5 Simple Ways to Beat the Algorithm

Read Time: 2 Minutes 4 Seconds

Hey — Ryan here.

In today’s edition:

The algorithm.

Sounds very woo-woo mysterious, right?

And that’s the thing.

It’s keeping so many creators from reaching their full potential.

We need to fully understand this mystery.

So today, we’re demystifying it for you.

We’re focusing on Instagram Reels, though this insight applies to all platforms.

Why?

Because the algorithm isn’t magic.

It’s grounded in human psychology.

Let’s begin.

1. Make Shareable Content

One of the most (if not the most) important metrics is this.

Shareability.

Here’s a video by the Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri proving this point.

Think about it.

When someone shares your video, they’re essentially saying,

“This is so good, I need my friends to see it too.”

That’s a strong endorsement of your content’s value—

and these social platforms know it, too.

These platforms’ business models are built on one thing:

keep users engaged for as long as possible.

That means they will promote videos that keep people hooked.

So, this is how to make your content shareable…

• Tap Into Universal Emotions: Create content that makes people laugh, cry, or feel seen. The stronger the emotional reaction, the more likely someone will hit the share button.

• Keep it Simple: Aim for clear, memorable takeaways that stick in the viewer’s mind.

2. Grab Attention in 3 Seconds

Attention spans are shorter than ever—

people scroll away in an instant if they’re not intrigued.

Your job is to stop the scroll.

This video does it so well.

Here’s how to grab attention quick:

• Start with a Question: Humans are wired to seek answers, so use that to your advantage

• Add Text Hooks: Text overlays instantly communicate value. For example: “5 things you need to know about the algorithm.”

Why?

People are drawn to novelty and tension.

A strong hook taps into their instinct to resolve curiosity or stay entertained.

If you grab their attention,

they’re more likely to continue watching.

And this signals to the algorithm that the video is worth pushing out to more viewers.

3. Trending Audio

Audio is a key signal platforms use to push out content.

Why?

Trending sounds create a sense of familiarity, which keeps viewers watching.

Here’s how to use trending audio in your videos:

• Where to Find It: Look for the small arrow next to audio titles on the Reels page—it means the sound is trending.

• Match the Vibe: Trending audio should fit your content’s mood. Pair the speed of the audio with the rhythm of the video.

4. Master the First Hour

The faster your video gets interactions,

the more the algorithm pushes it to new audiences.

The first hour after your post your video is critical.

So here’s how to get more interactions:

• Post When Your Audience Is Active: Check Instagram Insights for your followers’ activity spikes–it’s different for everyone.

• Tease It in Stories: Right after posting, share your video in Stories with a text CTA that gets them to click on the video.

5. Start at the Source

Ok, did you know…

Instagram has its own section for insight that demystifies the algorithm.

To access it,

tap on Professional Dashboard > Best Practices.

Note: you'll need a professional (creator or business) account to access this.

If not, you can change it easily.

On your profile page go to Edit Profile > Switch to Professional Account.

Thanks for showing up this week.

We’ll see you in the next :).

Sincerely,

Ryan To