130+ Social Media Acronyms Every Marketer Should Know

Studying a brand new language isn’t straightforward, and there’s sadly no Duolingo Owl for social media acronyms (Duo, in the event you’re studying this, I’m completely going to apply my Japanese later, please cease texting me). However correct, intelligent use of web abbreviations is a part of a profitable social media technique — so in case your model is utilizing social media for enterprise, you’re going to need to research up.
Improper use of acronyms on-line could be complicated at finest and embarrassing at worst. You don’t need your organization to sound like somebody’s nice aunt Margy:
Shoutout to my nice aunt Margy, who thinks that «lol» means «a number of love» and has simply managed to completely confuse an entire bunch of bereaved relations.
— Brian Carey (@CareyBrian) June 20, 2022
So we’ve put collectively the final word information to social media acronyms. Learn on for a crash course in web lingo.
Bonus: Get a free social media strategy template to quickly and easily plan your own strategy. Also use it to track results and present the plan to your boss, teammates, and clients.
Network-specific abbreviations
Network names
FB: Facebook
G+: Google +
IG: Instagram
LI: LinkedIn
TW: Twitter
YT: YouTube
DM: Direct message
This is a private form of communication, seen only between the sender and the recipient. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, users can “slide into” someone’s DMs by sending a private message.
MT: Modified Tweet
Tweets that begin with MT indicate that the Tweeter has edited the content they’re retweeting for brevity or other reasons. This is also called a Quote Tweet.
PM: Private message
Private messages are the same as direct messages. If someone asks you to PM them, they’re essentially asking to move a public conversation into the private realm.
PRT: Partial Retweet
This is very similar to a RT, but is used to show that you’re only quoting part of what the other Twitter user said originally. Maybe you’re condensing to save space for your own commentary, for example.
RT: Retweet
Instead of hitting the retweet button, or retweeting with a comment, some Twitter users repost a tweet and use “RT” plus the user’s handle for attribution.
AFAIK: As far as I know
Used when sharing facts or stating something that you believe to be true, but typing AFAIK shows that you aren’t completely sure. You’re not an expert, after all.
AKA: Also known as
This is a useful abbreviation when referring to folks who literally go by two names (Stefani Germanotta AKA Lady Gaga) or referencing a common nickname (Simone Biles aka the GOAT). Also, see “GOAT.”
‘Afro Art’ is a series of portraits celebrating the beauty and versatility of Black hair inspired by Baroque period artworks, by Kahran Bethencourt (and partner Regis) aka Creative Soul #WomensArt pic.twitter.com/WY1seCRvqn
— #WOMENSART (@womensart1) June 11, 2022
AMA: Ask me something
AMAs are social question-and-answer periods. Firms, influencers, model representatives and on a regular basis of us would possibly put up AMAs on Twitter, Reddit, or in a Fb or Instagram stay stream.
ASAP: As quickly as doable
For while you want one thing, proper now.
BRB: Be proper again
This is likely one of the authentic social media abbreviations, first used within the late Nineteen Eighties or early Nineteen Nineties. It’s from the chat discussion board period, however finds its approach again on social when the best event requires it.
BTS: Behind the scenes
Nope, not the Korean boy band. This abbreviation is used to supply followers a behind-the-scenes take a look at your model.
@balletexcelohio Peter Pan ✨magic✨ #bts #peterpan #flying #balletflex #behindthescenes #fyp
BTW: By the best way
This social media acronym is used so as to add additional information, go on a tangent, or throw some shade.
CMV: Change my view
You’re sharing an opinion, however are conscious that your opinion is perhaps flawed. You’re open to having a civil dialog. In actual fact, there’s a whole subreddit devoted to CMV discussions.
Supply: Reddit
DYK: Do you know
Do you know the DYK abbreviation is a good way to share a enjoyable truth along with your social media viewers? Write in your social media caption or embrace it as a hashtag.
