How Do I Get My App Featured on Social Media News Feeds?

A small pet care app launches quietly on the App Store;no marketing budget, just a team of three who've built something they think pet owners will love. Within two weeks, its downloaded 50,000 times. The reason? A single video of a golden retriever using the app's treat-reminder feature goes viral on TikTok, then spreads to Instagram Reels, then Facebook. The founders didn't pay for any of it—they just understood how social media actually works.

Getting your app featured on social media news feeds isn't about having a massive budget or knowing someone at Facebook. Its about understanding how these platforms distribute content and what makes people stop scrolling long enough to care about what you've built. I've seen apps with million-pound marketing budgets get zero organic traction, whilst others with practically nothing go viral because they got the fundamentals right.

Social media algorithms don't care about your app—they care about keeping users on their platform for as long as possible

The truth is, social media platforms have become the most powerful discovery channels for mobile apps. More powerful than the App Store itself in many cases. But here's the thing—the rules have changed dramatically. The days of posting a link and hoping for the best are long gone. You need to create content that social platforms want to show to their users, content that starts conversations and keeps people engaged. And that requires a completely different approach to how most people think about app marketing. This guide will show you exactly how to do it, based on what actually works right now—not theoretical advice, but practical strategies I've used with clients to get their apps in front of millions of people without spending a fortune on ads.

Understanding How Social Media Algorithms Work

Right, so here's the thing—social media algorithms are basically gatekeepers that decide whether your app gets seen by thousands of people or just your mum and a couple of mates. And I mean, they're not trying to be difficult (well, maybe they are a bit), but understanding how they work is absolutely key to getting your app featured in peoples feeds.

Every platform uses its own algorithm, but they all have one thing in common; they want to keep users on their platform for as long as possible. That's it really. Facebook wants you scrolling Facebook. Instagram wants you scrolling Instagram. TikTok wants you... you get the idea. So these algorithms prioritise content that keeps people engaged—stuff that gets likes, comments, shares, and most importantly, time spent viewing.

What Actually Influences the Algorithm

From what I've seen working with apps across different industries, there are a few key factors that pretty much every algorithm considers:

• Engagement rate—how many people interact with your post compared to how many see it
• Recency—newer posts generally get priority over older ones
• Relevance—does the content match what the user typically engages with?
• Relationships—content from accounts users interact with regularly gets boosted
• Content type—video often gets more reach than static images (especially on certain platforms)
• Time spent—if people stop scrolling to read or watch your content, thats a massive signal

Here's what catches a lot of app developers out though; the algorithm doesn't care about your app. It doesnt care how much money you spent building it or how brilliant your features are. It only cares about whether people want to engage with your content about the app. That's a big difference, and its one that changes how you need to approach social media entirely.

The algorithms are constantly changing too, which can be frustrating—what worked last month might not work today. But the core principle stays the same: create content that people genuinely want to engage with, and the algorithm will reward you for it.

Creating Content That People Want to Share

Here's the thing about social media—people don't share things because they're well made or technically impressive. They share things because of how it makes them feel. After building apps that have been shared millions of times (and quite a few that went nowhere, honestly), I've learned that shareability isn't some magical quality you stumble upon; it's something you design for from the start.

The best content I've seen get apps featured on social media news feeds falls into a few clear categories. It either teaches people something useful in under 30 seconds, makes them laugh, helps them look clever to their friends, or taps into something they feel strongly about. That's it really. If your content doesn't do at least one of those things? It's probably going to sit there with 12 views—and 10 of those will be from your mum checking if you're eating properly.

But here's what most app developers get wrong: they create content about their app when they should be creating content their apps users care about. There's a massive difference. Your fitness app isn't interesting to share; a 15-second video showing someone's transformation using simple daily habits is. Your recipe app features aren't shareworthy; a hack for peeling garlic in 2 seconds that your app teaches them is.

What Makes Content Actually Shareable

I mean, we've all seen content go viral that probably shouldn't have. But there are patterns to what works. Short-form video absolutely dominates right now—its not even close. If you're still posting static images with text overlays hoping for organic reach, you're fighting an uphill battle because social media algorithms heavily favour video content that keeps people on the platform longer.

The format matters too. Vertical video performs better on mobile (which is where most people are anyway), and you've got about 1.5 seconds to hook someone before they scroll past. That's less time than it takes to read this sentence. So your first frame needs to be visually interesting, your opening line needs to create curiosity, and the payoff needs to come quickly.

