Ultimate Social Media Glossary You Need

In today’s digital age, social media marketing has become essential for businesses of all sizes. According to the Digital 2024 Global Overview Report, there are over 5 billion active social media users worldwide. Social media platforms are incredible for businesses to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive growth.

According to Statista, Facebook is the most widely used platform, with 86% of marketers relying on it. And 79% use Instagram, and 65% use LinkedIn as the main channel for reaching target audiences.

However, for those new to the field learning the language of social media marketing can feel overwhelming. Terms like “algorithms,” “impressions,” might seem like jargon at first, but understanding them is essential to executing effective strategies.

This Social Media Glossary will help you familiarise yourself with essential social media marketing terms. You can upgrade your understanding of how these concepts work. If you want to learn social media marketing or improve your skills, this glossary is a helpful resource.

Social Media Glossary

A

1. Algorithm

An algorithm on social media is a complex computer program that controls what you see on your feed. Think of it as a smart filter that organises posts based on your actions, like your likes, comments, and the people you interact with most.

Algorithms look at factors such as:

Relevance: Does this post match your interests?

Engagement: How many likes, shares, and comments does the post have?

Recency: Is the social media post recent?

For example, the Facebook algorithm ranks content in your News Feed to show posts from friends, groups, or pages you engage with most. It makes your experience more enjoyable by showing you the content that you prefer.

Why are algorithms important for marketers?

Understanding algorithms can help marketers to increase visibility and engagement. When you create engaging content that resonates with your audience, you improve the chances of reaching more people. 

2. A/B Testing

A/B testing is a method of comparing two versions of content to see which one performs better. It’s like an experiment where you create two versions (A and B) of something—like a social media post, ad, or webpage—and show each to a different group.

For example, if you’re testing an ad, you might try:

• Different headlines: Version A has “Save Big on Shoes!” while version B says “Get 20% Off Your First Pair!”
• Button colours: Testing whether a blue or green button gets more clicks.

Why is A/B testing useful in social media marketing?

A/B testing allows you to make small tweaks and see what your audience responds to best. By refining elements like headlines or images, you can boost engagement, clicks, and conversions over time.

3. Analytics

Analytics are the data and insights you can gain from social media platforms. These metrics show how well your content or ads are performing. For example, you can check the reach, engagement, and follower growth.

Most social platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, have built-in analytics tools.

Why do analytics matter for marketers?

Analytics provide valuable feedback on what’s working and what isn’t. When you review your social media analytics regularly, you can improve your strategy based on real time data. For example, if your videos get more engagement, you can prioritise video content.

4. Ads Manager

Ads Manager is a tool offered by platforms like Facebook and Instagram to create, manage, and analyse ad campaigns. You can check how these platforms display your ads, whom they reach, and how much you spend.

For example, in Facebook Ads Manager, you can:

– Set a budget for your campaign.

– Choose specific demographics to target, like age, gender, or location.

– Monitor performance metrics like clicks, impressions, and conversions.

Why is an Ads Manager useful?

Ads Manager simplifies social media advertising. By analysing ad performance, you can see which ads perform best and adjust them to improve results.

5. Ad Scheduling

Ad scheduling allows you to decide exactly when your ads appear. This feature is helpful if you know your audience is most active at certain times or days.

For example, if you’re promoting a sale on weekends, you might schedule your ads to run only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Why is ad scheduling beneficial?

Ad scheduling helps optimise ad budgets by showing ads only when your audience is likely to see them. This way, you’re not wasting ad spend on times when people are less active.

6. Audience Segmentation

Audience segmentation is dividing your audience into smaller, more specific groups based on demographics, interests, or behaviour. This approach allows you to tailor your content or ads to different segments.

For example:

– Demographic segmentation: Targeting by age or gender.

– Behavioural segmentation: Targeting based on past purchases or engagement patterns.

How does audience segmentation help?

By segmenting your audience, you can create personalised messages that resonate more with each group. For example, if you run a clothing brand, you might show trendy designs to younger audiences and classic styles to older audiences. This approach increases relevance and improves engagement.

