My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
When content creators blame 'the algorithm' for poor performance, they should replace 'algorithm' with 'people' because algorithms simply give people content they like.
The Reasoning
Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by showing users content they interact with positively. If your content isn't being distributed, it's because people aren't engaging with it positively, not because of algorithmic bias.
What Needs to Be True
- Algorithms primarily optimize for user engagement and satisfaction
- User behavior data accurately reflects content preferences
- Platforms benefit more from user satisfaction than creator satisfaction
- Content quality is measurable through user interactions
Counterargument
Some algorithms may have biases toward certain content types, newer creators face discovery challenges, and algorithmic changes can impact distribution regardless of content quality.
What Would Change This View
Evidence of systematic algorithmic bias against quality content, proof that user engagement doesn't correlate with content distribution, or demonstration that algorithm changes affect all creators equally regardless of content quality.
Implications for Builders
Focus on creating content people actually want rather than trying to game algorithms
Use lack of algorithmic distribution as feedback about content quality
Improve content based on audience response rather than platform mechanics
Take ownership of content performance rather than blaming external factors
Example Application
“Creator notices videos getting low views and initially thinks 'YouTube algorithm isn't promoting my content.' Reframes as 'people aren't finding my content engaging enough to watch, share, or comment.' Focuses on improving hooks, storytelling, and value delivery instead of trying to hack algorithm.”