Imagine you’re a fucking independent artist. You’ve got the weirdest fucking job in the world and you’re out here alone in this fucking digital jungle with no help from anyone. You’ve got to pay dues, take on responsibilities, and try to show your art to the whole damn world with your hands tied. All this shit while trying not to lose your mind, because if you do anything else, you can’t focus fully on your art and you can’t improve or become the best in your field. Now, also imagine I’m Samuel L. Jackson for a moment, and re-read this in his tone, the tone he’d use in Pulp Fiction, so you can understand a bit more of the fucking anger I’ve got.
Okay, now that I’ve vented my frustration in true Samuel L. Jackson style, let me explain in my own words what’s going on.
THE IMPACT OF THE NEW ALGORITHM
Social media platforms have implemented new algorithms that, in theory, aim to improve user experience by prioritizing original and relevant content. However, for many independent sellers and creators, this has resulted in a significant drop in the visibility of their posts.
Why are the algorithms blocking those trying to sell something?
Social media platforms, as private companies, look to monetize their services in various ways. One of them is by limiting the organic reach of posts that seem promotional, pushing users to pay for advertising. This might be beneficial for big brands, but for independent sellers, it’s a huge obstacle.
THE DISPARITY IN VISIBILITY
Normally, a reel where I’m painting a picture can get around 3,000 likes and reach between 40,000 and 70,000 views. However, if I post a reel showing that people can buy a specific product in my online store, the numbers plummet drastically to 300 likes and 4,000 views. This drastic change is a clear sign that algorithms are deliberately limiting the reach of promotional posts.
THE STRUGGLE OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST
What does it mean to be an independent artist today?
Being an independent artist means more than just creating art. I have no backing from any brand or financial support. Everything I do, from creation to sale, depends on me. This constant struggle is further complicated by the restrictions imposed by social media platforms.
Is it fair that social media limits access to my own community?
I’ve spent years building a community on social media. It’s disheartening to see my efforts blocked by algorithms that penalize my attempts to sell my own products. I understand that paying for ads to reach a broader audience makes sense, but having to pay to reach my own community, which I’ve built with effort, seems unfair.
THE COST OF NOT REACHING YOUR AUDIENCE
For many artists and creators, social media is the primary means of communication and sales. Limiting our reach means fewer sales opportunities and, consequently, greater difficulty in sustaining ourselves financially. Every post is an opportunity to connect with the audience and sell our work, making these restrictions even more harmful.
And now, before I finish, let me bring Samuel L. Jackson back to close this properly.
Listen up, motherfucker! The new social media algorithm is a real piece of shit for all independent sellers and creators. Yes, platforms have the right to monetize their services, but it’s a fucking necessity to find a balance that allows artists and sellers to keep growing and connecting with their communities. The fight for visibility on social media is a constant battle, but with persistence and creativity, we can find ways to adapt and overcome these fucking obstacles.
The path of the righteous artist is beset on all sides by the inequities of the algorithm and the tyranny of corporate giants. Blessed is he who, in the name of creativity and passion, shepherds his art through the valley of digital shadow, for he is truly his community’s keeper and the finder of new horizons. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy the connection between artists and their followers. And you will know my name is the Lord of Art when I lay my vengeance upon these fucking algorithms.
BANG! BANG! BANG! (Gunshots)
And if social media can’t see this, then we’re in a real fucking mess.