  • Personal Stories Mixed With Work Lessons Succeed
  • Scaled Personal Branding Leverages LinkedIn Algorithm
  • Hook-Based Storytelling Boosts Instagram Reels Performance
  • YouTube Shorts Dominate Google Search Results
  • Pinterest Ranks Content Through Consistent Posting
  • Conversation-First Strategy Amplifies LinkedIn Visibility
  • Authentic Storytelling With Structure Wins LinkedIn Engagement
  • Fediverse Platforms Prioritize Genuine Connections
  • LinkedIn Community Building Drives Brand Growth

LinkedIn Rewards Genuine Engagement

LinkedIn’s algorithm has proven most favorable for our B2B content—it rewards original posts that spark genuine engagement. My key strategy is posting a concise insight or question early, then responding to every comment within the first hour to boost visibility. I pair that with native video snippets and drop the link in the first comment to avoid reach penalties. This tactic grew our LinkedIn following by 50% in six months.

Bryan PhilipsBryan Philips
Head of Marketing, In Motion Marketing


YouTube Drives Qualified Leads Through Search

YouTube’s algorithm has been the most favorable by far. I gained 131,000 followers in under 2 years and boosted lead flow by 30% in the last six months just by adding YouTube to the mix. It consistently drives qualified, mid-funnel leads who’ve already watched hours of content before they book a call. No other platform warms people up like that.

I’ve mainly focused on one strategy: answering painfully specific questions my ideal clients are already typing into search. I don’t chase trends or go viral. I make videos that show up when someone searches “how to write a high-converting landing page” or “B2B content strategy that actually works.” And because the algorithm rewards watch time and retention, those videos get picked up and suggested to more people just like them.

Josiah RocheJosiah Roche
Fractional CMO, JRR Marketing


Two-Layer Value Approach Wins on LinkedIn

I believe LinkedIn’s algorithm has been the most favorable for my content and business. As a brand strategist working with founders and B2B teams, I’ve found that LinkedIn rewards clarity, consistency, and original thinking more than any other platform. You don’t need flashy visuals or viral gimmicks. What you need is relevance and resonance.

One key strategy I use is the two-layer value approach. I lead each post with a single insight or opinion that makes people pause, then follow it up with context or an example that proves I have lived that insight. No fluff, no filler, just signal.

This format consistently drives engagement, saves, and inbound leads. Some posts have reached over 25,000 views and brought in qualified leads without a dollar spent on ads.

If you want to win on LinkedIn, stop treating it like a resume and start treating it like a stage. Say something real, back it with proof, and speak to one person, not everyone.

Sahil GandhiSahil Gandhi
Co-Founder & CMO, Eyda Homes


Reddit’s Meritocratic System Favors Valuable Content

I’ve found Reddit’s algorithm to be the least “algorithmic” and more meritocratic.

Facebook and TikTok have used a lot of machine learning to curate your feed. This makes it harder to show up when you first start.

With Reddit, on the other hand, you can, in theory, start a new account today and go viral the same day.

For example, we recently created a resource of 100 apps you can build with AI. We shared this across Reddit and managed to reach 170K views in 7 days.

The platform uses an old-school upvote/downvote system, so if you create valuable content, it is much easier for you to get the attention this work deserves because you’re creating content for humans.

With TikTok and Facebook, you basically create content for a machine learning algorithm.

Anthony VillaAnthony Villa
Marketing Consultant, Launch Experiments Limited


TikTok Algorithm Boosts Discovery for New Accounts

In my experience managing social media for various brands, I’ve found that TikTok’s algorithm is particularly favorable for content discovery, especially for newer or smaller accounts aiming to build an audience quickly. The platform’s “For You Page” leverages user behavior—such as watch time, engagement, and interactions—to surface content to users who are likely to find it relevant, regardless of the creator’s follower count. This means that even without a large following, high-quality and engaging content has the potential to reach a wide audience.

One key strategy I’ve employed to succeed on TikTok is focusing on creating authentic, short-form videos that tap into current trends while aligning with the brand’s identity. For instance, by participating in trending challenges or using popular sounds and adding a unique twist that reflects the brand’s values, we’ve been able to increase visibility and engagement significantly. Consistent posting and engaging with the audience through comments and collaborations also play a crucial role in building a loyal community on the platform.

