Every creator, brand, and storyteller wants to know the same thing: How do I make sure people actually see my content?

In a world where social media platforms control what we see, cracking the code of the algorithm can feel like an impossible task. But here’s the truth—algorithms don’t play favorites, they prioritize engagement.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are designed to keep people watching, clicking, and interacting. If you understand what they’re looking for, you can structure your storytelling to get prioritized.

The good news? You do not have to be a social media expert. You just need a few key strategies to get the algorithm to work in your favor.

How Social Media Algorithms Work

At their core, social media algorithms are designed to prioritize content that keeps users engaged.

According to Hootsuite’s Social Media Trends Report 2024, platforms prioritize content based on four main factors (Hootsuite, 2024):

1. Engagement – Posts that receive more likes, comments, shares, and saves get boosted in feeds.
2. Watch Time – Videos that keep people watching longer signal high value to the platform.
3. Relevancy – The algorithm pushes content that matches a user’s interests, search history, and past interactions.
4. Recency – Fresh content is favored over older posts, encouraging consistent posting schedules.

Understanding these priorities is the first step to making sure your content doesn’t disappear into the void.

How to Get the Algorithm to Prioritize Your Content

1. Hook Your Audience in the First 3 Seconds

If your content doesn’t grab attention immediately, the algorithm won’t prioritize it.

A study by the Technical University of Denmark found that the average attention span for social media content has dropped to just 8 seconds (Lorenz-Spreen et al., 2019). That means you need to hook your audience fast.

Use an attention-grabbing opening – Start with a bold statement, an intriguing question, or an unexpected fact.

Make it visually engaging – Bright colors, close-up shots, and motion in the first frame increase retention.

 Cut the fluff – Get straight to the value of your content.

Example: Instead of starting a video with, “Hey guys, I wanted to talk about storytelling today,” say:
"The biggest mistake people make in storytelling? Thinking it’s about them. Let me explain."

2. Encourage Interaction with Strategic Calls to Action

Algorithms prioritize content that sparks engagement—and the best way to do that is by inviting your audience to participate.

Ask a question in your caption – Simple, open-ended questions drive comments.

Use clear CTAs – “Save this post,” “Drop a 🔥 if you agree,” “Tag a friend who needs this.”

Leverage polls and interactive stickers – Instagram Stories and LinkedIn polls boost engagement.

Example: Instead of posting, "Here’s a great tip for public speaking," say:
"What’s your biggest fear when speaking in front of an audience? Drop it in the comments."

Why? Because when people comment, like, and share, the algorithm sees your content as valuable and pushes it to more people.

3. Prioritize Video Content for Maximum Reach

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube prioritize video over static images because it keeps users on the platform longer (Social Insider).

Keep it short and engaging – Videos under 60 seconds perform best on most platforms.
Use captions – 85% of people watch videos with the sound off (Facebook Internal Data).
Optimize for mobile – Most social media users consume content vertically (9:16 ratio).

Example: TikTok and Instagram Reels boost videos that get watched all the way through. That means storytelling with a strong hook, fast pacing, and captions will outperform slow, unstructured content.

4. Post at the Right Time (and Stay Consistent)

Timing matters. According to Sprout Social’s 2024 Data Report, the best times to post on major platforms are:

Instagram: 10 AM – 12 PM (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
TikTok: 6 PM – 10 PM (Evenings & Weekends)
LinkedIn: 7 AM – 9 AM (Weekday Mornings)
YouTube: 5 PM – 8 PM (Evenings & Weekends)

Pro tip: Posting consistently (at least 3–5 times per week) helps the algorithm recognize you as an active content creator—which increases your visibility over time.

5. Leverage Trending Sounds, Hashtags & Topics

Social media platforms push content that aligns with current trends. If you want a quick boost, tap into what’s already performing well.

Use trending sounds on TikTok and Instagram Reels to get your video surfaced in more feeds.
Stay on top of industry trends – LinkedIn rewards posts that contribute to ongoing conversations.
Use 3–5 targeted hashtags – Avoid generic ones like #marketing. Use niche-specific tags that align with your content.

Example: Instead of using #storytelling, try #StorytellingForBusiness or #PublicSpeakingTips—this helps your content land in front of the right audience.

Key Takeaways: How to Get the Algorithm to Work for You

If you want to get prioritized in the algorithm, focus on what platforms already reward:

Hook your audience in the first 3 seconds – Get their attention immediately.
Encourage interaction – Ask questions, use polls, and include CTAs.
Prioritize video content – It gets higher reach and engagement.
Post at the right times – Align with peak engagement hours.
Leverage trending topics and sounds – Ride the wave of popular content.

The best part? These strategies work no matter what platform you’re on.

Want to make sure your storytelling is working for you, not against you?

Book a free coaching session with Scout Stories today.

📅 Schedule now → https://calendly.com/scoutstories/30min

Sources Cited:

• Ashley, C., & Tuten, T. (2015). "Creative Strategies in Social Media Marketing: An Exploratory Study of Branded Social Content and Consumer Engagement." Journal of Interactive Marketing.
• Lorenz-Spreen, P., Mønsted, B., Hövel, P., & Lehmann, S. (2019). "Attention economy and the dynamics of online behavior." Technical University of Denmark.
• Hootsuite. (2024). Social Media Trends Report 2024.
• Sprout Social. (2024). Best Times to Post on Social Media Report.
• Social Insider. (2023). "Why Video Content Performs Best on Social Media."
• Facebook Internal Data. (2023). "User Behavior Insights on Video Consumption."

I'm Erin Peterson, part of the team at Scout Stories. Think of us like a therapist, but for stories.

We listen and get the details out. 

Provide perspective. 

But most importantly, we teach you to create connections, build relationships that attract the right kind of attention.