In the present day is Day 5 of #SeaTurtleWeek and it is all in regards to the loggerhead turtle! #DYK that loggerheads are the commonest nesting turtle that we doc in Broward County? Every year, our workforce with the @BrowardCTurtles marks over 2,000 loggerhead nests on our seashores!
📷: Okay.Kilfoyle pic.twitter.com/hxlJKQNseg
— Broward County Setting (@BrowardEnv) June 12, 2022
ELI5: Clarify (it to me) like I’m 5
This social media abbreviation is standard on Reddit, and is a solution to request a easy rationalization for a fancy subject or idea.
FBF: Flashback Friday
A solution to throw it again to the previous on a Friday.
FOMO: Concern of lacking out
In case you haven’t heard of FOMO, you’ve been lacking out. This social-bred phobia expresses the nervousness of absence. For the homebodies there’s the antonym acronym JOMO, which suggests Pleasure of Lacking Out.
having some coachella fomo fairly arduous rn pic.twitter.com/pvik7lqalT
— Jordan Doww (@JordanDoww) April 16, 2022
FTW: For the win
A typically honest, typically sarcastic, typically full-of-genuine-excitement acclamation. (And on the opposite aspect of the coin, FTL means for the loss.)
FWIW: For what it’s price
This social media acronym is usually used to specific one’s opinion, however in a approach that isn’t impolite or overbearing. It reveals you’re not deliberately making an attempt to name somebody out in the event that they share one thing you don’t suppose is right. You’ll most frequently discover this on Twitter or message boards.
FYI: To your info
This social media acronym is an informative abbreviation, typically delivered with a touch of sass.
H/T: Hat tip
Typically simply HT, a hat tip is a digital nod that credit an authentic supply for intel or a picture. It will possibly additionally stand for heard via.
ICYMI: In case you missed it
A solution to spotlight content material or information which may have been missed within the eternal blitz that’s social media.
IMO/IMHO: For my part / In my humble opinion
A disclaimer that somebody is sharing their opinion, not information, about one thing. Opinions are divided on whether or not the H stands for humble or sincere.
IRL: In actual life
IRL is used to tell apart when one thing occurs in actuality, not on social media, in video games or wherever else on the web.
JSYK: Simply so
This acronym is used when delivering helpful information.
Jsyk full moon in 3 days!! On Tuesday the 14th!!! pic.twitter.com/duJeKpQcbP
— Spiky-Toad✩°̥࿐ (@PiperMad_duck) June 11, 2022
LMK: Let me know
When somebody makes use of this social media abbreviation, they’re ready for suggestions or info. Creators will usually add “LMK if this helps!” after sharing recommendation.
MFW: My face when
This acronym is at all times accompanied with a picture that represents a facial features. It’s used each positively and negatively (for instance, “MFW I discover $50 in my outdated pants” or “MFW my sister finds $50 within the outdated pants I simply gave her).
Supply: Reddit
NBD: No massive deal
Typically used as a humble brag for one thing that’s really an enormous deal for the author of the social put up.
NP: No downside
A really chill response (no matter whether or not it was really an issue).
NSFW: Not protected for work
This one is actually not protected for work. Suppose twice earlier than utilizing it — and sharing any NSFW content material — on a company account.
NYT: Identify your commerce
Utilized in teams and boards the place exchanges are made. Has misled many to imagine The New York Occasions is in very excessive demand.
OC: Unique content material
One other approach of exhibiting that you’re sharing your individual content material, not another person’s concepts or phrases. Mainly the other of RT. For instance, sharing a photograph over Twitter that you simply took can be OC. Sharing another person’s photograph wouldn’t.
WFH: Working from dwelling
Unsurprisingly, this acronym gained loads of traction throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically utilized in on-line chats with colleagues, however this may be helpful for social media as nicely.
SMH: Shaking my head
For the instances when it’s obligatory individuals know that you simply’re unimpressed or incredulous, and presumably actually shaking your head behind that display.
TBH: To be sincere
Very like IMO, this social media abbreviation is used to indicate vulnerability, as a humble flex, to share an opinion or present you agree or disagree with one thing.