B

1. Brand Ambassador

A Brand Ambassador is someone who represents a brand and promotes it in a positive way, often on social media. They usually share posts, photos, or videos about the brand to their followers, helping to build trust and awareness.

For example, a fitness influencer might be a brand ambassador for a sports clothing brand, posting pictures of themselves wearing the brand’s products and talking about its benefits.

Why do brand ambassadors matter?

They bring credibility and help the brand reach new audiences. Ambassadors can make the brand feel more relatable and trustworthy.

2. Bio

A Bio is a short description on social media that tells people who you are, what you do, or what your brand is about. It usually appears at the top of your profile.

For example, a bio on Instagram for a bakery might say: “Baking fresh bread and pastries daily in downtown! Open 7-4. Order online for pick-up.”

Why are bios important?

A bio is the first thing people see when they visit your profile, so it’s a quick way to introduce your brand and make a good first impression. A clear, catchy bio can encourage people to follow you.

3. Boosting

Boosting is a feature on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that lets you promote a regular post to a broad audience. It’s an easy way to turn an existing post into an ad.

For example, if you post about a new product launch and want more people to see it, you can “boost” the post to reach people outside your follower base.

Why is boosting helpful?

Boosting your posts increases visibility and engagement, especially if you want to reach more people quickly. It’s a simple way to promote content without creating an ad campaign.

4. Brand Advocate

A Brand Advocate is a customer or fan who loves a brand so much that they promote it on their social media accounts. Brand advocates do not charge a fee for that promotion. They may share their positive experiences with the brand on social media, in reviews, or conversations with friends.

For example, a coffee lover who always buys from a particular brand might post about their favourite coffee blends on social media, encouraging others to try it too.

Why do brand advocates matter?

Brand advocates add credibility and trust. Their genuine recommendations can influence others to try the brand, often even more effectively than traditional ads.

5. Brand Awareness

Brand Awareness is the amount of people who know about and recognize a brand. It’s about ensuring your brand is “top of mind” when people think of products or services in your industry.

For example, Coca-Cola has high brand awareness because it’s widely recognized worldwide.

When people are aware of your brand, they’re more likely to consider it when purchasing. Social media helps build brand awareness by reaching large audiences and showing what makes your brand unique.

6. Brand Voice

Brand Voice is the tone and personality a brand uses to communicate with its audience. It’s how a brand “sounds” when talking to people, whether that’s friendly, professional, humorous, or inspiring.

For example, a playful snack brand might use a fun, casual brand voice with easygoing captions and emojis, while a financial services brand may choose a more professional tone.

A consistent brand voice helps your audience feel more connected to your brand. It also builds trust because people know what to expect from your brand’s communication.

7. B2B (Business-to-Business)

B2B stands for Business-to-Business. A B2B business is a business that sells products or services to other businesses.

For example, a software company that sells project management tools to other companies operates in the B2B space.

Understanding B2B marketing helps you tailor your social media efforts to the needs of other businesses. B2B marketing often focuses on building relationships and showcasing expertise.

8. B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

B2C stands for Business-to-Consumer. It means a business that sells products or services directly to individual consumers. For example, a clothing store selling to people through its online or physical store is in the B2C category.

B2C marketing typically focuses on reaching a broad audience and creating an emotional connection with consumers. On social media, B2C brands often use visuals, stories, and direct engagement to attract and retain customers.

C

1. Chatbot

A Chatbot is a computer program that can have a conversation with you. It’s often used on social media and websites to answer questions, help with orders, or give information quickly.

For example, a chatbot on a pizza restaurant’s Facebook page might help you order a pizza by asking questions like “What size?” or “What toppings?”

Chatbots save time by answering common questions instantly, even outside business hours.

2. Clickbait

Clickbait is a type of content with a flashy or sensational headline that’s designed to make you want to click on it. Sometimes, the actual content doesn’t match the excitement of the headline.

For example, a headline like “You won’t believe what happened next!” could be clickbait if the story isn’t as surprising as it sounds.

Why is clickbait useful?

It grabs attention and encourages clicks, but too much clickbait can make people lose trust in your content.

3. Click through Rate (CTR)

Click-through Rate (CTR) is the percentage of people who click on a link or ad after seeing it. It shows how many people were interested enough to take action.

