Algorithms  silent architects

Algorithms are the silent architects of the digital world, playing a significant role in guiding content visibility on platforms like TikTok and Douyin. They make social media more interesting and drive competition for attention. Influencers adapt their content strategies to align with algorithms to increase their popularity. Labels are important for influencers, as they help the algorithm system distribute content to potential customers. Algorithms have proven to be money makers, with Douyin earning 60 billion RMB in advertising in 2019. They shape our online experiences and influence our choices. Hello everyone, I am Xu Xunyao. Today we are diving into a topic about the secret behind the screens, the incredible success of algorithms. Algorithms are silent architects of the digital world. They play a significant role in guiding content visibility on new media platforms. Algorithms not only make our social media more interesting, but also drive the competition for attention in today's digital economy. Take TikTok and its Chinese version Douyin as an example. By using algorithms to put short videos to those viewers who may be interested in similar topics, Douyin has gained much popularity among young people. However, the success story does not stop there. Algorithms have proven to be money makers, especially in the advertising game. Douyin's popularity did not just result in more likes and views. It translated into earning 60 billion RMB in advertising in 2019. That is 923 million US dollars. In the race for attention, influencers are the front-runners, adapting their content strategies to align with the algorithms. They change their content to align with the algorithm to get maximum exposure. However, because TikTok's algorithm pattern is hidden, influencers must rely on trial and error to figure it out. Influencers cater to the algorithm to increase their popularity. One important way for influencers to increase the exposure is to be labeled. Then the algorithm system will distribute content to potential customers according to these labels. To reach viewers who are interested in similar videos, influencers usually put distinctive labels such as comedy on their videos. There are other influencers who try to increase the view by putting multiple labels to match different groups of people. From the rise of platforms like TikTok and Douyin, we witness the algorithm's power. This explanation not only highlights the incredible success of algorithms, but also cuts the light on the ever-evolving dynamics between content creators, platforms, and algorithms that shape our digital experiences. As we conclude today's episode, I encourage you to consider the role of algorithms in our digital life. How do they shape your online experience? And what influences do they have on your choices? Thank you for your listening.