You’ve probably heard the word “engagement” thrown around a lot, along with the baffling term “algorithms”, when it comes to social media. “Boost engagement!” “Your engagement is down!” “You need to feed the algorithm!” “The algorithm likes videos.”
But what do engagement and algorithms actually mean in 2025? And more importantly, what do they mean for your business on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok?
Let’s break it down in real talk.
Engagement Is Not Just Likes Any More. It Really Is All About The Algorithms
It used to be all about the likes. Post a photo, get a bunch of hearts, and you’re winning. Not anymore.
Today’s algorithms are smarter, and honestly, a bit pickier. They want to see real interaction. That means comments, shares, saves, DMs, profile taps, link clicks, and even how long someone watches your video.
In short, algorithms reward content that keeps people engaged longer and makes them interact in meaningful ways.
So, What Does Engagement Actually Look Like in the Algorithm?
Each platform has its own algorithm, its own priorities, and its own signals for what counts as meaningful interaction. Let’s take a quick look at how Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok define engagement in 2025 and what kind of content they’re most likely to reward.
Facebook: It’s All About Conversation
Facebook wants people talking to each other. Posts that spark comments, generate replies, or lead to shares with added captions (“Check this out!”) tend to perform better. Video watch time also plays a big role, especially Reels and Lives. Facebook wants content that gets people to pause, react, and stay on the app.
What to focus on:
- Ask questions that invite real responses.
- Share videos that tell a story or provide quick tips.
- Reply to comments—Facebook sees that as a signal that your content is worth engaging with.
Instagram: Saves Are the New Likes
Instagram is still about visuals, but the algorithm now leans heavily on saves, shares, and DMs. If someone taps the little bookmark to save your post, that tells Instagram you’ve created valuable content.
Story replies, poll interactions, and how long someone spends watching your Reel also factor in.
What to focus on:
- Create carousel posts or Reels with tips, before-and-afters, or mini-tutorials—things people want to revisit later.
- Add call-to-actions like “Save this for later” or “Send to a friend.”
- Use captions that give context, tell a story, or invite conversation.
LinkedIn: Depth Over Virality
LinkedIn is still the platform for professionals, but the way it gauges engagement is pretty unique. The algorithm values meaningful comments, reposts with added thoughts, and consistent posting. It’s less about trending sounds and more about thoughtful insight.
Your content gets a big boost when someone adds their opinion while sharing your post because that kicks off a new engagement cycle.
What to focus on:
- Post about real challenges, industry trends, or behind-the-scenes moments in your business.
- Ask for input from your network—people love to share their two cents.
- Stay consistent. Even one post a week can go far if it starts real conversations.
TikTok: Watch Time Is King
On TikTok, the algorithm still leans on views and likes but the most powerful signals are watch time, replays, and shares. If people are watching your video all the way through—or better yet, watching it again—that tells TikTok it’s worth promoting.
Comments and profile visits also play a role, especially if your video leads someone to check out more of your content.
What to focus on:
- Keep your videos short and punchy, or hook viewers in the first 3 seconds.
- Use text overlays and captions to make your message clear even without sound.
- Encourage viewers to comment—ask a question or share a relatable moment.
So, What Should You Actually Be Doing?
The simple version? Create content that starts conversations, solves problems, or makes someone feel something. The algorithm is designed to reward content that people interact with, not just glance at.
Try to:
- Post consistently, even if it’s just once or twice a week.
- Ask questions and respond to comments.
- Focus on value, not just visuals.
- Use storytelling. People connect with stories far more than sales pitches.
And remember: engagement isn’t about going viral, it’s about connecting with your audience. The right 100 people engaging with your post are more valuable than 10,000 who scroll by.
Great Suggestions But, Who Has The Time? We Do! At 3SIXTY Marketing Solutions, We Can Help Make The Algorithms Work For You.
In 2025, engagement is less about vanity metrics and more about meaningful interaction. The platforms want content that builds community, starts conversations, and keeps people coming back for more.
Not sure where to start? That’s where 3SIXTY Marketing Solutions comes in. Whether you need help creating scroll-stopping Reels, writing captions that convert, or figuring out what’s actually working, we’ve got you covered. Call 647-250-1494, or book a free consultation today, and let’s put together a social media plan that takes your engagement up a notch!