For example, if 1,000 people see an ad and 100 click on it, the CTR is 10%.

Why does CTR matter?

A higher CTR means more people are interested in your content, which can lead to more website visits or sales.

4. Conversion Rate

Conversion Rate is the percentage of people who take a specific action, like buying something or signing up for a newsletter, after visiting your website or ad.

For example, if 100 people visit your site and 5 make a purchase, your conversion rate is 5%.

Why does conversion rate matter?

It shows how effective your content or ads are at turning visitors into customers.

5. Call to Action (CTA)

A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt that encourages people to do something, like “Sign up now,” “Learn more,” or “Buy today!”

Why are CTAs important?

They guide people on what to do next and can boost engagement, clicks, or sales.

6. Caption

A Caption is the text that goes along with a photo or video on social media. It can explain the image, add context, or include a message.

For example, a fashion brand might post a picture of a dress with a caption like, “New arrivals for summer Shop now!”

Why are captions important?

Good captions help grab attention, add personality to posts, and encourage engagement through likes or comments.

100 Instagram Caption Hooks to Increase Engagement

7. Carousel Ads

Carousel Ads let you swipe through multiple images or videos within a single post. Each image can have its link, so you can show different products or features.

For example, an online store might use a carousel ad to showcase different colours of the same shirt.

Carousel ads give more options in one ad and help show off a range of products or details.

8. Comment

A Comment is a response someone leaves on a post. It can be a question, a reaction, or a way to join the conversation.

Comments increase engagement, help build a community, and give insights into what people think about your content.

9. Content Curation

Content Curation is finding and sharing quality content created by others. It could be news, blog posts, or social media updates relevant to your audience.

For example, a travel agency might share blog posts from travel bloggers to keep their audience inspired.

Content curation keeps your social media active, provides value to your audience, and saves time on content creation.

10. Content Marketing

Content Marketing is a strategy that focuses on creating and sharing valuable content to attract and engage an audience.

For example, a fitness brand might publish workout tips and healthy recipes to attract people interested in fitness.

Content marketing helps build relationships with your audience and keeps them coming for more.

11. Conversion

A Conversion is when someone completes an action like buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a resource. Conversions show how effective your marketing efforts are at achieving goals.

12. Cost per Click (CPC)

Cost per Click (CPC) is the amount you pay every time someone clicks on your ad. It’s a measurement of the cost of bringing people to your website.

For example, if your CPC is $0.50 and 100 people click your ad, you’ll pay $50.

CPC helps you understand how much you’re spending to get visitors, and you can use it to manage your ad budget.

13. Cross-Posting

Cross-posting is sharing the same content on multiple social media platforms. For example, posting the same photo on both Instagram and Facebook.

Cross-posting saves time and helps you reach a larger audience, though it’s often good to customise posts for each platform.

D

1. Direct Message (DM)

A Direct Message (DM) is a private message sent between users on social media platforms. It’s only visible to the sender and the receiver, unlike public comments or posts.

For example, you can send a DM on Instagram to a friend, ask a question or share content privately.

They’re great for private conversations, answering customer questions, and building relationships with followers.

2. Demographic

A Demographic refers to specific characteristics of an audience, like age, gender, location, or income. Marketers use demographics to understand their audience better and tailor content to match their interests.

For example, if most of your audience is between 18-24 years old, you might focus on content that appeals to younger people.

Why do demographics matter?

Knowing your audience’s demographics helps you create more relevant content and ads.

3. Dashboard

A Dashboard is a tool that shows an overview of your social media performance in one place. It includes metrics like engagement, follower growth, reach, and more, depending on the platform.

For example, social media tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social offer dashboards to help you monitor all your social channels at once.

Why are dashboards helpful?

They save time by giving you a quick view of your metrics, making it easier to track performance and make decisions.

4. Double Tap

Double Tap is a quick way to like a post on Instagram. When you tap a photo twice, it automatically “likes” it, showing that you enjoyed the content.

5. Discovery Page

A Discovery Page is a section on social media platforms (like Instagram’s “Explore” page) where users find content tailored to their interests based on past interactions.