TBT: Throwback Thursday
Like FBF, that is one other social media-designated day of nostalgia.
TFTF: Thanks for the comply with
Twitter slang. This social media abbreviation is a solution to work together in a constructive approach with somebody who just lately began following you on social.
TFW: That feeling when
Precedes an usually relatable expertise, and is normally accompanied by a meme.
Supply: Reddit
TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday
As a result of everyone’s working for the weekend.
TL;DR: Too lengthy; Didn’t learn
Often used to supply a pithy abstract on one thing too prolonged for Web consideration spans. Or it’s the abstract typed out earlier than or after the lengthy rationalization, type of just like the Coles Notes model of a social media caption.
WBW: Wayback Wednesday
Wayback Wednesday takes a visit down reminiscence lane on hump day.
WCW: Lady crush Wednesday
A day of the week to rejoice a self-identifying girl, normally on Instagram, for no matter motive! There’s additionally MCM: Man Crush Monday. WCW can be utilized in a caption or as a hashtag.
In the present day’s #WCW is the immensely proficient @Khosi_Ngema_ . She performs Fikile Bhele on Netflix’s collection Blood & Water (in the event you haven’t watched season 1, RUN DON’T WALK! Season 2 simply began, and we’re already deep). Khosi is barely 21 years outdated and is already killing the sport. pic.twitter.com/QjGgWPBUXa
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 29, 2021
B2B: Enterprise to enterprise
Shorthand for a corporation that provides services or products for companies (fairly than people).
B2C: Enterprise to shopper
Describes an organization that provides services or products on to prospects.
CMGR: Group supervisor
Group managers domesticate a model’s relationships on social media. To not be confused with social media managers, neighborhood managers have interaction and nurture the corporate’s neighborhood.
CTA: Name to motion
A name to motion is a verbal, written, or visible immediate. It provides individuals a directive on what to do subsequent, whether or not that’s “Enroll,” “Subscribe,” or “Name us in the present day.”
Useful resource: Here’s how to write an effective CTA.
EOD: Finish of day
Often to indicate a deadline. For instance, “Please get this report again to me by EOD Monday.”
EOW: Finish of week
Identical as above, however for the top of the week (TGIF).
EM: E-mail me
There’s no have to schedule one other Zoom assembly. This may be discovered in writing.
ETA: Estimated Time Of Arrival
The abbreviation used when guessing when a deliverable is due. For instance, “What’s the ETA on that weblog put up we’re ready on?”
F2F: Nose to nose
This acronym is used when wanting to rearrange an in-person assembly. For instance, “Somewhat than one other Zoom assembly, let’s schedule one thing F2F.”
IAM: In a gathering
An abbreviation to indicate that now will not be the best time for a cellphone name or an countless barrage of textual content messages. You’re busy!
ISO: Looking for
Typically utilized in boards and teams the place issues are solicited, bought, or exchanged.
Supply: Fb
IT: Data expertise
The division you’ll need to name while you’re having technical difficulties (after you strive turning it on and off once more).
KPI: Key efficiency indicator
A key efficiency indicator is a measure that tracks how successfully an organization is carrying out its targets.
Useful resource: These are the KPIs to track in order to measure your brand’s success.
MoM: Month over month
Used to indicate progress or quantitative adjustments occurring every 4 weeks. Generally used for adjustments in income, lively customers, web page views or signal ups. There’s additionally YoY: 12 months over yr. This measures the identical quantitative metrics, however evaluating knowledge over 12 months as a substitute of 4 weeks.
OOO: Out of workplace
Often included in an automatic e mail, scheduled to be despatched when somebody is aware of they are going to be away from the workplace on vacation, touring for work, or in an prolonged workshop. For instance, “I’ll attempt to get again to you by Monday as I will likely be OOO for the subsequent three days on trip.”
P/E: Worth to earnings
A ratio or metric usually utilized by buyers and enterprise analysts to find out the worth of an organization.
