How the Algorithm Works: Cracking Social Media Growth in 2024
On a foggy November morning in 2023, a 22-year-old artist from Naples posted a looping video of herself sketching a famous street in Rome. She had less than 500 followers. Two days later, her TikTok video had crossed 2.4 million views. All without a paid promotion — just smart timing, clever pacing, and a perfect dance with the algorithm.
This isn’t a one-off success story. It’s a pattern — one that marketers, creators, and modern brands are obsessed with. Behind every viral post lies a network of signals, data points, and machine-learned preferences. Understanding how the algorithm works isn't just helpful anymore — it's an essential growth strategy.
Let’s break down today's top platforms – Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram – and unravel the inner mechanics of their mysterious algorithms.
The Common DNA of Social Media Algorithms
Although each platform has its own formula, most social media algorithms share the same foundational goals:
- Maximize user engagement: Algorithms prioritize content that keeps users scrolling, watching, or tapping.
- Surface relevant content: Machine learning systems deliver posts that users are most likely to interact with.
- Fuel retention: The more time users spend on-platform, the better – for everyone’s bottom line.
This means the posts you see are rarely chronological or random – they’re statistically optimized to fit your behaviors. Now let’s get specific by platform.
Instagram: Ranking with Relationships, Relevance, and Reach
How It Works
Instagram uses multiple algorithms for different formats: feed, Stories, Reels, and Explore. According to Meta, the feed algorithm evaluates:
- Your past interactions (likes, saves, comments)
- Timeliness of the post
- Content type preferences (e.g., you watch Reels more than photos)
- Relationship cues (e.g., DMs, tags, story replies)
“Feed and Stories are heavily influenced by your personal connections. Reels and Explore are more about discovery.” – Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram
Tips for Growth
- Post consistently in Reels for discoverability
- Use interactive stickers in Stories to trigger engagement
- Respond to DMs and comments quickly to deepen relationship signals
Using Crescitaly's advanced panel, Instagram marketers can identify the highest engagement time windows and automate strategic post scheduling. That’s an underused edge.
TikTok: For You Page, For Real Time Virality
How It Works
TikTok’s main attraction is the “For You” Page (FYP). It’s where the magic happens. The algorithm focuses primarily on:
- Video completion rate
- Rewatch frequency and loopability
- Hashtag relevance
- Engagement velocity (likes + comments in early 60 mins)
“TikTok doesn't care if you have 10 followers or 10M. If your video is sticky, it spreads.” – Social Analyst at ByteDance
Tips for Growth
- Start strong – hook your viewer in the first 1.5 seconds
- Use trending sounds, but add your own twist
- Post at peak times and let the algorithm do the rest
According to data from Crescitaly's dashboard, accounts that post at least 3-5 times per day have a significantly higher chance of landing on the FYP consistently – especially when optimizing for virality triggers.
YouTube: The Algorithm That Knows You Better Than You Do
How It Works
YouTube’s recommender system powers over 70% of what people watch. Core ranking signals include:
- Watch time per video and session duration
- Click-through rate on thumbnails
- Video freshness and publishing cadence
- User viewing history and loop patterns
“In the long-term, creators who optimize for audience retention – not clicks – grow fastest.” – Todd Beaupré, YouTube Product Lead
Tips for Growth
- Design clear, clickable thumbnails with emotional cues
- Begin videos with a strong narrative hook
- Use playlists to increase watch-time per session
- Lean into Shorts for accelerated discovery
Want a YouTube automation hack? Crescitaly.com offers integrated YouTube boost packages that combine watch time, likes, and drip-scheduled views — aligning nicely with YouTube’s retention-based algorithm.
Telegram: The Hidden Giant for Broadcast Engagement
How It Works
Telegram doesn’t operate like a traditional content algorithm. Instead, it empowers creators via:
- Broadcast channels where visibility isn’t filtered
- Bot-enhanced engagement tools (like quizzes and reactions)
- Group interactions that spark community activity
There’s no FYP here — instead, Telegram rewards frequency, exclusivity, and direct broadcast power.
Tips for Growth
- Create gated communities with VIP content
- Use bots for automated onboarding and drip content
- Sync channel updates with Instagram or TikTok via cross-promotion
If you're running Telegram campaigns, Crescitaly's tools can automate member growth and broadcast delivery analytics — vital for scaling outreach efficiently.
Conclusion: Algorithm Fluency is the New Growth Skillset
In today’s creator economy, understanding how the algorithm works isn’t just tech-savvy — it’s a business advantage. Each platform rewards a unique behavior set, yet all revolve around the same principle: keep users engaged, longer.
Here’s your cheat sheet based on everything we just unpacked:
- Instagram: Prioritize Reels and interaction-heavy content
- TikTok: Optimize for short-term stickiness and trend timing
- YouTube: Focus on retention and binge-worthy playlists
- Telegram: Build community-first, deepen connection second
The good news? You don’t need to out-code the algorithm. You just need to understand its signals — and align your strategy accordingly. With platforms like Crescitaly.com simplifying growth analytics and automation, even solo creators can play in the big leagues.
The algorithms will keep evolving. But human connection will always be the most powerful metric.
Meta Title: How the Algorithm Works: Social Media Growth
Meta Description: Learn how Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram algorithms work — and how to use them to unlock massive audience growth in 2024.
Tags: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram, SMM panel, Crescitaly, algorithm tips, social media growth