6. Drip Campaign

A Drip Campaign is a series of scheduled messages or emails sent over time to engage an audience. On social media, drip campaigns help get leads or stay connected with followers.

For example, a travel company might run a drip campaign with tips on travel planning, gradually sharing information over several posts.

7. Dark Post

A Dark Post is a social media ad that doesn’t appear on your public profile. It’s used for targeted advertising to reach specific audiences without cluttering your main feed.

For example, Facebook might only display a dark post to people in a particular location or age range.

Dark posts let you test different ad variations without impacting your main feed or overwhelming followers.

8. Domain Authority (DA)

Domain Authority (DA) is a score from 1 to 100 that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines. It’s often used to evaluate a website’s credibility based on factors like backlinks and content quality.

A higher DA can lead to better search engine rankings, which can drive more traffic to your website from social media.

9. Drop-Off Rate

Drop-Off Rate refers to the percentage of people who start an action (like watching a video or filling out a form) but don’t complete it. This rate helps identify where people lose interest.

For example, if many viewers leave halfway through a video, the drop-off rate would indicate the point where engagement dropped.

E

1. E-commerce  

E-commerce, short for “electronic commerce,” refers to buying and selling products or services online. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook now offer features that allow businesses to sell directly on social media.

For example, Brands can add “Shop Now” buttons on their Instagram profiles, allowing followers to purchase items without leaving the app.

2. Emoji  

Emojis are small digital icons, such as or , used to express emotions, and ideas, or add visual flair to messages. They help make the text more engaging and relatable.

3. Engagement

Engagement is the measurement of how much interaction your content gets from users. This includes likes, comments, shares, and saves. High engagement means people find your content interesting or valuable.

4. Engagement Rate

Engagement rate is a metric that calculates the percentage of people who interact with your content compared to the total audience who viewed it. This helps understand how well your content resonates with followers.

For example, if 1,000 people see your post and 100 engage with it, your engagement rate is 10%.

5. Evergreen Content  

Evergreen content is content that remains relevant and useful over time, regardless of current trends. It provides consistent value and typically needs little updating. For example, a blog post titled “How to Start a Garden” is likely evergreen since people are interested in gardening year-round.

6. Explore Page

The Explore Page on social media platforms, like Instagram, showcases personalised content based on a user’s interests and interactions. It’s a powerful way for users to discover new content and for brands to reach a wider audience.

F

1. Facebook

Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, used by businesses to connect with audiences through posts, ads, and community building. It offers features like groups, events, and marketplaces.

2. Followers  

Followers are users who subscribe to a profile to see that account’s content regularly. Gaining followers is often a goal for brands to expand their reach and influence.

3. FYP (For You Page)

The For You Page (FYP) is a feature on TikTok that showcases recommended videos to users based on their interests and past interactions. It’s the main discovery page on TikTok, and getting on the FYP is key for reaching a broader audience.

4. Feed  

A Feed is the main area on social media where users see posts from accounts they follow. It’s an essential part of the user experience, showing a continuous stream of content like photos, videos, and text updates.

G

1. Giveaway

A Giveaway is a promotional campaign where brands offer a prize to randomly selected participants who meet certain criteria, like liking a post or tagging friends. It’s a popular strategy to increase followers and engagement.

2. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

A GIF is a short, looping animation or video clip that adds a fun, visual element to content. They’re widely used on social media to make posts more engaging.

H

1. Hashtag

A Hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the “#” symbol that categorises content on social media. Hashtags help users find posts related to specific topics and can increase a post’s visibility.

Example: Using **#TravelTips** on a post about travel helps people interested in travel discover the content.

I

1. Impressions

Impressions represent the total number of times a post appears on users’ screens, whether or not they interact with it. It’s a way to measure reach and visibility.

2. Influencer

An Influencer is a social media user with a large following who can affect their followers’ opinions and behaviours. Brands often collaborate with influencers to promote products due to their reach and credibility.

3. Instagram

Instagram is a popular social media platform focused on sharing images, videos, and stories. It’s used by individuals and businesses alike to build communities, share visual content, and promote products or services.

