Algorithm check 2026: What has changed?

There have been a few posts recently from people complaining that the algorithm has killed their reach. One thing there seems to be somewhat of a consensus on, and that the platforms are themselves saying, is that engagement is becoming more important than followers.

However, it's difficult to get any concrete information about what actually determines organic reach, so I thought we could tap into the Reddit community for some real-world insight.

What changes have you noticed in what determines your organic reach? Are there still ways to "play" the algorithm, or would you just focus on making good content? Have you noticed any differences between platforms in this regard?

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Lisapatb•16 days ago•3

I've seen a real shift: follower count matters less as a predictor of who will see a post. On one of my Instagram accounts, about 65% of views now come from non-followers. A few years ago, that kind of reach beyond the existing audience would have been unusual. I've seen similar discovery beyond followers on X and other platforms, though the exact reach depends on the platform and the individual post.

That's why I wouldn't spend much time trying to crack a secret algorithm formula. Make useful, engaging content for a clear audience, then watch what people actually do with it. Views alone don't tell the whole story; saves, shares, comments, clicks, and messages can show whether a post is reaching the right people.

Replying to comments and adapting your format to each platform also matter (a lot), since a video, a conversation-starting post, and a link post won't perform the same way everywhere.

The platform differences are real, so I'd focus on two or three places where your audience is active rather than posting everywhere. Use each platform's analytics to spot patterns, but treat them as guidance, not a guarantee.

Organic reach changes, while a consistent record of helpful content and genuine interaction gives people a reason to pay attention, whether they follow you already or find you through recommendations.

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