ROI: Return on funding
ROI measures how a lot revenue is delivered for given company initiatives. ROI is likely one of the most typical methods companies assess the success of campaigns and ventures.
Useful resource: Learn how to track and improve your social media ROI.
SEM: Search engine advertising
Search engine advertising is a technique of promoting on the Web. It includes buying adverts on search engines like google and yahoo to extend web site site visitors.
search engine marketing: SEO
SEO goals to enhance natural search engine outcomes and enhance the visibility of content material on the net.
Useful resource: Does social media impact SEO? We let you know here.
SERP: Search engine outcomes web page
These are the paid and natural web page outcomes which can be displayed by a search engine after a person performs a search.
SMART (targets): particular, measurable, attainable, related, well timed
A standard enterprise acronym utilized in goal-setting. It reminds the individual setting the targets to create ones that may be tracked and really achieved.
Useful resource: Here’s how to set SMART goals to arrange your model for social media success.
SMB: Small and midsize companies
Small companies are companies with lower than 50 workers. Midsize (or medium-sized) companies usually have lower than 250. In addition they are typically known as small and midsize enterprises (SMEs).
Useful resource: Is your model a small enterprise? Here are some tips to help you with your social media strategy.
SMM: Social media advertising
The apply of accelerating model consciousness and consideration on social media, with the target of constructing relationships and producing leads.
SMO: Social media optimization
Social media optimization ensures using the suitable platforms for model advertising. It’s similar to SMM.
SoLoMo: Social, native, cellular
Social, native, cellular describes the convergence of cellular and domestically focused social media marketing that’s grown in reputation due to geo-location expertise.
SRP: Social relationship platform
An SRP is a centralized platform that makes use of enterprise-grade expertise to permit corporations to publish on a number of social media websites, in addition to monitor, reasonable, and analyze.
Useful resource: In case you’re in search of an instance of an SRP, look no additional. Hootsuite is a social relationship platform and right here’s how one can use it.
TBD: To Be determined/decided
Use this acronym when the knowledge you want isn’t recognized but, as in “Cake for Alyssa’s birthday on Thursday! Flavour TBD.”
TOS: Phrases of service
Phrases of service are the authorized guidelines customers conform to comply with to make use of a social platform.
UGC: Person-generated content material
Person-generated content material refers to any content material, together with posts, pictures, or movies, created by customers of a platform fairly than a model.
WOM: Phrase of mouth
Phrase-of-mouth advertising refers back to the viral passing of brand name dialog on-line via the lively encouragement of an organization.
API: Software programming interface
An API is a set of instruments, definitions, and protocols that permits software program builders to backend one system with one other. As an example, Google Maps has APIs obtainable for net browser and app integration in order that completely different corporations can combine map expertise.
CMS: Content material administration system
A content material administration system is a platform that hosts the creation and administration of digital content material. Widespread content material administration techniques embrace WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
CPC: Value per click on
The value an advertiser pays for every click on earned on a marketing campaign.
CR: Conversion fee
The conversion fee measures the proportion of people that have taken an motion in your marketing campaign similar to views, registrations, downloads, purchases. Conversions are a key metric with regards to calculating ROI.
CRO: Conversion fee optimization
Measures taken to enhance conversions.
CTR: Click on-through fee
A click-through fee represents the proportion of people that click on on a hyperlink after being offered with the choice.
CX: Buyer expertise
Buyer expertise refers back to the relationship a buyer has with an organization via numerous interactions and touchpoints. Mapping out the shopper journey is an efficient approach to make sure a buyer can have a great expertise along with your firm.
ESP: E-mail service supplier
In easy phrases, an ESP is a third-party firm that provides e mail providers, similar to publication deployment or advertising campaigns. Widespread corporations embrace MailChimp, Fixed Contact, and Drip.
FTP: File transport protocol
A approach of transferring recordsdata or copying recordsdata between computer systems. Typically used for file switch between a server on a community and a shopper’s laptop. This is likely one of the best methods of transferring recordsdata — and likewise the oldest, because it was happening within the pre-internet period.