Content Types That Get Your App Featured

Over the years working with apps across different industries, I've noticed certain content types consistently perform well for getting featured on social media news feeds:

• Before/after transformations that show real results from using your app
• Tips and tricks that solve a specific problem in seconds
• Behind-the-scenes looks at how your app works or was built
• User testimonials that tell a genuine story (not scripted corporate nonsense)
• Challenges or interactive content that gets people participating
• Controversial takes or unpopular opinions in your industry that spark discussion

The mistake I see constantly is apps trying to make every post about downloads. "Get our app today!" Nobody shares that. Nobody cares. What they will share is genuinely helpful content that happens to come from your app's social account—and oh look, there's a link in bio if they want more.

Create content that serves your audience first and promotes your app second. If you reverse that priority, your organic reach will tank because social media algorithms detect promotional content and suppress it. Think 80% valuable content, 20% promotional—and even that 20% should feel helpful rather than salesy.

Another thing: timeliness matters but evergreen content lasts. Jump on trends when they're hot (like really hot, not lukewarm), but also build a library of content that will be just as relevant in six months. That evergreen stuff is what keeps working for you long after you've posted it, showing up in search and recommendations.

You know what else works? Emotion. Content that makes people feel something—anything really—gets shared more than neutral content. Funny beats informative, inspiring beats functional, and surprising beats expected. If your content is predictable, people won't bother sharing it because their friends have probably already seen something similar.

The technical quality doesn't need to be perfect either. I've seen polished, professionally produced content get ignored while someone's shaky phone video goes massive. Authenticity trumps production value every single time on social media. People can smell overly produced marketing content from a mile away, and they scroll right past it.

Building Your App's Social Media Presence Before Launch

Here's something most app developers get wrong—they wait until launch day to start thinking about social media. I mean, I get it, you're busy building the actual app, making sure it works properly, fixing bugs and all that. But starting your social media presence the day you launch? That's like showing up to a party where you dont know anyone and expecting them all to care about what you have to say.

I've watched countless brilliant apps fail because nobody knew they existed; the app was great but the marketing was non-existent. You need to build an audience before you have something to sell them. Sounds backwards, right? But its the only way that actually works in todays crowded app market. That's exactly why we put together a comprehensive guide on building a social media following before your app launch – because timing your social media strategy right can make or break your launch success.

What to do in the months before launch

Start by creating your social accounts at least three months before launch. Yes, three months. Twitter, Instagram, TikTok (if your audience is there), LinkedIn if you're B2B—wherever your potential users hang out. But here's the thing—don't just create empty accounts and leave them sitting there. You need to start posting immediately.

What do you post when your app doesn't exist yet? Actually, there's loads you can share:

• Behind-the-scenes looks at your development process
• The problem your app solves and why it matters
• Early design mockups and asking for feedback
• Team introductions so people connect with real humans
• Industry insights and tips related to your app's purpose
• Sneak peeks of features you're working on
• Beta signup forms to build a waiting list

The goal isn't to have thousands of followers right away (though that would be nice!). The goal is to have an engaged community that's actually excited about your launch. I've seen apps with just 200 pre-launch followers do better than apps with 5,000 because those 200 people were genuinely invested in the product—they felt like they were part of the journey, not just spectators. When you're ready to share your app idea with others, make sure you understand who you can trust with your app idea before launch to protect your intellectual property whilst building that crucial early community.

One more thing: be consistent with your posting. Twice a week minimum. Pick days and stick to them. Social media algorithms reward consistency more than anything else, and people need to see you regularly to remember you exist when launch day finally arrives.

The Power of User-Generated Content

User-generated content is probably the single most effective way to get your app featured across social media feeds—and yet its the thing most app developers completely ignore. When your actual users create content about your app, it carries a weight that no amount of polished marketing materials can match. People trust other people way more than they trust brands.

Here's the thing; social media algorithms actively favour content from regular users over branded content. They know that authentic posts from real people generate more engagement, so they show them to more people. When someone posts a video using your app or shares a screenshot of something they created with it, that content has a much better chance of reaching a wider audience than anything you post from your apps official account. Building a strong foundation for this kind of organic sharing starts with understanding how to build an app community that promotes itself, creating the perfect environment for user-generated content to flourish naturally.

The trick is making your app naturally shareable. And I mean genuinely making it something people want to talk about, not just slapping a share button everywhere and hoping for the best. Think about what creates that "I need to show this to someone" moment—maybe its a surprising result, a personal achievement, something beautiful they created, or even something funny that happened whilst using your app.

