You’ve probably heard creators grumble about “the algorithm” like it’s some mysterious villain in a Marvel movie. And honestly? It’s easy to fall into that trap. One day your content is blowing up, the next it’s crickets. Suddenly you're deep-diving into YouTube videos at 2 AM, asking, "What does the TikTok algorithm want from me?"

You don’t have to crack every single line of code to thrive online. Understanding platform algorithms instead of obsessing over them is healthier, more sustainable, and honestly way more effective.

This guide is for creators like you who want to grow without spiraling. Whether you're writing on Substack or Medium, filming for TikTok or YouTube, or sharing thoughts on Instagram and Twitter (yep, still calling it Twitter), this article will help you get it, without letting it consume your entire creative brain.

What Is an Algorithm Anyway - Is it Out to Get You?

Algorithms are just systems. They decide what content shows up where, based on what they think users want to see. That’s it. They’re not magic, and they’re not your enemy. They’re designed to keep people scrolling, watching, reading, or engaging—so if you create stuff people genuinely care about, algorithms will usually work with you, not against you.

But—and this is where people get tripped up—algorithms are constantly changing. Which is why obsessing over every update is a losing game. You’ll burn out trying to “game” the system instead of just making great content.

So the goal isn’t to master the algorithm. The goal is to understand what makes content work within each platform’s environment—and then do your thing, smarter.

Substack: You're Playing a Reader's Game Here.

Substack doesn’t have a typical algorithm like social platforms do. You’re not fighting for visibility through an unpredictable feed. Your subscribers get your content directly. This is powerful.

But here’s what determines how high-up Substack recommends your content to someone searching for topics in your niche: open rates, subject lines, and consistency. The more your audience opens and clicks, the more Substack recommends you in their "Discover" tab or top writer lists.

Focus on showing up with newsletters people actually look forward to reading. Keep your writing voice authentic, your subject lines honest but intriguing, and your publishing rhythm predictable.

The audience on Substack loves to read but they also expect high-quality content so before you hit publish, think about the content and how relevant it is for your audience - can they learn something new?

Instagram: Pheww, You Can Never Chase This One Fast Enough.

Instagram’s algorithm has grown up a lot. It now looks at how people interact with your content—are they saving it, sharing it, watching all the way through, commenting something meaningful?

So, instead of asking, “How do I hack this?”, ask, “What makes someone pause on this post?”

Tell stories that matter. Use captions that invite conversation. Be someone people want to follow because they feel seen, entertained, or inspired. Carousels that teach something or show a transformation do really well. Reels are still gold, but even static posts work if you give people a reason to care.

Forget chasing trends every day. Let trends work for you, not control you.

Medium: Quality Over Clicks (But Headlines Still Matter)

Medium has an algorithm, but it’s very reader-behavior based. That means if readers finish your article, clap for it, highlight stuff, and comment—it signals to Medium, “Hey, this piece is worth showing others.”

But again, don’t get stuck watching stats. Instead, focus on making your articles engaging from the first sentence. Write like you're talking to a friend, not giving a lecture. Medium favors valuable, readable writing—especially when it sparks thought or emotion.

Oh, and headlines? They matter. A lot. So take your time there.

TikTok: Make the Algorithm Chase You if You Can.

TikTok is fast, weird, and unpredictable. But its algorithm loves content that holds attention, creates curiosity, and gets rewatched or shared.

Make people feel something—fast. The first 2 seconds are critical. Whether it’s a funny face, a bold statement, or a visually stunning scene, make people stop scrolling.

But here’s where creators go wrong: they chase trends without adding their own voice. TikTok rewards authenticity that connects. So speak your truth. Show your weird. Teach something nobody else is teaching. The algorithm loves when people take a trend and create their own spin-offs.

YouTube: Yes, It’s SEO-Driven, But That’s Not the Whole Story

YouTube’s algorithm is a beast, but it’s not unbeatable. Titles, thumbnails, watch time, and click-through rate all matter. But at the end of the day, YouTube wants people to stay on the platform—and your video is part of that ecosystem.

So ask: “What would make someone not just click this video—but stay for the next 8 minutes?”

Plan your intros well. Hook viewers early. Keep the pacing tight. Use chapters if you're doing tutorials. And speak like a human, not a robot.

Remember to keep visuals entertaining and engaging because it determines whether your audience will get bored in 2 minutes or watch an entire 20 minute video without realizing the time it took.

Don’t drown in keyword tools and optimization tools. Use them to guide, but let your content stay you.

Twitter (X): Still the Real-Time Party

Twitter is about speed and signal. The algorithm boosts tweets that spark conversation and keep people on the platform. But it still heavily relies on recency and engagement.

Hot takes do well. So do threads that teach, story-tell, or simplify something hard. But consistency still wins. One viral tweet won’t change your life—but showing up, adding value, and building community? That changes everything.

Twitter is also more forgiving of imperfections. Don’t overthink it. Say it. Ship it. See what resonates.

Final Thoughts: Platforms Change but People Don’t

Algorithms will always evolve. But human behavior is surprisingly consistent. People want to feel something. Learn something. Laugh. Cry. Nod in agreement. Share what speaks to them.

That’s what every algorithm is trying to figure out—what people love. So if you focus on creating content that serves your audience and makes them feel something real, you’ll always be a step ahead.

Let your content be informed by the algorithm, but never dictated by it.