Here’s Why You Keep Seeing the Same (Old) Stuff on Facebook

If you've noticed that you're seeing the same things over and over (and over and over and over) at the top of your Facebook newsfeed, here's why. 

Part of my job at Fun 107 before I joined the Michael Rock Show was to manage all the digital content for the station. So I was paying attention when FB recently unveiled their new algorithm. This new policy meant to put more posts from friends and family, and fewer posts from brands (like us, for example, but we hope you miss us and follow us just the same!) in your newsfeed.

When things started to shift, I scrolled through my newsfeed and it took me forever to hit a post from a brand, even brands I follow or 'Like'. Then, I noticed that no matter how many times I refreshed or close my Facebook app, I was seeing the same posts from the same 1 or 2 people for 5 days in a row...Don't get me wrong, I love my friends and family. But I don't love staring at the same things for days on end, especially when I rely on finding fresh content for my job.

Here's why: Facebook now categorizes what stays in your newsfeed based on comments or engagement (likes, shares, comments, reactions, etc.) If something has a lot of comments, it will stick around in your Newsfeed for longer, which usually leads to more comments like, 'Your dog is cute, but how come I've been staring at his face for 8 days everytime I open Facebook???' or 'I've seen this post more than I see my own family.'

You can test the theory for yourself: Ask a question on Facebook that you know a lot of people will answer. Ask for home remedies for a cold, or if anyone has read any good books lately, or if anyone has tried a certain food. I can bet you if you then asked a friend, they would see your post for at least a couple days in their Newsfeeds.

Here's a pretty easy to read and info-packed post from someone who knows more than me about the topic. Happy Facebooking!