How realistic is it to get backlinks by posting quality content?

From what I’ve seen, even great content doesn’t get links on its own, you have to actively share it and connect with others.

Unless you're an authority in your niche, and you report the information first, or among the first few.

It's not realistic to try to get backlinks solely from publishing quality content.

It's realistic, but slow. Quality content can earn backlinks naturally, especially if it's unique or data-driven, but it usually needs promotion(outreach, sharing, visibility) to get noticed. Content alone rarely attracts links on autopilot.

Getting backlinks by posting quality content is very realistic, but it takes time. If your content is helpful, unique and well researched, other sites are more likely to reference it naturally.
It's one of the safest way to earn links because the backlinks come organically, without spammy tactics, and also build long term authority for your site.