In a time when algorithms decide visibility, influencers from small language groups like Slovenian, Czech, or Estonian are fighting an uphill battle. From friendly connections to interest algorithms – we discover why local languages hit a wall and how small markets can go global with a few smart strategies.
Imagine that you are influencer from a small language group – say from Slovenia, the Czech Republic or Estonia – with a loyal audience, but your latest post only reaches a handful of people, as if you were talking in a closed room with no windows. Ironic, isn’t it? Not so long ago, social networks functioned like a friendly club: you saw the content of those you followed and vice versa. Today, however, it’s more like a cold robot that measures every click, every second of viewing and every share. And if your content is not in English? The algorithm simply ignores you, as if you were uninvited to a global party. In this article, we reveal how the world of social networks has changed in 2025 and how creators from small language markets can turn the game to their advantage – with a little humor, a lot of tactics and no illusions about “local charm”.
From social graph to interest graph: The great transformation
Once upon a time, platforms like Instagram based on the social graph: connections between friends and followers that determined what you saw. If you had a loyal audience, your post reached the majority. But in 2025? Forget about it. Algorithms have moved to the interest graph, where they no longer ask “Who are you following?", but "What will keep you on the screen the longest?". According to data from the analysis Hootsuite and algorithm research, artificial intelligence focuses on signals such as watch time, shares in private messages, and interactions that indicate genuine interest.
It's like your smartphone becoming a psychologist: analyzes what stops you from scrolling and rewards content that keeps you engaged. The downside? Small languages like Slovenian, Czech, or Hungarian quickly hit a wall. With a limited number of speakers—often fewer than a few million—the pool of potential interactions is small, and the algorithm concludes that such content is not “globally relevant.” The result: less reach, less engagement, and the feeling that you’re fighting against the wind while English-language creators sail with the wind at their backs.
Why small languages are losing: Platform mathematics
Small language markets like Slovenia, the Czech Republic or Estonia are inherently limited, and this is reflected in social media. Studies on non-English creators reveal a major challenge: a limited audience means fewer likes, comments and shares, which are key signals for the algorithm. In 2025, Instagram is emphasizing “watch time” – time spent on your content – and shares via direct messages, which signal real value. If you post in a small language, you reach the ceiling faster: fewer interactions mean the algorithm pushes you down, as if to say “This is not for the wider world”.
Worse, AI favors content that crosses borders—if it sees engagement from multiple countries, it pushes it out more widely. English, which is understood by nearly two billion people, has a huge advantage here. Creators from small groups often report a drop in reach, not because of poor quality, but because of the “physics of the platform”: fewer signals means less visibility. Ironically, your best video may remain hidden in a local bubble while some global meme goes viral across the planet.
Platforms They use AI to analyze language and create transcriptions of text or speech in videos; if it detects that the text is in Slovenian or another small language, it will often not give it to the global population, but rather limit it to a local audience, unless the signals are exceptionally strong or you take advantage of new AI translations for wider reach. Ironically, your best video can remain hidden in a local bubble while some global meme goes viral across the planet.
On the other hand, your localized content, competes with global content – especially English, which is understood by most. In other words. The most successful global content that keeps people glued to the screen competes with your content. Hence the drop in publication reach.
How to Go Global: A Guide for Influencers from Small Language Groups 2025-2026
Don't give up - here's a practical guide to help you taken from the local pool to the ocean world. It's based on research advice on multilingual strategies and practices of successful creators. Let's start with the basics.
In which language to write: English as the key to success
Start with English – not because it is “better”, but because it opens doors. Research shows that non-English-speaking creators reach up to ten times greater reach with English posts. Don't be afraid to mix it up: use bilingual captions where the local language retains the local audience and the English attracts the global. Tip: Use translation tools, but check with native speakers to make sure it doesn't sound machine-generated.
Which formats make sense: Reels and Stories in first place
V 2025 yearse Instagram has doubled the power of short videos: formats under 180 seconds with original audio and no watermarks are gold. Create content that stops scrolling – with “hooks” in the first three seconds, such as questions or surprises. Stories? Post often, but not too much: up to five slides with interactive elements, such as polls or questions, to increase engagement. Carousels are still strong for save-worthy content, such as tips or infographics.
How to write for an algorithm: Engagement is king
Write captionsthat invite interaction: questions, calls to share, or controversial statements. Add 5–10 niche tags for better visibility. Optimize for search: keywords in bio, alt text, and captions. And don't forget analytics – track watch time and adjust.
Transitioning from local to global market: Step by step
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- Start local, think global: Create text-free visual content that is universal – humor, dance, or trends.
- Collaborate: Use collaborations to partner with English creators.
- Survive a drop in reach: Test with test posts and reset recommendations if visibility drops.
- Spread the word: Move to TikTok or YouTube for a bigger pool.
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Conclusion: Time to upgrade your team
Influencers from small language groups, it’s time to turn the algorithm to your advantage. With English, smart formats, and a focus on engagement, you can go from local hero to global superstar. Ironically, the platform that “hid” you can now open up the world to you—if you play by its rules. Take your team to the next level and get started today. Who knows, your next post might go viral around the world.
