There was a time when growing your social media presence meant building a following. You posted content, engaged with your audience, and hoped your followers would share your posts to expand your reach.
That’s not how it works anymore.
Today, artificial intelligence is reshaping social media feeds, pushing interest-based content over friend- and follower-based content.
Up to 50% of what appears in your Facebook and Instagram feeds comes from accounts you don’t follow.
While this shift frustrates users who just want to keep up with family and friends, it presents a huge opportunity for businesses looking for growth. Your content now has the potential to be discovered by the right audience—even if they’ve never heard of you before.
How AI-Powered Feeds Work
Meta has spent the last few years transforming Facebook and Instagram into AI-driven discovery platforms, following TikTok’s lead. The algorithm now curates content based on user interests rather than existing social connections.
This shift means businesses no longer have to rely solely on followers for engagement. If your content aligns with what users are interested in, the algorithm may push it to them – whether they follow you or not.
This change also increases the amount of time people spend on social platforms. The unpredictable nature of AI-driven feeds keeps users scrolling, giving businesses more chances to get in front of new audiences.
How to Reach More Non-Followers on Social Media
While AI is doing some of the work for you, brands that take a strategic approach will benefit the most. To make the most of this opportunity, consider these tactics:
Create High-Engagement Content
Your content needs to stop the scroll. Whether it’s a compelling video, a bold statement, or an eye-catching image, the first few seconds matter. If your content isn’t engaging right away, the algorithm is unlikely to push it further.
Leverage Instagram Trial Reels
Instagram’s new Trial Reels feature is specifically designed to help businesses reach non-followers. These reels are shown only to users who don’t follow your account, making them a great tool for audience growth. If you want to test new content and attract fresh eyes, this feature is worth exploring.
Include Strong Calls to Action
Just because someone sees your content doesn’t mean they’ll stick around. Encourage them to take the next step, whether that’s following your page, saving your post, or engaging in the comments. Simple prompts like “Follow for more insights” or “Drop a comment if this resonates with you” can boost engagement.
Make Your Content Shareable
Even if someone doesn’t follow you, they might still share or save your post, increasing your reach. Posts with valuable insights, quick tips, or industry trends tend to get more shares. The more people interact with your content, the more likely the algorithm is to push it further.
Engage with Your Non-Followers
If you notice the same users consistently engaging with your posts but not following your account, take the initiative. Reply to their comments, tag them in relevant posts, or send a direct message thanking them for engaging. Personalized interactions can turn casual viewers into loyal followers.
Need Help Growing Your Audience?
If you want to make the most of AI-driven social media but aren’t sure where to start, we can help. At Ideal Solutions, we develop digital marketing strategies that get results. Schedule a meeting with us today, and let us show you how we can grow your brand.
