TikTok Slang Businesses Need to Know
Have you ever scrolled through TikTok and didn’t understand what people are talking about? You’re not alone.
TikTok has developed its own slang and adopted numerous slang words and phrases that many users don’t know or understand or may not be familiar with.
In this article, we will go over some of the most common words, as well as ones that are most confusing for those who aren’t already using TikTok.
Table of Contents
- How TikTok Slang Goes Viral
- How Businesses Can Benefit from TikTok Slang
- Popular TikTok Slang Terms
- 15 TikTok Facts and Stats
- 5 ways to fuel a strong TikTok SEO strategy
How TikTok Slang Goes Viral
Essentially, a term is used in a way that draws attention. If it’s funny or interesting enough, people start sharing it and re-use it. Sometimes, a single meme or joke can unleash a popular new slang term. Once a post gains traction, social media algorithms reward that with even more publicity, creating the viral effect.
For more information on how to make money on TikTok (strategies for business) – please click HERE.
How Businesses Can Benefit from TikTok Slang
Social media is becoming an ever more significant part of marketing.
Addictive social media platforms capture so much consumer attention that they deserve business attention too. However, in order to market your business effectively, you need to speak to your potential customers in a relatable way they can understand. That means you must know the current lingo of what to say and more importantly what NOT to say when using the platform, especially with young people.
If it’s applicable to your brand, take advantage of viral formats. Trends do change, but the money is in taking advantage of the trend while it’s hot. This enables you to benefit from viral marketing.
Read more about how to grow your business using TikTok ads HERE.
Popular TikTok Slang Terms
@yellowheadinc♬ Drake Over Strings Version – STRINGS FROM PARIS
1. POV
This slags short stand for “Point of View”
The hashtag “#POV” is one of the most used on the platform. It is often used to signal a video where the creator is pretending to be someone else or putting the viewer in a specific scenario and explaining his point of view.
It’s a great signal that you’re presenting from a unique first-person point of view.
For example, you can show your product in use from the point of view of the user.
2. SMH
This acronym for “shaking my head” is one of the older slang terms used across many social media platforms. It is used to signal shame and to express disappointment or frustration, often directed at the content of a TikTok video.
Example: “SMH, that’s not cool, dude.”
3. Crop
“Crop” refers to the process of trimming or cutting down a video to make it shorter or more focused.
If you see a “Crop?” comment on your TikTok post, it may suggest you have an issue with the crop on your image or video. For example, the TikTok buttons may be obstructing the view of your video.
Ideally, any viewer should be able to see your TikTok videos clearly, without missing any important details.
4. Pushing P
To be “Pushing P” is to be keeping it “player” aka. keeping it real.
You will often see the letter “P” on its own on TikTok. To be “P” is to maintain authenticity and integrity. To be “not P” is to do the opposite.
As one famous Tweet from @1GunnaGunna explains it:
5. W
W stands for “Winning”.
Conversely, L stands for “Losing”.
For example, if a TikTok video is wholesome and portrays people enjoying a moment, you may see a capital “W” in the comments. It is a congratulation of sorts.
6. Pinned
“Pinned” is a comment or post that has been pinned to the top of a TikTok video or user profile.
Pinned videos are displayed more prominently on a user’s profile. Likewise, stickers can also be pinned.
Pinning any piece of content essentially means that it’s being highlighted. The content is pinned to make it more prominent. Often, creators will pin the most relevant or engaging comments.
Brands and Businesses can use this in order to highlight popular comments they received in order to generate high engagement.
7. Sheesh
Much like you would hear in person, “Sheesh” is an expression of shock or exasperation. The more e’s in the “Sheeeesh”, the more exasperated the commenter is trying to be.
The hashtag #Sheesh has hundreds of millions of views on TikTok and it is usually used in reaction videos and memes.
8. FYP
FYP stands for the “For You Page”.
The FYP is similar to Instagram’s “Explore” page. It’s a section of TikTok where users can discover new content based on suggestions for content that may be appealing to them.
The hashtags #FYP is used by creators to encourage the algorithm to feature a video on the FYP.
Many creators put the hashtag #fyp in the hopes it will attain the coveted status for real.
9. IB
IB stands for “Inspired By”. It will often be accompanied by an @ tag to credit the original creator.
Example: “IB @ElizabethSmith”
10. CEO
This still means Chief Executive Officer, but in TikTok it is used in a new and more creative way.
Saying someone is the “CEO” of something means they are the absolute THE BEST at it.
for example a follower commenting on a beauty influencer “You are the literal CEO of contouring”
15 TikTok Facts and Stats
To highlight exactly why it is so important in the advertising world today, we have compiled 15 of the most important TikTok facts and key TikTok stats. You can find HERE all you need to know.
5 ways to fuel a strong TikTok SEO strategy
The TikTok algorithm is a complex system designed to serve users content based on what it believes to be highly interesting to them. Read more about this HERE.
If you want yellowHEAD to optimize your TikTok campaigns, keep you up to date with TikTok slang and trends – contact us today for a FREE TikTok consultation.
*Originally written by Michelle Malka Grossman Marx
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