Platforms & communities
Algorithm
A set of steps or rules used to carry out a task; online, often shorthand for recommendation systems.
In everyday use
A platform ranks possible posts using signals about content and viewers.
What to keep in mind
There is rarely one simple rule that explains every recommendation.
Also searched as: recommendation algorithm
Further reading
Original explanation and example by Perspectism. Further reading may cover the wider subject, rather than this exact wording. Edition updated 7 October 2026.
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