How Facebook Algorithm Works

In this competitive social media business, staying on top of an ever-changing Facebook algorithm is one of the most critical yet challenging parts of our job. With over 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains a prime platform to reach audiences, but organic reach seems to decline each year.

It’s frustrating to spend hours carefully crafting social campaigns only to see our content show up in fewer and fewer feeds. It’s hard to break through without a solid understanding of how Facebook’s ranking algorithm works and the motivation behind constant updates.

In this guide examining Facebook’s social media algorithms, we’ll unpack why changes happen, how content gets ranked, and most importantly provide actionable best practices to apply to your strategy right away. Mastering the algorithm isn’t impossible with the right roadmap.

Let’s get started solving the mystery together!

Q. What is Facebook Algorithm?

Facebook algorithm refers to the automated system that ranks and determines which posts appear in each user’s News Feed. With billions of posts created every day across Facebook’s apps, the algorithm acts as an intelligent personal assistant, using machine learning to evaluate content and only display what it predicts you want to see. Check out how Facebook distributes content.

The end goal of Facebook’s ever-evolving algorithm is to show users the most relevant, interesting posts in their feeds out of the incredible flood of content. Relevance is determined based on multiple ranking factors including a user’s past interactions, profile information, groups they joined, pages they follow, ads they click, and more. Have a look at Facebook’s approach to explaining ranking.

Next, we’ll examine some of the key factors impacting Facebook feed ranking.

How does Facebook Algorithm Work?

Let’s check how different segments of the Facebook algorithm works.

Facebook Reel Algorithm

1. Content Pool
   This is like a vast library filled with all the reels available on Facebook, including those from your connections and even some from others. Every time Facebook needs to show you a reel, it looks through this entire library.
2. Signals
   Signals are clues that help the algorithm understand what’s important to you. These include who posted the reel, the type of content, and how others are interacting with it. For instance, if you often engage with dance videos, the algorithm takes note.
3. Predictions
   The algorithm tries to predict your reaction to each reel—whether you’ll like it, comment, share, or scroll past it. It makes these predictions based on your past behavior.
4. Ranking Score
   After considering the signals and predictions, the algorithm assigns a score to each reel. Reels with higher scores are more likely to appear in your feed, ensuring you see content that’s most relevant to your interests.

Facebook Story Algorithm

1. Story Library
   Imagine a huge library filled with all the stories available on Facebook. This includes stories from everyone you’re connected to and even some from others. The algorithm searches this library whenever it decides which stories to show you.
2. Clues
   These are small hints that guide the algorithm on what might be interesting to you. Clues include who posted the story, what type of content it is, and how people are engaging with it. If you frequently interact with a friend’s stories, the algorithm notices and shows you more from them.
3. Anticipations
   The algorithm tries to predict how you might interact with a story. Will you view it, reply to it, or simply skip it? These guesses are based on your previous activity. If you often engage with travel stories, you’ll likely see more of them.
4. Interest Score
   After evaluating all the clues and predictions, the algorithm assigns a score to each story. The higher the score, the more likely the story will appear at the top of your feed, ensuring you see what’s most engaging first.

Facebook Search Algorithm

1. Search Inventory
   Think of Facebook Search as a giant catalog filled with all the available content on the platform. This includes profiles, pages, groups, events, and more. Whenever you search for something, the algorithm scans this catalog to find relevant results.
2. Search Signals
   These are the cues that help the algorithm determine what’s most relevant. Signals include things like your search history, interactions, and the popularity of the content. If you often search for tech news, the algorithm will prioritize similar results.
3. Search Predictions
   The algorithm tries to predict what you’re looking for based on your query and past behavior. It guesses which results you’ll find most useful, whether it’s a page, a friend’s profile, or a trending topic.
4. Relevance Ranking
   After gathering the signals and making predictions, the algorithm ranks the search results. The most relevant content appears at the top, helping you find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.

Facebook Video Algorithm

1. Video Library
   Think of this as a massive archive filled with all the videos available on Facebook. This includes videos from everyone you’re connected to and even some you aren’t. The algorithm sifts through this collection every time it needs to decide which videos to show you.
2. Engagement Signals
   These are like clues that help the algorithm determine what might catch your interest. Signals include who posted the video, its type, and how users are interacting with it. For example, if you frequently like and share gaming videos, the algorithm notices and shows you more of those.
3. Behavior Predictions
   The algorithm tries to predict what you might do with a video—whether you’ll watch it, react to it, or just scroll past. These predictions are based on your past interactions. If you often watch cooking tutorials, it will prioritize showing you more of them.
4. Relevance Score
   After considering all the signals and predictions, the algorithm assigns each video a score. Videos with higher scores are more likely to appear in your feed, ensuring you see content that’s most relevant to your interests first.

