Toni Peters – Author

Let’s be honest: Algorithms are the modern-day equivalent of that one moody cat who lives in your neighborhood. You put out food. You speak gently. You offer your best energy. And the cat still looks at you like, “I’ll think about it.”

That’s the algorithm. A digital feline with commitment issues.

And yet — here we are. Writers. Creators. Memoirists. Trying to get a rectangle of code to notice us.

So today, let’s talk about how to beat an algorithm. Or at least how to confuse it so thoroughly that it gives up and shows your content to people out of sheer exhaustion.

Step 1: Accept That the Algorithm Is Basically a Toddler

It wants:

• repetition
• bright colors
• snacks
• and for you to clap every time it does something basic

If you post consistently, it’s thrilled. If you disappear for a week, it throws itself on the floor and screams.

Treat it like a toddler. Lower your expectations. Offer praise sparingly.

Step 2: Post Like You’re Eleanor Roosevelt With Wi-Fi

Eleanor Roosevelt was shy, introverted, and terrified of public speaking — and yet she still managed to become one of the most influential voices of her time.

Imagine her on Instagram:

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — posts reel of herself hitting ‘publish’ on a caption she overthought for 48 hours

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” — goes live accidentally, panics, ends live immediately

If Eleanor could face global politics, you can face the algorithm. Probably.

Step 3: Remember the Algorithm Loves Chaos

You spend three hours crafting a thoughtful, emotionally resonant post? The algorithm: “Cute. Here’s 12 views.”

You post a blurry photo of your coffee with the caption “Mondays…”? The algorithm: “A masterpiece. Show it to everyone.”

Lean into the chaos. Post the polished thing. Post the messy thing. Post the thing you wrote at 2 a.m. Post the thing you wrote in the Target parking lot.

The algorithm respects unpredictability. It’s like dating someone who only texts back when Mercury is in retrograde.

Step 4: Use Audio the Algorithm Likes

You know what the algorithm loves? Trendy audio clips.

You know what you love? Not dancing.

Good news: You don’t have to dance. You can point at words. You can stare into the camera like you’re on The Office. You can walk slowly toward the camera like you’re in a documentary about your own life.

The algorithm eats that up.

Step 5: Pretend You’re Not Trying

The algorithm can smell desperation. It’s like a bloodhound for insecurity.

Post like you’re Eleanor Roosevelt writing a casual note to a friend:

“Oh this? Just a little reel I made while contemplating the nature of courage and also trying to remember my Instagram password.”

The less you care, the more it cares. It’s toxic, but it works.

Step 6: Understand That Beating the Algorithm Isn’t the Point

Here’s the truth: You don’t beat the algorithm. You outlast it.

You show up. You tell the truth. You share your story. You connect with real humans who are also trying to figure out why their last post only got 17 likes.

You keep going — not because the algorithm rewards you, but because your voice deserves to be heard.

Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t become Eleanor Roosevelt because she mastered a system. She became Eleanor Roosevelt because she refused to let fear decide her fate.

And honestly? That’s the real algorithm hack.