Overall, TikTok’s algorithm rewards creativity and authenticity, providing a valuable opportunity for brands to connect with audiences in a more organic and impactful way.

Bowen HeBowen He
Director, Webzilla Digital Marketing


Authentic Narrative Content Thrives on LinkedIn

As a content writer, I’ve found LinkedIn’s algorithm to be the most favorable for growing my reach and building professional credibility. Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn prioritizes meaningful engagement, so content that sparks conversations or offers value tends to perform best. My key strategy is to lead with authenticity—sharing personal lessons, behind-the-scenes insights, or industry observations in a narrative format.

I ensure my posts open with a compelling hook and avoid external links, keeping readers on-platform. I also engage with comments quickly and consistently interact with other users’ content to boost visibility. LinkedIn rewards consistency and relevance, so I maintain a regular posting schedule and tailor content to trends or pain points within my niche. This approach not only increases reach but fosters a loyal, interactive audience.

Alka GuptaAlka Gupta
Content Marketing Lead, Smartlead.ai


Conversation Catalyst Framework Succeeds on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s algorithm has proven to be the most favorable for our B2B clients, primarily because it rewards the depth of conversation over mere engagement numbers. We’ve found that posts generating 5-10 thoughtful comments outperform those with 30+ superficial reactions.

One key strategy we use at Social Sellinator to succeed on LinkedIn is our “Conversation Catalyst Framework.” This involves crafting posts that include thought-provoking questions or incomplete perspectives, encouraging professionals to share their insights.

For instance, a management consulting client implemented this approach and saw a threefold increase in qualified leads compared to their previous strategy of sharing polished thought leadership pieces. Ultimately, the focus on conversation quality rather than frequency has led to significantly better engagement and results on the platform.

Jock BreitwieserJock Breitwieser
Digital Marketing Strategist, SocialSellinator


Instagram Stories Foster Real-Time Connections

Instagram has been the most responsive platform for my business, especially when I use long-form captions and consistently appear in Stories with a clear point of view.

One moment that stands out: I posted a Story breaking down a client messaging breakthrough I’d just had—nothing flashy, just me talking to the camera, walking through the before-and-after. I received more direct messages (DMs) from that one story than from any “designed” post that month. People want to feel like you’re thinking in real-time, not just presenting polished conclusions.

That’s the strategy I lean into: treating the platform like a conversation, not a billboard. I show up to connect, not perform. And when I do, the algorithm rewards it—but more importantly, so do the humans behind the screen.

Mary DiazMary Diaz
Entrepreneur, Writer, femme feral LLC


Strategic Content Sharing Excels on Reddit

I’ve tried several social media platforms to draw traffic to my start-up web publication. What I’ve found is that Instagram is useless without a dedicated following. Facebook drives traffic at a cost with ads, though you’ll spend less money as your readership grows and you begin dedicating more time to Facebook groups. However, from the start, it’s a platform that wants to leverage paid ads more than organic visibility.

The social media platform that stands out the most in our strategy is Reddit, but you have to use it strategically. It’s easy to spam if you don’t have a solid process in place, and that process should always start with valuable information.

We’ve found most of our social media success by writing quality content, especially data-driven content, and sharing it in the right threads. For example, a brand new piece of content that curated statistics about serial killers since 1900 brought in around 1,500 engagements in under three hours. Why? Because we posted it to a serial killer thread that already voiced hunger for information.

If we had posted the same article to a general true crime thread, we may have had okay results, but past trends in our marketing show that this strategy gets buried. Reddit doesn’t like links to begin with, and if you don’t spend more time doing research on where to post than you do posting, you’ll never drive traffic.

Nicholas VrchotickyNicholas Vrchoticky
Head of Content, Obscurix LLC


Facebook Boosts Local Business Through Community Engagement

Out of all the platforms I’ve used, Facebook has been the most favorable for my BBQ catering business in terms of visibility, engagement, and turning posts into actual bookings. As a small business owner rooted in the community, Facebook’s algorithm tends to reward authentic, local content, especially when your audience engages with it through comments, shares, and tags. That’s a big advantage for a service like mine that thrives on reputation, visuals, and word-of-mouth.

