Optimization is the operation of finding the most appropriate solution for a particular problem or set of problems. In the literature, there are many population-based optimization algorithms for solving optimization problems. Each of these algorithms has different characteristics. Although optimization algorithms give optimum results on some problems, they become insufficient to give optimum results as the problem gets harder and more complex. Many studies have been carried out to improve optimization algorithms to overcome these difficulties in recent years. In this study, six well-known population-based optimization algorithms (artificial algae algorithm - AAA, artificial bee colony algorithm - ABC, differential evolution algorithm - DE, genetic algorithm - GA, gravitational search algorithm - GSA, and particle swarm optimization - PSO) were used. Each of these algorithms has its own advantages and disadvantages. These population-based six algorithms were tested on CEC’17 test functions and their performances were examined and so the characteristics of the algorithms were determined. Based on these results, hierarchical approaches have been proposed in order to combine the advantages of algorithms and achieve better results. The hierarchical approach refers to the successful operation of algorithms. In this study, eight approaches were proposed, and performance evaluations of these structures were made on CEC’17 test functions. When the experimental results are examined, it is concluded that some hierarchical approaches can be applied, and some hierarchical approaches surpass the base states of the algorithms.