Introduction to Algorithms

Facebook's algorithm is a set of rules determining what content appears in users' feeds. It's designed to prioritize relevance, keeping users engaged by showing them what they're most likely to interact with.

Content is ranked based on relevance, predicted through signals such as likes, comments, and user behavior. Posts from friends, family, and groups often get priority, reflecting Facebook's focus on personal connections.

Facebook employs advanced machine learning models that learn individual user preferences over time. These algorithms adapt to your interactions, constantly refining the content selection to increase engagement.

The 'Inventory' is the pool of all possible posts available to show. Facebook filters this through the algorithm to determine the most relevant 'Stories' for each user's 'News Feed'.

Despite its complexity, Facebook has made efforts to provide more transparency. Features like 'Why am I seeing this post?' give users insights into the algorithm's decisions.

Your online behavior has a significant influence on the algorithm. The time you spend on content, the people you interact with most, and your engagement patterns all feed into the algorithm's decision-making process.

Facebook's algorithm is not static; it undergoes continuous updates. These changes can significantly impact reach and engagement, making it crucial for marketers and content creators to stay informed.