One key strategy I use is leveraging client testimonials and event recaps with photos and videos. After every major catering event, I’ll post a quick highlight reel or photo carousel featuring the food, setup, and satisfied guests. I always tag the host (with their permission), mention the location, and ask followers to comment with their favorite dish if they were there. This not only boosts visibility through the algorithm, but it also builds credibility and community trust. The algorithm loves real interaction, and nothing gets people talking like mouthwatering BBQ and positive experiences.

I also keep my posts consistent but not robotic—always in my voice, sharing stories from behind the pit or life on the road with the smoker trailer. Facebook favors that kind of authentic, engaged presence, and for me, that’s what helps turn followers into customers and customers into loyal fans.

Jim CarrollJim Carroll
Independent Business Owner, Meat and Greet BBQ Catering LLC


Personal Stories Mixed With Work Lessons Succeed

LinkedIn has worked best for me. When I shared personal stories mixed with work lessons, those posts received more views and comments than plain tips or links. The key was replying quickly to every comment and initiating honest conversations in the comment section. This approach kept the post active for days and increased its reach without spending money.

Umair HussainUmair Hussain
Digital Marketing Manager, Cloudways (DigitalOcean)


Scaled Personal Branding Leverages LinkedIn Algorithm

At present, LinkedIn’s algorithm is likely the most effective for organic business posts. Unlike entertainment-driven, content-first platforms, LinkedIn prioritizes consistency, leadership, and authentic engagement—all of which are well-suited to B2B brands and service providers.

Our primary strategy for success on LinkedIn is leveraging scaled personal branding. We encourage our employees to share client successes, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from their own perspectives. This approach builds credibility and visibility beyond the company page, which tends to be throttled by the algorithm. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors content that provokes conversation, so we design each post to stimulate discussion, rather than simply generate impressions.

Keith KakadiaKeith Kakadia
CEO and Founder, Sociallyin


Hook-Based Storytelling Boosts Instagram Reels Performance

Instagram’s algorithm currently prioritizes short-form video (especially Reels) to compete with TikTok. For small businesses, this means you can organically reach thousands—even with a modest follower count—if your content hits the right engagement signals (watch time, shares, saves). It’s one of the few platforms where you can still get “discovered” without a paid boost.

We focus on hook-based storytelling in the first 3 seconds, paired with a consistent format (e.g., “Did You Know?” facts, behind-the-scenes clips, or quick value tips). This builds familiarity and engagement. Then we repurpose each Reel across Stories, Facebook Reels, and even Pinterest Idea Pins to maximize exposure from one piece of content.

sebastien Antoinesebastien Antoine
Marketing & Operations, The Policy Shop


YouTube Shorts Dominate Google Search Results

YouTube, hands down, has been working well for businesses, especially product-based B2C or any services company.

Businesses that are making YouTube shorts or videos with clear instructions and keyword-optimized tutorials (under 2 minutes) are consistently performing well. It’s worth noting that Google has been preferring YouTube videos in its search result pages, especially for SaaS products. Users are making review videos, and they are flooding Google search result pages.

Now, if you are a brand, it’s an opportunity for you to talk about your product before anyone else does. Make YouTube videos, embed them into your keyword-optimized blogs, and answer your target audience’s questions.

And the best part is you don’t even need a high-production setup to do well on YouTube. Even the most basic video shot with an iPhone can generate impressions and views. Link those videos to your sign-up or demo request landing pages, and your work is done!

Subhasri BanerjeeSubhasri Banerjee
Content Strategist, Concurate


Pinterest Ranks Content Through Consistent Posting

The social media platform’s algorithm that works best for my business is Pinterest. As a visual search engine attracting millions of daily active users, Pinterest can be invaluable for content creators looking to attract a large audience and increase brand awareness.

My key strategy for using Pinterest is simple but effective—posting consistently, taking advantage of seasonal trends, and conducting in-depth keyword research to rank my pins high in the search results.

Once pins rank for their respective search queries, they can bring traffic for years. More importantly, ranking content on Pinterest is less time-consuming than conquering search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Boryana StefanovaBoryana Stefanova
Content Creator, Cash Embrace


Conversation-First Strategy Amplifies LinkedIn Visibility

For our business, LinkedIn’s algorithm has been the most favorable—by far. However, the real breakthrough wasn’t just posting more content—it was understanding how to “train” the algorithm to work in our favor by mimicking human behavior.

