Is the "algorithm" actually real for Social Media?

This is a bit of an controversial topic when it comes to social media. I hear so many different opinions, strategies, tips, techniques, hacks from a lot of different content creators when it comes to Social Media, especially Instagram. Everyone has their own way in which has worked for them which has made them believe that's how the algorithm is. However, is this actually true? Do you guys believe the algorithm has 1 strict way it pushes out content? Or do you have your own personal experience when it came to posting on Social Media and how you have done certain things that have boosted your video performance?