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