Facebook Feed Algorithm/ Facebook Post Algorithm

1. Content Inventory
   Think of your Facebook feed as a giant library filled with posts, videos, pictures, and stories from everyone you’re connected to and even some from others. The algorithm scans this library every time it decides what to show you.
2. Engagement Signals
   These are hints that guide the algorithm on what might be important to you. Signals include who made the post, the type of content, and how people are interacting with it. If you regularly engage with a friend’s posts, the algorithm will show you more from them.
3. Predictive Analysis
   The algorithm is smart! It tries to predict how you might interact with a post—whether you’ll like it, comment, share, or just scroll past it. It bases these predictions on your past behaviors. If you often watch videos on travel, it’ll show you more related content.
4. Relevance Ranking
   After gathering all the signals and making predictions, the algorithm assigns a relevance score to each post. Posts with higher scores appear higher in your feed, ensuring you see content that is most relevant and engaging to you first.

Facebook Marketplace Algorithm

1. Marketplace Inventory
   Imagine Facebook Marketplace as a giant warehouse filled with all the items people are selling. The algorithm checks this warehouse each time it needs to decide which listings to show you.
2. Browsing Signals
   These are like hints that tell the algorithm what might catch your eye. Signals include your past searches, the categories you’ve browsed, and the types of items you’ve interacted with. For example, if you often look at electronics, the algorithm takes note.
3. Purchase Predictions
   The algorithm tries to guess what you might do with a listing. Will you click on it, message the seller, or keep scrolling? It makes these predictions based on your shopping habits.
4. Relevance Score
   After evaluating all the signals and predictions, the algorithm gives each item a score. The higher the score, the more likely the item is to appear at the top of your Marketplace feed, ensuring you see the most relevant listings first.

Facebook Ad Algorithm

1. Ad Inventory
   Think of this as a vast marketplace where all available ads on Facebook are stored. The algorithm browses this inventory every time it needs to decide which ads to show you.
2. Ad Signals
   These are cues that help the algorithm determine which ads might interest you. Signals include your demographics, interests, online behavior, and interactions with previous ads. For example, if you often click on travel ads, the algorithm will prioritize similar ads.
3. Predictions
   The algorithm predicts how likely you are to engage with an ad—whether you’ll click, like, or make a purchase—based on your past actions.
4. Ad Relevance Score
   After considering all the signals and predictions, the algorithm assigns a score to each ad. Ads with higher scores are more likely to appear in your feed, ensuring you see ads that are most relevant to you.

5 Strategies for Ranking Content with Facebook Algorithm

[Source: Facebook]

1. Quality Content

First things first, focus on quality content. This means creating posts that are interesting, informative, or just plain fun. High-quality content is like a magnet – it attracts more views, likes, and shares. Whether you’re telling a story, sharing news, or teaching something new, make sure it’s done well. Good content keeps people coming back for more!

2. Understanding Your Audience

Next up, know your audience like the back of your hand. What do they like? What are their hobbies? When you understand your audience’s preferences and behaviors, you can create content that speaks directly to them. It’s like choosing a birthday gift for your best friend – because you know them well, you pick something they’ll love.

3. Diversifying Content Types

Don’t just stick to one type of post. Mix it up! Use videos, live sessions, photos, and even user-generated content. Different types of posts keep things fresh and exciting. It’s like having a box of assorted chocolates – everyone finds something they enjoy.

4. Optimizing Posting Times

To effectively reach your audience, consider the best time to post on Facebook. It’s a bit like setting up a lemonade stand on a sunny day when everyone is seeking refreshment. By sharing content when your audience is most active—perhaps in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evenings—you’re more likely to catch their attention and engage them

5. Engagement

Lastly, create content that gets people talking. Ask questions, encourage comments, and respond to feedback. Engagement is a two-way street – the more you interact with your audience, the more they’ll interact with your content. It’s like throwing a party and making sure everyone’s having a good time.

By following these strategies, you can create content that not only reaches more people but also resonates with them.

Major Updates and Changes in Facebook Algorithm

Facebook’s algorithm has seen some big changes over the years. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see how things have evolved:

• March 2023 – New Facebook Reels Features + 90-Second Video
  Facebook introduced new features for Reels, including longer videos up to 90 seconds. Additional surfaces for discovery were added to increase circulation. This update signals Facebook moving towards more immersive, entertaining content.

• June 2022 – FB Algorithm Changing to Better Compete with TikTok
  Facebook tweaked its algorithm to keep up with TikTok’s growing popularity. This meant focusing more on what keeps users entertained and engaged, just like TikTok does.

• April 2022 – Instagram Ranking to Highlight Original Content
  Instagram, which is part of the Facebook family, started giving more love to the original content. This change was all about encouraging creators to come up with their unique stuff.

