Now you are in the mood for some thoughts about social media.
Social media has come a long way since its inception. In its early days, social media platforms were primarily used to connect people with one another and share their lives with friends and family. However, over the years, social media has evolved to become a powerful tool for businesses, marketers, and advertisers to reach potential customers.
One of the most significant changes in social media has been the shift towards decreasing user discoverability. In the past, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were designed to make it easy for users to find and connect with one another. However, as social media platforms have become more crowded and competitive, some platforms have started to prioritize monetization over user experience.
As a result, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made changes to their algorithms that have made it more difficult for users to be discovered. These changes have been particularly frustrating for content creators and small businesses who rely on social media to reach their audiences.
On Instagram, for example, the algorithm favors posts that are likely to receive engagement quickly. This means that posts from accounts with large followings or those that receive a lot of likes and comments are more likely to be seen by users. For smaller accounts, this can make it incredibly difficult to grow their audience.
Similarly, on TikTok, the platform has made changes to its “For You” page algorithm, which is the main way that users discover new content. The algorithm now favors content from popular creators and videos that are likely to keep users engaged for longer periods of time. This can make it difficult for new creators to gain traction on the platform.
While these changes may be frustrating for users, they are understandable from the perspective of the platforms. Social media companies are for-profit businesses, and their primary goal is to generate revenue. By prioritizing content that is likely to keep users engaged and active on the platform, social media companies can attract more advertisers and generate more revenue.
However, these changes also highlight the need for users to diversify their online presence. Relying solely on social media to reach an audience is risky, as platforms can make changes to their algorithms at any time. By building an email list, creating a website, and engaging with their audience on multiple platforms, content creators and businesses can mitigate the risk of being negatively impacted by changes in social media algorithms.
The changes in social media algorithms that prioritize monetization over user discoverability can be frustrating for users. However, these changes are understandable from the perspective of social media companies, and they highlight the importance of diversifying one’s online presence. As social media continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact user behavior and the overall landscape of online marketing.