The best user-generated content doesnt feel like marketing because it isnt marketing—its real people sharing experiences they genuinely care about

Build share functionality directly into your core features rather than treating it as an afterthought. When someone completes a workout, finishes a design, beats a level, or achieves something meaningful in your app, thats the exact moment to make sharing effortless. But dont be pushy about it...nobody likes feeling forced to post. Instead, create moments worth sharing and give people the tools to do it easily. The content will follow naturally if you've built something people actually enjoy using.

Working with Influencers and Content Creators

I've worked with apps that spent thousands on influencer campaigns and got nothing, and I've seen apps blow up from a single creator mentioning them organically. The difference? Understanding that influencers aren't just walking billboards—they're content creators with their own audience relationships to protect.

Here's the thing though; most app developers approach influencers completely wrong. They send generic emails asking for a post without understanding what that creator's audience actually cares about. I mean, if you're building a productivity app and you reach out to a gaming YouTuber just because they have a big following, you're wasting everyones time and your budget.

Finding the Right Creators for Your App

Start small. Actually, start really small. Micro-influencers (people with 5,000 to 50,000 followers) often deliver better results than massive accounts because their audiences are more engaged and trust them more. Plus they're more likely to actually use your app and give honest feedback rather than just reading from a script you provide.

Look for creators who already talk about problems your app solves. If you've built a budgeting app, find creators who discuss personal finance, not just any lifestyle influencer. Its about relevance, not reach—though obviously reach matters too once you find the right fit.

How to Approach and Work with Creators

Give creators freedom to present your app in their own style. The best partnerships happen when you provide the app, explain what makes it special, and then let them create content thats authentic to their voice. Sure, you can ask them to highlight specific features, but don't hand them a rigid script.

Payment structures vary wildly but here's what I typically see:

• Flat fee per post (usually £100-£5,000 depending on following and engagement)
• Affiliate deals where they earn commission on downloads or subscriptions
• Free premium access or exclusive features for them and their audience
• Long-term ambassador relationships with monthly retainers
• Product gifting (this works better for physical products than apps, honestly)

Track everything with unique promo codes or custom download links so you know exactly what each creator delivers. I've seen clients continue paying creators who weren't bringing any actual users just because they didn't set up proper tracking from the start. Don't make that mistake—its expensive and you'll never know what's working.

One more thing; genuine relationships matter more than one-off posts. If a creator loves your app and uses it regularly, their audience will notice that authenticity. That's worth more than ten paid posts from someone who clearly downloaded your app five minutes before filming.

Timing Your Posts for Maximum Reach

Right, let me tell you something that might sound obvious but gets ignored all the time—when you post matters just as much as what you post. I've seen brilliant content from our clients get about ten likes because they shared it at 3am on a Tuesday, and I've seen average content perform really well simply because it hit people's feeds at the right moment. Its not rocket science, but you'd be surprised how many app developers treat social media like a fire-and-forget missile.

The thing is, each platform has its own rhythm. Instagram users are most active during lunch breaks and evening commutes;LinkedIn sees peak engagement during work hours (makes sense really);and TikTok? That platform never sleeps, but you'll see better numbers early morning and late evening when people are scrolling in bed. But here's what nobody tells you—your specific audience might behave completely differently from these general patterns. I mean, if your app targets night shift workers or new parents, those "best times" everyone talks about are basically useless to you.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Start by checking your platform analytics. Every major social network shows you when your followers are online. Look at that data over a few weeks and you'll spot patterns. Then test different posting times and track what happens—not just likes, but comments, shares, and actual click-throughs to your app store page. Those are the metrics that matter for getting your app featured organically. Speaking of timing, this approach mirrors what we recommend for optimising email marketing timing – understanding your specific audience behaviour is key to maximising engagement across all channels.

Don't post everything at once. Space your content throughout the day and week so you're regularly appearing in feeds without overwhelming people. Consistency beats frequency every single time.

Platform-Specific Timing

Here's a breakdown based on what I've seen work across hundreds of app launches:

• Facebook: Weekday afternoons (1-3pm) and early evenings work best for app content
• Instagram: Lunch hours (12-1pm) and after work (7-9pm) see the highest engagement
• Twitter: Morning commute (8-9am) and lunch break catch people when they're actively scrolling
• LinkedIn: Tuesday through Thursday mornings (8-10am) reach professionals at their desks
• TikTok: Evening hours (7-11pm) when people are relaxing and more likely to watch longer content

But honestly? Test everything. Your app's audience might break all these rules, and that's fine. The important bit is finding what works for your specific situation and sticking with it long enough to build momentum.

