Algorithm: Social media algorithms are a way of sorting posts in a users' feed based on relevancy instead of publish time.  The Algorithm automatically ranks content based on how likely someone is going to like or interact with the content. This can be calculated by likes, comments, and/or sharing A post.

Blue Checkmark


With so much going on with the algorithm of Facebook and Instagram, many photographers and creators are questioning whether or not to spend the money on a little blue check mark. In doing so people are paying $15 a month to essentially boost how far the post may reach. This is similar to boosting a post, but instead is the person or groups overall profile. Some have questioned if it is the same idea has buying followers (bots) like people initially did when these apps and revenues started. Does this give false gratification with zealously giving a person more likes than a post is truly worthy of? I have followed photographers that have admitted on stories that they paid for it, and the checkmark made no significant difference. So why are companies advertising these things like it is going to make a drastic difference.


When these apps launched they prioritized creators and photographers. Now they prioritize the influencers that are making reels. I am not downplaying reels since it did help expand my page. Reality though is how many times can the same idea get shared before people are sick of seeing it. Are posts simply tanking because everyone that utilizes the applications is lacking originality? What happens if you post something different and it doesn't go viral?


So many rely on the following and likes of others. Depending on the age of the user it can cause mental and psychological issues. They question are they good enough. Why do we seek outsiders opinions so much?


How does it affect a business?


Businesses rely on algorithms for growth, otherwise the business is relying on paid ads and word of mouth. Paid ads only go so far. A business has to pay between $5-50 a week just to have people potentially see their page while scrolling. Otherwise a small percentage of people may have heard of the business prior to them seeking advertisements. Pages simply do not get the views that they used to without monetary sources. It is sad, not every business has the funds to shell out large quantities of money in the very beginning.

What do you like or hate about the algorithm?


Many business owners and photographer’s hate the current algorithms utilized by social media companies. The issue is right as you begin to figure out the dynamics of the platform everything changes. There is no consistency from one platform to the next. This makes getting simple likes harder. If a person does an advertisement as a post, then more people can view the post. Otherwise, the post goes unnoticed. Algorithms used to help a small business owner and now many people feel like it is hindering them and their growth.

How has the algorithm affected your page?


Many people that I have talked to have stated that likes and views of their account are at an all time low. My analytics are the same way. Just when you think things are going in your favor, we get more and more algorithm changes. When is enough enough?

When is there a resolution that benefits influencers and creatives? Clearly nothing is being done to promote artists on platforms, but if you are selling a bogus product you get higher ranked in the algorithm. I'm not saying a person has to go viral, but to be seen and noticed is one thing.


Photographer's rely on bookings to gain clientele. Some of the clients come from social media platforms or Google. However if you have X amount of followers, but less than 10% see your post it says a ton about the impact. We are all advertising and posting different content trying to get noticed. I know this year has been slower for many photographers due to the economy. I don't feel as though that is fully the only reason and culprit.

Everything constantly changes


Someone may think that they have figured out the algorithm, then we get a new update and everything changes. The annoying part of the algorithm is it is not consistent. While it is supposed to try to help people, the reality is that it stops growth within a person's page.

Being Patient


When it comes to the algorithm anything can get countless likes or very little likes initially. However, I am learning if you remain patient and give things time that the photos that might have started out with 10-25 likes are now getting 80-100+ likes. Just takes trusting the algorithm and the process.