GA: Google Analytics
Google Analytics is an analytics platform for web sites. It permits entrepreneurs to trace web site guests, referrals, bounce charges, and extra.
Useful resource: We tell you how to set up Google Analytics and use it to track your brand’s social media success.
IM: On the spot messaging
Sending a typed message to another person’s laptop instantly. For instance, you’ll be able to ship an IM over Slack, Google’s Hangout Conversations or Skype chat.
OS: Working system
The software program that runs a pc, pill or smartphone. For instance, while you get a notification in your iPhone to replace to iOS 16, you’re updating the OS that runs your cellphone.
PV: Web page views
Web page views is a tally of what number of guests have landed on a given net web page. Total web page views stats usually tracked alongside distinctive web page views.
RSS: Wealthy web site abstract
RSS, typically referred to as Actually Easy Syndication, is a format for syndicating net content material. (Meaning content material from one web site is made obtainable for one more web site.) Podcasts, blogs, and publishers depend on RSS feeds to share their content material with a large viewers.
Useful resource: Try the Hootsuite Syndicator.
Saas: Software program as a Service
Software program as a service refers to cloud-based functions which can be obtainable to prospects over the Web. It’s typically often known as “on-demand software program” or software program plus providers.” Examples embrace e mail and calendar apps, and Hootsuite.
SOV: Share of voice
Share of voice measures the quantity of publicity an organization owns in comparison with its rivals. Social share of voice, alternatively, measures model publicity based mostly on social dialog about an organization.
UI: Person interface
The visible a part of a system that’s been designed for finish customers. Mainly, it’s the place people and machines meet.
URL: Uniform useful resource locator
A URL is the worldwide net tackle of an internet site or web page. This weblog put up’s URL is https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-acronyms-marketers-know/.
UV: Distinctive views
Distinctive views are the variety of particular person viewers of a web page, video, or picture. For instance, if a single person reads a narrative on an internet site 10 instances, it’ll register as 10 web page views and one distinctive view.
UX: Person expertise
In digital design, person expertise examines how successfully individuals interface with techniques similar to web sites or functions. Good UX goals to know customers’ values, wants, talents, and boundaries.
VPN: Digital non-public community
A personal community that provides the person anonymity when utilizing the web by providing an encrypted connection, versus being on a public community. A VPN is perhaps used to guard the person from hackers or spy ware.
Gen Z has a spending power estimated at over $143 billion — that’s some huge cash. And Gen Z’ers are recognized for aligning their spending with their values, so now’s the time to be #relatable. Right here’s the abbreviations Gen Z is utilizing proper now.
411: Data
In case you’ve obtained the 411, what’s up.
AF: As f–––
An addition for emphasis, i.e. I’m hungry AF.
«who obtained you smiling?» me im humorous af
— Noah ✵ (@noahdonotcare) June 10, 2022
AFK: Away from keyboard
Used to let others know there is perhaps a little bit of a delay in replying to their message as a result of, nicely, you aren’t at your keyboard proper now or are at present offline.
BAE: Earlier than anybody else
Affectionate time period for somebody’s pal, crush or companion.
BC: As a result of
‘Trigger BC is simply simpler.
BFF: Greatest pals endlessly
An acronym that reveals somebody is a very, actually shut pal. Like, the most effective.
FFS: For f–––‘s sake
Simply complete exasperation.
FML: F––– my life
Typically used earlier than or after an unlucky anecdote.
Supply: Reddit
GOAT: Best of all time
This social media acronym acknowledges the easiest of their discipline. Not everybody will get to be a GOAT. For instance, Simone Biles is the gymnastics GOAT.
HMU: Hit me up
Name me, get in contact, slide into my DMs, and so on.
IDK: I don’t know
In case you don’t know what this implies, IDK how that will help you.
idk what anxious individual wants to listen to this however remind your self that you’re nonetheless beloved even when ppl are upset with you.
