Social Media Growth

Platform Algorithms

LinkedIn

What the algorithm rewards:

• Dwell time (people stop scrolling to read)
• Comments (especially long, thoughtful ones)
• Shares to DMs (private distribution)
• Early engagement (first 60 minutes critical)

Content format performance:

Posting rules:

• 3-5 posts per week (more = diminishing returns)
• Best times: Tue-Thu 8-10am target timezone
• Hook in first 2 lines (before "see more" fold)
• End with a question (drives comments)
• No external links in post body (kills reach) — put links in first comment
• Engage with 10-15 posts before and after publishing yours

Twitter/X

What the algorithm rewards:

• Replies and quote tweets (conversation)
• Bookmark rate (save for later = high quality signal)
• Time spent on tweet (long-form, threads)
• Profile clicks from tweet

Growth tactics:

• Reply to large accounts in your niche (first 30 min of their post)
• Build a "reply network" — 20-30 accounts you consistently engage with
• Post threads at 8am or 12pm target timezone
• Pin your best-performing thread
• Use 1-2 hashtags max (more looks spammy)

Instagram

Algorithm priority (2025):

• Reels > Carousels > Static images > Stories for reach
• Saves and shares weighted higher than likes
• Watch time on Reels (completion rate)

Reel optimization:

• Hook in first 1.5 seconds
• 15-30 seconds optimal length
• Add text overlays (many watch muted)
• Use trending audio (check Reels tab)
• End with a loop (seamless replay = more watch time)

TikTok

Algorithm is pure content quality — followers barely matter for reach.

• First 500 views = test group. Performance there determines viral push.
• Watch time is king (especially rewatch rate)
• Comment velocity in first hour
• Share rate to external (DMs, other platforms)

Format rules:

• 15-45 seconds for max completion rate
• Hook in first 1 second (pattern interrupt)
• Native look (not polished ads) outperforms production quality
• Reply to comments with video (TikTok boosts these)
• Post 1-3 times daily for growth phase

Viral Content Mechanics

Hook types that stop the scroll:

Viral loop anatomy:

1. Hook — stop the scroll (1-2 seconds)
2. Setup — create anticipation (why should I care?)
3. Payload — deliver the value (insight, story, framework)
4. CTA — drive action (follow, save, share, comment)

Content Calendar

Weekly template (B2B SaaS):

Community Building

Engagement-first strategy (first 90 days):

1. Identify 50 accounts in your niche (mix of sizes)
2. Engage genuinely on their content daily (comment, not just like)
3. DM 5 new people weekly with specific value (not pitch)
4. Create content that references/amplifies community members
5. Host a weekly space/live/room on one topic

Community flywheel: Engage others → They engage you → Algorithm sees engagement → More reach → More community members → Repeat

Growth Metrics