Understanding the black box of social media algorithms is the key to viral growth. Here is what we are seeing across major platforms in early 2026.

Instagram is prioritizing Reels that are searchable. Use keywords in your captions and on-screen text. High-quality, original visuals are non-negotiable.

LinkedIn has shifted away from engagement bait. The algorithm now rewards personal stories, deep industry insights, and posts that generate meaningful conversation in the comments.

Surprisingly, TikTok is pushing longer content (1-3 minutes) that tells a complete story. Hook usage remains critical, but retention matters more than loop count.