— Kemi Marie (@kemimarie) June 13, 2022
IDGI: I don’t get it
An acronym used to specific confusion.
ILY: I really like you
Typically additionally written as ILU. Additionally acceptable are hearts and blow-kiss emojis.
JK: Simply kidding
A useful add-on for when the joke’s not apparent.
JTM: Simply the messenger
Shorthand to point that you simply’re not the supply of the information you’re sharing. Typically utilized in teams and message boards.
KK: Okay
A approach of claiming, “cool” or “all good” or “I obtained it.” However while you kind KK, you’re exhibiting that you simply’re chill about that call. You’re informal.
LOL: Laughing out loud
As a result of we are able to’t hear your laughter on the Web.
LOML: Love of my life
One other shorthand time period of affection (used principally in platonic and romantic relationships—don’t use it along with your boss).
LMAO: Laughing my a–– off
For when laughing usually doesn’t lower it. Or when one thing is admittedly humorous.
Lmao I’m obsessive about my cat. Why does she seem like this? pic.twitter.com/foA043lCja
— Jillian Suh-Kurovski (@BugsOrBust) June 13, 2022
MRW: My response when
A social media acronym that’s most frequently paired with a picture or GIF to indicate the way you’re feeling about one thing.
NVM: Nevermind
Simply neglect about it.
nvm i nearly obtained bit by a snake https://t.co/Xks2xhT4kD
— Neon Genesis Martellegram (@martellegram) June 13, 2022
Obvs: Clearly
Obvi can also be used, obvs.
OH: Overheard
Precedes a direct quote or paraphrase picked up from eavesdropping.
OMG: Oh my God
Or “Oh my goodness” additionally works.
OMW: On my approach
An abbreviation to make use of while you’re assembly up with somebody, or simply expressing being on the transfer basically.
i feel it’s a cry in my automotive to phoebe bridgers omw dwelling from work kinda day
— yerba mate fanatic (@staticbuzzzz) June 26, 2022
Pls: Please
Please, sans vowels.
POV: Viewpoint
This acronym has been round a very long time, but it surely’s blown up particularly on TikTok: creators usually deal with the digital camera as if it’s an individual, giving viewers that individual’s standpoint.
@cryingwithpancakes I’ll get the display fastened quickly after these payments 🥲 #pov
PSA: Public service announcement
A solution to broadcast a message thought of priceless to most of the people.
RN: Proper now
An actual-time temper, i.e. “So hungry RN.” You can too ask somebody WYD RN? (Translation: What are you doing proper now?)
ROFL: Rolling on the ground laughing
A full diploma above LMAO.
SRSLY: Critically
For critical incredulity.
TMI: An excessive amount of info
Used earlier than offering an excessive amount of info (i.e. “this can be TMI, however…”). Or to inform somebody they’ve: “That’s gross! TMI!”
TTKU: Attempt to sustain
Typically utilized in a sassy solution to name somebody out once they’re not fairly quick sufficient to know a joke or a truth.
TY: Thanks
Or thx.
WBU: What about you
“I’m doing nice, WBU?”
WDYM: What do you imply
An abbreviation to indicate you don’t completely get what’s occurring proper now. You want somebody to make clear for you.
WTF: What the f–––
Critically, WTF. Additionally could be shortened to only TF.
YOLO: You solely stay as soon as
Just a few years in the past, YOLO was used lots to indicate that you simply’re dwelling your finest life. Now, in true Gen Z type, it’s principally utilized in an ironic approach—it’s cringey.
@ohlookits1111 #slay #yolo #cringe #genz #millennial #zillennial #bikeride #colonialparkway #jamestownva #williamsburgva #virginia #heyya #slayya
YW: You’re welcome
Don’t point out it, utilizing solely as many letters as obligatory.
Grasp these acronyms and your model will likely be one step nearer to social media success.
(It’s all a part of developing an effective strategy).
Alright of us, class is formally dismissed. For now. Get your self a snack, you’ve been working arduous AF.
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