What is a Social Media Feed?

A feed is the primary content stream that users scroll through on social media platforms. It displays a collection of posts, updates, photos, videos, and other content from accounts you follow, advertisers, and (on some platforms) recommended content the algorithm thinks you might enjoy.

Types of Social Media Feeds:

Different platforms organize feeds in various ways:

- Chronological feeds: Content appears in reverse chronological order (newest first), as seen on Twitter's "Latest" option
- Algorithmic feeds: Content is arranged based on predicted relevance to the user, as on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
- Hybrid feeds: Some platforms offer both options or a mix of chronological and algorithmic elements

For example, on Instagram, your feed is filled with posts from accounts you follow; on TikTok, your feed is shaped by the videos you watch and engage with. Feeds are constantly updated, and most platforms offer multiple types of feeds: like a “Home” feed for popular posts and a “Following” feed for chronological updates. For creators and marketers, understanding how the feed algorithm works is key to increasing visibility and engagement.