We designed our entire strategy around a “conversation-first” framework. Instead of optimizing for likes or reach, we optimized for dwell time and meaningful interaction. This meant:

1. Posting high-value content with intentional “speed bumps” (e.g., strong opening hooks, line breaks, and pattern interrupts) to slow down scrolling and signal value to the algorithm.

2. Engaging with other users’ content for 15 minutes before and after posting—creating a ripple of reciprocal engagement that amplified visibility.

3. Using native features like polls and carousel documents, but tweaking the call-to-action to prioritize comments over clicks, since LinkedIn’s algorithm heavily rewards discussion over external links.

Within 60 days, our average post reach grew by 420%, inbound inquiries tripled, and we turned LinkedIn into a top lead-generation channel—without spending a cent on ads.

The key? We stopped treating LinkedIn like a billboard and started using it like a dinner party. Value, timing, and conversation—not just content—are what the algorithm favors.

Syed SaqibSyed Saqib
SEO Team Lead, Design Innovacia


Authentic Storytelling With Structure Wins LinkedIn Engagement

For me, LinkedIn has consistently been the most favorable platform in terms of reach, engagement, and conversion for professional content. Unlike fast-paced platforms like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards depth over speed. Quality content has a longer shelf life, and thoughtful posts can continue to gain traction for days, sometimes even weeks after posting.

The key strategy that works for me? Authentic storytelling with strategic structure.

Instead of just sharing tips or promotional messages, I treat every post like a mini-article with a hook, value, and takeaway. For instance, when I shared the behind-the-scenes journey of rebranding, complete with lessons and visuals, the post received not just likes but genuine comments, direct messages, and business inquiries.

The LinkedIn algorithm favors:

  • High dwell time (people reading your post longer)
  • Meaningful engagement (comments and saves over just likes)
  • Consistency

To succeed, I follow a simple formula:

Hook – Value – Insight – Call to Action (but not salesy).

And I never post and ghost—I actively engage with others, which boosts visibility.

Instead of chasing virality, aim to build thought leadership. Be human, be helpful, and focus on the conversations your ideal audience is already having. LinkedIn rewards relevance and relationships over raw reach.

Ajay JayavarapuAjay Jayavarapu
Content Writer, Versatile Commerce


Fediverse Platforms Prioritize Genuine Connections

Honestly, algorithms are one of the major problems with modern social media platforms. Content creators focus on gaming the system rather than genuinely connecting with people.

That’s why I prefer Fediverse platforms like BlueSky with open-sourced algorithms, or the option to skip and simply view posts chronologically. This pushes users to prioritize conversations instead of “reach” and generic “engagement.” The content shared is generally much healthier as a result because negative content isn’t rewarded like it is elsewhere.

Robert CarnesRobert Carnes
Marketing Manager, GreenMellen


LinkedIn Community Building Drives Brand Growth

Definitely LinkedIn—both for branding and community.

Establishing a great and active network is something I spend a lot of time on.

From my own perspective, I try to share as many opinions, tips, and tricks as possible in the space of SEO. I do believe that many of my followers are connected with me based on that.

LinkedIn’s algorithm is great in that sense that the content that gets a lot of engagement (mostly comments) will reach a lot of people. I have several cases where bigger influencers have engaged with my content, and therefore, the algorithm has shown their comments to their network. This gives me an opportunity to be shown in front of a large number of like-minded people, who might also share some of the same interests as me.

LinkedIn is also great for a mind like mine. I have a lot of curiosity and questions about the industry, and instead of asking people privately, I can get a conversation up and going in the comment sections, which both establishes me as a thought leader and spreads the word that I actually exist to people who do not follow me or are connected to me.

My goal is to continue to share a lot of thoughts and be open about my results and strategy in the LinkedIn feed. Building a community and a personal brand is a priority for me, and here LinkedIn is a great place!

Magnus Løv SchmidtMagnus Løv Schmidt
SEO Specialist, Magnusloev(dot)com


By Greg Grzesiak Greg Grzesiak has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.

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