• Feb 2022 – Facebook Rebrands “News Feed” to the “Feed”
  Facebook changed the name of its ‘News Feed’ to just ‘Feed’. It might seem like just a name change, but it was part of a bigger plan to make the platform more about connecting with others and less about news.

• April 2021 – Facebook Launches Tests for Future Changes to the News Feed
  Facebook began testing new ways to change the News Feed. They wanted to make sure that the feed would keep showing stuff that’s interesting and important to you.

These changes show how Facebook is always trying to make your experience better and more fun. Tracking updates allows us to notice algorithm shifts early and change course.

Next, we’ll cover helpful additional insights for staying ahead of changes.

Additional Facebook Algorithm Insights

Beyond the core ranking factors, several other considerations related to Facebook’s algorithm are useful for social media managers. These include algorithm myths, examining ethics, predicting changes, and understanding how Facebook compares to other platforms.

1. Algorithm Myths

Let’s bust some myths about the Facebook algorithm!

Myth: A big misconception is that it hides some Facebook posts on purpose.

Fact: That’s not true. The algorithm just tries to show you what you’ll like the most. There is nothing like it hides the scheduled Facebook posts.

Myth: Posting at a specific time is the golden rule.

Fact: Knowing your audience’s peak activity times is important, but algorithm updates and individual user behavior can also alter this.

Myth: A common misconception is that only video content or Reels succeed now.

Fact: While video is strongly prioritized, the reality is high-quality content in any format tailored specifically to your audience will still perform based on relevance.

Also, check out – Why my Facebook Scheduled Posts are not working

2. Ethical Considerations

The Facebook algorithm’s influence raises ethical questions. We need to consider:

• Filter bubbles and echo chambers: The algorithm can create personalized newsfeeds that limit exposure to diverse viewpoints.

• Privacy concerns: How much data is collected and used to personalize content? Is transparency enough?

• Manipulating user behavior: Can the algorithm be used to sway opinions or influence elections?

Staying informed about these ethical debates and advocating for responsible use of the algorithm is crucial to ensure a healthy online environment.

3. Future Predictions

Here are some guesses about the algorithm’s future:

• Focus on AI and personalization: Machine learning may further tailor content to individual preferences and predict user behavior with even greater accuracy.

• Rise of immersive experiences: Augmented reality and virtual reality integration could transform how we interact with content on Facebook.

• Prioritizing authentic connections: The emphasis on meaningful interactions may continue, encouraging genuine conversations and community building.

By staying adaptable and focusing on creating valuable content that fosters true connection, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the algorithm throws your way.

4. Comparative Analysis

Compared to other platforms, Facebook’s algorithm is quite unique. For example, Twitter’s feed is more about showing the latest posts[Twitter Algorithm], while Instagram focuses a lot on visual content. LinkedIn prioritizes professional and educational content. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your content for each platform.

These insights give you a deeper look into the world of social media algorithms and how they shape what we see online.

How to Reset Facebook Algorithm?

There are a few methods that help you reset your Facebook algorithm.

1. Clear Search History: The easiest way to reset your Facebook algorithm is to clear your search history. You have to directly go to your activity log, which holds access to your search history. Remove it completely. This can allow you to set a new search history based on your latest activities. 

2. Review & Adjust Preferences: Go to settings > News Feed Preferences and update who you would like to see first, follow people, groups, pages and people whose content interests you. Unfollow people, pages, and groups whose content you wouldn’t like to see. 

3. Engage with Desired Content: Actively engage with posts, pages, and friends whose content appeals to you. Save and interact(like, share, different reactions, comment) with your choice of posts so that the Facebook algorithm can pick up your interactions. 

4. Hide or Report Content: Click on the three dots at the top right corner of any post and select the “Hide Post” option to see lesser similar posts. Report posts with irrelevant or inappropriate content. This helps the Facebook algorithm to understand your preferences. 

5. Review Ad Preference: Go to Settings > Ads > Ad Settings and manage your ad preferences.

Steps to Take Regularly

• Regularly Update Preferences: Keep your preferences updated to reflect your current interests.
• Engage Consistently: Regular interaction with desired content will continuously refine your feed.
• Provide Feedback: Use Facebook’s feedback options to help the algorithm understand your preferences better.

By actively managing these aspects, you can effectively reset and tailor the Facebook algorithm to better match your interests and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, the Facebook algorithm is a dynamic tool that shapes our social media experience. It’s driven by content quality, user engagement, and personal preferences. As a social media manager, staying adaptable and informed about these changes is crucial.

Remember, the key to success on Facebook is to keep evolving with the algorithm, ensuring your content remains engaging and relevant. Stay updated, stay creative, and you’ll thrive in the ever-changing landscape of Facebook!

This strategy is just one factor influencing Facebook’s algorithm. For a deeper dive into social media algorithms, explore our guide: Social Media Algorithms Explained.

Frequently Asked Questions