---
title: "Overwhelm the algorithm"
description: "Volume first, refine second. 80% of the way five times a day over 100% three times a week."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/playbooks/distribution/overwhelm-the-algorithm/
updated: 2026-10-25
---

# Overwhelm the algorithm

> Volume first, refine second. 80% of the way five times a day over 100% three times a week.

Playbook 4, Distribution. Animation: /playbooks/distribution/overwhelm-the-algorithm.mp4

My whole strategy is overwhelming the algorithm. Shots on goal. I'd rather you hit 80% of the way five times a day than be stuck on 100% three times a week. Over a quarter, three a week is 39 videos. Three a day is 273. That's how Sam Stoffel went from 0 to 500,000 followers in 10 months.

## How do I use it?

1. Lower the bar to 80% and raise the number of posts.
2. Repurpose every winner into carousels, fake tweets and other platforms before filming more.
3. Batch shoot so one day feeds the whole week.
4. Refine once the volume is steady and the signals show what to keep.

## In his words

> To gain momentum on social media, you need to overwhelm the algorithm.

> Tom Sharman, 2026

## Questions

### What does "Overwhelm the algorithm" mean?

Overwhelm the algorithm. Every post is a shot on goal, and 80% of the way five times a day will always out-learn 100% three times a week.

### How do I put "Overwhelm the algorithm" into practice?

Lower the bar to 80% and raise the number of posts. Repurpose every winner into carousels, fake tweets and other platforms before filming more. Batch shoot so one day feeds the whole week.

### Why does "Overwhelm the algorithm" matter?

My whole strategy is overwhelming the algorithm. Shots on goal.