Paid Promotion vs Organic Growth

Right, let's talk about money. Because at some point you're going to wonder whether you should just throw some budget at Facebook ads or Instagram promotions to get your app in front of more people. And look—I get it. Organic growth is slow. It's unpredictable. Some days your posts get amazing engagement and other days its like you're shouting into the void.

But here's the thing; paid promotion and organic growth aren't really competitors. They work best together, and understanding when to use each one is what separates apps that succeed from those that burn through their marketing budget in a few weeks.

When Paid Promotion Actually Makes Sense

Paid ads can be brilliant for specific situations. Launch week? Absolutely worth spending money to get initial traction. Testing different audience segments to see who responds best to your app? That's a smart use of budget. Retargeting people who visited your website but didn't download yet? Yes, do that. The problem is when people think they can just buy their way to success without doing the organic work first. I've seen companies spend thousands on ads that send people to mediocre App Store listings or social profiles with hardly any content—and then they wonder why their conversion rates are terrible.

The Real Value of Organic Growth

Organic growth builds trust in a way paid ads simply cannot. When someone shares your app with their friends, that recommendation carries weight. When a user posts about your app without you asking them to, that's genuine social proof. Plus, organic followers tend to be more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to stick around long-term. The users you gain through organic methods usually have a higher lifetime value than those who came through paid channels. This organic approach also becomes crucial when you need to re-engage users who've stopped using your app – they're more likely to respond to outreach from brands they discovered and trusted organically.

Here's what I tell my clients: use paid promotion to amplify what's already working organically. If a particular post is getting great engagement naturally, put some budget behind it to reach more people. If you've built up a solid base of organic content and followers, paid ads will perform much better because people can see you're legitimate. The two strategies work together—you just need to know which one to lead with.

• Use paid ads during launch periods or special promotions
• Test different audiences and messaging with small budgets first
• Focus organic efforts on building long-term community and trust
• Retarget engaged users who haven't converted yet
• Track your cost per install and compare it to organic acquisition
• Don't rely solely on either method; combine both for best results

Measuring What Actually Works

Right, so you've been posting content, working with creators, and trying everything to get your app featured on social feeds. But here's the thing—none of that matters if you aren't tracking what's actually working. I mean, you could be wasting time on content that nobody cares about whilst ignoring the stuff that people genuinely want to share.

Most app developers I work with make the same mistake; they look at vanity metrics like follower counts or total impressions and think thats success. But honestly? Those numbers don't tell you much. What you really need to track is engagement rate—how many people are actually interacting with your content compared to how many see it. If you've got 10,000 followers but only 50 people engage with your posts, that's a problem. A smaller audience that actually cares about your app is worth way more than a massive following that scrolls past without looking.

The best performing social content for apps isn't always what you expect it to be, which is why testing and measuring everything is so bloody important

What to Actually Track

Focus on click-through rates to your App Store page—that's where the magic happens. Track which posts drive actual downloads, not just likes. Use UTM parameters in your links so you can see exactly which social platform and which specific post brought users to your app. Its a bit technical, but your marketing team should know how to set this up.

Making Sense of the Data

Look for patterns in your best performing content. What time did you post? What format was it (video, image, carousel)? What was the actual message? Once you spot whats working, do more of that and less of everything else. Simple really, but you'd be surprised how many people just keep posting the same stuff without checking if its actually helping them get their app featured or downloaded.

Conclusion

Getting your app featured on social media news feeds isn't some magic trick or secret formula—it's about understanding people and what makes them want to share something with their friends. I've spent years watching apps succeed and fail on social media, and honestly? The ones that make it are usually the ones that solve a real problem or give people something worth talking about.

You know what I've learned? Its not about having the biggest budget or the fanciest marketing team. Sure, those things help, but I've seen apps with tiny budgets absolutely smash it on social media because they understood their audience and created content that resonated. And I've seen companies waste thousands on paid promotion that did basically nothing because they skipped the fundamentals.

The key is consistency—you can't just post once and expect magic to happen. Social media algorithms reward apps that show up regularly, engage with their community, and keep delivering value. But here's the thing: you also need to be patient. Building a genuine social media presence takes time, and thats something a lot of people dont want to hear when they're launching their app.

Start small, test what works for your specific audience, and don't be afraid to try new approaches when something isn't working. Track your metrics so you actually know what's making a difference. And remember that every app is different—what worked brilliantly for someone else might fall completely flat for you, and that's okay.

The apps that succeed on social media are the ones that give people a reason to care. If you can do that, everything else becomes much easier.