How We Research and Write Platform Guides

Every specific claim in our platform guides has a source behind it. This page explains what we use, how we decide what belongs in a guide, and when we update.

What We Use as Sources

Platform documentation and official announcements
When TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn publishes algorithm documentation, creator guidelines, or policy changes, we read it and incorporate it. First-party sources are always prioritized over third-party summaries.

Independent algorithm studies
We track published research from sources including Metricool’s benchmark reports, Sprout Social’s annual Social Index, Hootsuite’s Digital Trends reports, Backlinko’s content studies, and independent creators who run controlled content experiments and publish their data publicly.

Creator case studies
We follow practitioners who share specific, verifiable data about what’s working on their accounts — engagement rates, reach numbers, monetization figures. Where we cite these, we link to the original source.

Aggregated usage and demographic data
For user numbers, demographic breakdowns, and behavioral data, we use DataReportal’s Global Digital Reports, Statista, Similarweb, and figures published directly by platforms in their own business and press materials.

Direct testing and experience
Where we have first-hand experience with a platform, we include it. Where we don’t, we rely on practitioner sources and are transparent about that distinction.

How We Decide What to Include

Our filter for every section in every guide is this question: Would this change what a beginner does in their first 90 days on this platform?

If yes, it goes in. If not, it doesn’t.

We cut what’s already covered in the platform’s own help documentation. We cut what’s too advanced for someone getting started. We cut advice we haven’t seen work in practice, even if it appears in other guides.

We also try to make a judgment where a judgment is warranted. If a platform is genuinely not worth a beginner’s time for a particular type of business, we say so. Neutral summaries that avoid taking a position aren’t useful to someone who needs to decide where to spend their time.

Our Update Policy

We update platform guides when:

A major algorithm change is announced or confirmed by the platform
Key platform metrics — user numbers, engagement benchmarks, monetization thresholds — shift significantly
Monetization options or eligibility requirements change
A significant section of a guide is no longer accurate based on current data

We do not update guides on a publishing schedule. “Last reviewed: March 2026” means we have reviewed the guide against current data and standards — not that we’ve made cosmetic edits to hit a publication date.

Every platform guide shows the date of its last review near the top of the page.

What We Don’t Do

No platform pays for placement or influences assessments. Our platform health assessments, “who should skip this” sections, and recommendations are entirely independent.

Affiliate links appear on the Recommended Tools page and on platform guide pages where specific tools are recommended in context. Each of those pages includes a brief disclosure notice. See the full Affiliate Disclosure for a complete list of affiliate partners.

We don’t have access to private platform data or insider APIs. Everything we cite is from publicly available sources.

We don’t accept guest posts that include affiliate links or promotional content. Guest contributions to the blog are evaluated on editorial merit only.

On Accuracy and Corrections

Social media platforms change fast. Algorithm updates happen without public announcements. Monetization thresholds change. What worked in early 2025 may not work the same way by the end of 2026.

We do our best to keep guides current, but we’re not infallible. If you find information in one of our guides that appears to be inaccurate or outdated, please contact us. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate and update promptly.

This methodology page was last updated March 2026.