LATEST META ALGORITHM TREND CHANGES (August 2024)
If you’re in the digital marketing game, you already know that keeping up with social media algorithms is like trying to catch your dog when it gets off the lead and thinks you chasing it is a game. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, they shift again, leaving us marketers scrambling to keep up.
Well, 2024 is no different, and both Instagram and Facebook have rolled out some significant changes that are shaking things up.
Let’s break down what’s new and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
1. Prioritising High-Quality Content Over Quantity
Gone are the days when you could post three times a day and expect to see your engagement skyrocket. The 2024 updates on both Instagram and Facebook are all about quality over quantity. The algorithms now prioritise posts that receive meaningful interactions – think comments, shares, and saves – over mere likes.
What does this mean for you? Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. Whether it’s a compelling story, a relatable meme, or a stunning visual, your content needs to engage your audience on a deeper level. Invest time in understanding what makes your followers tick and create content that sparks conversation.
2. Increased Emphasis on Video Content
Video continues to dominate in 2024, with both platforms pushing video content higher in users’ feeds. Instagram Reels, Stories, and Facebook Watch are being given prime real estate, and the algorithm favors videos that keep viewers engaged.
Pro tip: Don’t just post any video; post a good one. Videos that quickly capture attention and maintain it – usually under 30 seconds – perform best. And don’t forget the subtitles! Many users watch videos without sound, so make sure your message gets across even if the volume is off.
3. Authenticity is Key
The 2024 algorithms are cracking down on inauthentic engagement. This means that strategies like buying followers, using engagement pods, or stuffing posts with irrelevant hashtags are more likely to get you penalized than promoted.
Your move: Build an authentic community. Engage with your audience genuinely – reply to comments, ask questions, and be transparent. The algorithm will reward you for it, and so will your followers.
4. Enhanced Discovery Features
Both Instagram and Facebook have introduced more robust discovery features, making it easier for users to find content that aligns with their interests. The Explore page on Instagram and the Discover feature on Facebook are now more personalized, showcasing content from creators that users don’t follow but are likely to enjoy.
How to capitalize: Make sure your content is discoverable by using relevant hashtags, geotags, and tags. Also, collaborate with other creators to cross-pollinate your audience and reach new potential followers.
5. Social Commerce Integration
2024 has seen a significant push towards social commerce, with Instagram and Facebook integrating more shopping features directly into the platforms. Users can now make purchases without ever leaving the app, and the algorithm promotes posts that drive sales.
For brands and businesses: This is your time to shine. Set up your shop on these platforms if you haven’t already, and start experimenting with shoppable posts. High-quality product images, engaging videos, and clear CTAs will help you turn your social media profiles into revenue-generating machines.
6. Algorithm Transparency and Control
In an effort to be more transparent, Instagram and Facebook have introduced features that allow users to control their algorithmic experience. Users can now choose to see posts in chronological order, limit the number of ads they see, and control which posts are prioritized in their feed.
What does this mean for marketers? While this gives users more control, it also means that we need to work harder to earn our place in their feeds. Focus on building a genuine relationship with your audience so they’ll want to see your content, regardless of how they organize their feed.
