It may seem like Facebook is constantly updating and editing, well, because it is. This week in Facebook updates we can no longer edit the image of a link post. Not only that, they’ve once again added factors into the algorithm as to what shows up for someone and what doesn’t. If you are trying to send a user to another web page through a link, then you better make sure that web page loads fast. What am I talking about you ask?
Well, Facebook is going to start prioritizing stories that load quickly for users and stories that load slowly will get much less reach. Facebook isn’t even disclosing what it constitutes a fast loading web page versus a slow one. However, Facebook product manager, Greg Marra, says “It’s a pretty generous definition of fast…most of the things that you’re going to be reading on your phone are going to be considered fast in our definition.”
We live in a very fast-paced world and it appears to only be getting Faster. Facebook’s goal for this change is to all round improve the user’s experience on the platform. We have become quite impatient and no one likes to wait for a web page to load. There are other pros to this new algorithmic function and that is that it encourages people to only post their own content on Facebook. Host pages typically load faster so, posting original content will be given higher priority.
Facebook wants to increase the use of the Instant Articles tools and if load time is now impacting the reach of your posts, publishers might be more inclined to do so. If you are interested in learning more about instant articles, you can do so here. It seems like there is a lot going on behind the scenes in the Facebook and social network world today. I think these transitions and updates are just stepping stones for where they intend to take these platforms. Staying up to date can give you a better perspective and more information on how to adjust your content.
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