An Artist’s Algorithm Struggle is Real

Struggling to Be Seen as an Artist on Social Media: My Thoughts and Tips for Staying Authentic

As an artist, I have to admit that I continue to struggle with being consistent on social media. It’s not that I’m chasing popularity or aiming to go viral—it’s about increasing my visibility as an artist and connecting with a broader audience who appreciates my work. Unfortunately, the reality is that getting seen on social media feels like a constant battle with an ever-evolving algorithm. No matter how hard I try, most of my posts, including reels, end up reaching only a handful of people.

I know I’m not alone in this struggle. After recently joining Threads, Instagram’s text-based app, I’ve seen this topic come up repeatedly. Many artists and designers share the same frustration: the algorithms seem to favor influencers and major trends over creators who want to share their work in their unique way. Platforms like Instagram, Behance, and DeviantArt subtly—and sometimes not-so-subtly—shape art styles and trends through their algorithms, often leading us to question the authenticity of our work.

The Influence of Algorithms on Art Styles and Trends

Social media platforms wield tremendous influence over art styles and trends. Here’s how they subtly (or not-so-subtly) shape what we see and create:

Promoting What’s Popular, Not What’s Unique: Algorithms are designed to promote content that generates high engagement—likes, shares, and comments. As a result, they often favor viral trends and popular aesthetics, sidelining unique, experimental, or unconventional art forms. This can pressure artists to conform to what is trending to be seen.
Rewarding Frequent Posting: Consistency is key in the eyes of algorithms, which often rewards frequent posting. For artists, this can lead to burnout or a shift in focus from quality to quantity. The pressure to keep up can result in a compromise of the artist’s style and vision, steering them toward creating content that “fits” the platform rather than genuinely expressing themselves.
Impact on Art Styles: Over time, the content that gets the most engagement becomes a benchmark for others. This can create a homogenization of art styles, where artists feel compelled to mimic what’s currently popular, rather than pursuing their unique voice. You’ll see this often in trending colour palettes, themes, or specific types of illustrations or digital art styles.

Tips for Staying Authentic in a World Driven by Algorithms

So, how do we navigate this digital landscape as artists without compromising our creative integrity? While it’s easy to feel discouraged by these challenges, there are ways to navigate social media without losing sight of your artistic voice. Here are a few tips that have helped me refocus on authenticity:

Create for Yourself First: This might sound cliché, but it’s essential to remember why you started creating in the first place. Focus on what excites you, what makes your work unique, and what you want to explore further. If you find joy in your process, that passion will naturally come through in your work and resonate with the right audience.
Limit Your Time on Social Media: It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling and comparison. Instead, set specific times to engage on social media and stick to them. Use that time wisely to connect with other artists, participate in meaningful conversations, or share your latest work without becoming obsessed with the numbers.
Engage with Genuine Intentions: Social media is a tool for connection. Try to engage with other artists, designers, and creatives whose work inspires you. Leave thoughtful comments, share others’ work, and build genuine connections rather than focusing solely on self-promotion.
Diversify Your Platforms: Don’t rely solely on one platform to showcase your work. Explore other platforms like Behance, DeviantArt, Dribbble, or even start your own blog or website. This not only diversifies your audience but also reduces the pressure of playing by one platform’s rules.
Share Your Process and Story: People connect with stories, and sharing the process behind your work can create a deeper connection with your audience. It’s not just about the finished piece but the journey, the inspiration, the challenges, and the growth. These elements add a personal touch and can set you apart.
Use Social Media as a Portfolio, Not a Popularity Contest: View your social media profiles as a curated portfolio of your work rather than a measure of your popularity. Focus on presenting a cohesive body of work that reflects your evolution as an artist. This can be far more valuable in the long run than chasing fleeting trends.
Prioritize Mental Health Over Metrics: It’s vital to recognize that social media numbers do not define your worth or talent as an artist. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with social media.

Final Thoughts

The challenge of navigating social media as an artist is real, and the pressure to cater to algorithms is undeniable. However, it’s crucial to remember that these platforms are tools—not the be-all and end-all of your creative journey. Staying authentic to your voice and vision is the most powerful way to stand out in a world driven by trends. Create art that matters to you, share it with pride, and the right audience will eventually find you.

Let’s continue to support each other in this journey, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse art community on social media. After all, art is meant to be a reflection of our unique perspectives, not just what’s trending in our feeds.