Really helpful breakdown, Tom, especially the shift toward Notes being shorter, more relational, and photo-driven. It’s a good reminder that community and connection matter more than chasing virality. I like the practical tips too. Short, visual, and human seems like the winning mix right now.
Hey George! Yeah it's interesting to track how the algorithm changes over time too. I should've done these Note algorithm updates the last few months to stay more updated. I hope they bring back the ability to go viral a bit more though. It feels like the chances of going viral for anybody are slim to none.
Thanks. This post is helpful, especially as I recently returned to Substack and I’m getting the hang of some of the changes since I left. It’s good to know that Notes’ algorithm is currently more relational.
I haven't had much traction recently. Last week I wrote a note about visiting my husband and it only got a couple of likes. But today it blew up and is now over a thousand likes and 60 comments. Have no idea why it suddenly ignited. Algorithm change?
Cali I have no idea. I'm happy your Note is doing well though. In terms of how stuff goes viral on Notes, the algorithm confounds me because it seems like it changes all the time.
Hey Dr. yes it was like this on LinkedIn as well when I was active there in 2020-2024. I do like images, but part of me longs for the days on Notes when text was king. Things change though and that's okay.
😮 me when I was casually reading this post and see my name and do a double take 😂 great read very informative Tom, thanks for the coincidental shout out!
Tom, thanks for this thoughtful analysis and your encouragement. I appreciate your helpful tips and reality check. I've tried some of your techniques with success. As always, the most important thing is to keep showing up.
I love this post so much, Tom. As I've said, you are our fearless Substack leader. I'm basically out here to share my writing process and find my peace pilgrims, but engagement is really nice. Thank you for showing us how it's done. You're the best! ⭐✨⭐
In my recent studying and audits I found something similar. From what I can see there is no one that consistently goes viral in Business or Education categories. Contrast this to platforms like YouTube or Instagram where there are people who've "figured it out", I can confidently say, it's in flux here. However, the content that does go viral ALL the time, is the political categories.
Really helpful breakdown, Tom, especially the shift toward Notes being shorter, more relational, and photo-driven. It’s a good reminder that community and connection matter more than chasing virality. I like the practical tips too. Short, visual, and human seems like the winning mix right now.
Hey George! Yeah it's interesting to track how the algorithm changes over time too. I should've done these Note algorithm updates the last few months to stay more updated. I hope they bring back the ability to go viral a bit more though. It feels like the chances of going viral for anybody are slim to none.
Thanks. This post is helpful, especially as I recently returned to Substack and I’m getting the hang of some of the changes since I left. It’s good to know that Notes’ algorithm is currently more relational.
Happy to help Dale. Thanks for taking the time to read
Some good thoughts there. Thank you
Thanks for reading Jeanette!
I haven't had much traction recently. Last week I wrote a note about visiting my husband and it only got a couple of likes. But today it blew up and is now over a thousand likes and 60 comments. Have no idea why it suddenly ignited. Algorithm change?
Cali I have no idea. I'm happy your Note is doing well though. In terms of how stuff goes viral on Notes, the algorithm confounds me because it seems like it changes all the time.
Wowee!
For most other platforms, video seems to currently perform best in their algorithm.
It's interesting that on Substack images seem to do best. Thanks for the write-up.
Hey Dr. yes it was like this on LinkedIn as well when I was active there in 2020-2024. I do like images, but part of me longs for the days on Notes when text was king. Things change though and that's okay.
Yay! Appreciate you gathering your data and sharing. I’m still in my infancy on Substack, but little nuggets of gold like this always help. Thanks Tom
Genevieve I'm happy to help. LMK if you have any questions or anything in the future. Be happy to help.
😮 me when I was casually reading this post and see my name and do a double take 😂 great read very informative Tom, thanks for the coincidental shout out!
Haha Zain no problem. Thanks for taking the time to read. I like putting easter eggs into my articles every now and then. 😆
Thank you! From a relative newbie here this is a very generous and thorough contribution!🪴
Happy it helped Ann! :)
Tom, thanks for this thoughtful analysis and your encouragement. I appreciate your helpful tips and reality check. I've tried some of your techniques with success. As always, the most important thing is to keep showing up.
Thank you Tom for putting in the time and effort to do the work of helping us all have success. Appreciate you!🙏🏾
I love this post so much, Tom. As I've said, you are our fearless Substack leader. I'm basically out here to share my writing process and find my peace pilgrims, but engagement is really nice. Thank you for showing us how it's done. You're the best! ⭐✨⭐
In my recent studying and audits I found something similar. From what I can see there is no one that consistently goes viral in Business or Education categories. Contrast this to platforms like YouTube or Instagram where there are people who've "figured it out", I can confidently say, it's in flux here. However, the content that does go viral ALL the time, is the political categories.
It's great that you can review Notes for us, Tom, thank you. I enjoy the interaction on Notes and find it helps grow my Followers, so it's all good.
Super helpful! Thanks for sharing these insights.