4. Influencer Marketing

Influencer Marketing is a strategy where brands partner with influencers to promote products. This approach can build trust and reach targeted audiences more effectively than traditional advertising.

5. IGTV (Instagram TV)

IGTV is a feature on Instagram for sharing long-form videos, typically from one minute to an hour. It’s useful for tutorials, interviews, and storytelling, allowing brands to share more detailed content.

J

1. Join Rate

Join Rate measures how many people are joining a social media group, page, or account within a specific period. It’s a useful metric for understanding audience growth.

2. Judgment Metrics

Judgement Metrics are metrics used to evaluate the quality and impact of content based on audience reactions, such as likes, shares, and comments. They help assess how well content resonates with the audience.

K

1. Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

KPIs are measurable values used to evaluate the success of social media strategies. Common KPIs in social media include engagement rate, follower growth, and click-through rate.

If a brand’s goal is to increase engagement, then likes, comments, and shares would be key KPIs to track.

2. Keyword

A Keyword is a word or phrase used in social media posts and search engine optimization (SEO) to attract relevant audiences. Using the right keywords can help make content more discoverable.

Example: A restaurant could use keywords like #healthyeats or #organicfood to attract health-conscious customers.

3. Knowledge Panel

Knowledge Panels are boxes that appear in search engine results with key information about a business or public figure. They can increase credibility and help users find important details quickly.

L

1. Lead Generation

Lead Generation is the process of identifying and attracting potential customers, or “leads,” through social media. This can involve tactics like running ads, offering free resources, or capturing email addresses through signup forms.

Example: A brand might create a free guide available for download if users enter their email, turning those users into leads.

2. Like

A Like is a simple form of engagement where users click a button to show they enjoy a post. It’s often the most common and basic way people interact with content on social media.

3. LinkedIn  

LinkedIn is a social media platform focused on professional networking and career development. Businesses use LinkedIn for recruiting, sharing industry news, and connecting with professionals.

4. Live Streaming

Live Streaming is the real-time broadcasting of video content on social media. It’s often used for Q&A sessions, product launches, or events to engage audiences immediately.

Example: A brand might use live streaming to introduce a new product and answer viewers’ questions in real time.

5. Lookalike Audience

A Lookalike Audience is a group of people on social media who share characteristics with a brand’s existing customers. This feature helps reach similar potential customers who are more likely to be interested in a brand’s products or services.

M

1. Meme

A Meme is a funny or relatable image, video, or piece of text that spreads rapidly on social media. Brands often use memes to connect with audiences in a lighthearted and culturally relevant way.

2. Mention

A Mention is when a user tags another user or brand in a post or comment. It’s a great way to acknowledge someone or increase visibility.

Example: When users write @BrandName in a comment, they are mentioning the brand, which can help gain the brand’s attention.

3. Metrics

Metrics are data points used to track social media performance, such as reach, engagement, impressions, and follower growth. They help brands assess the effectiveness of their strategies.

4. Micro-Influencer

A Micro-Influencer is an influencer with a smaller, highly engaged following (typically 1,000-100,000 followers). They are often seen as more relatable and can provide better engagement than larger influencers.

Example: A local beauty brand might partner with a micro-influencer to promote products to a targeted audience in a specific area.

5. Monitoring

Monitoring is the process of tracking social media platforms for mentions, comments, and conversations about a brand. It helps businesses understand customer feedback and respond to inquiries.

6. Monetization

Monetization is the process of earning revenue from social media content. This can happen through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or product sales.

7. Multi-Channel Marketing

Multi-channel marketing is the use of multiple social media platforms to reach audiences. By being active on various channels, brands can increase their visibility and engage with different types of users.

Example: A clothing brand might use Instagram for visual storytelling, Twitter for updates, and YouTube for product reviews.

8. Mention Notification

Mention Notifications are alerts a user receives when someone mentions their account in a post or comment. This helps users stay engaged with their community and respond promptly.

N

1. Native Advertising

Native Advertising is a type of ad that blends seamlessly with regular content on a platform, so it feels less like a traditional ad and more like part of the user’s feed. It helps reduce “ad fatigue” and improves user engagement.

Example: Sponsored posts on Instagram that look like regular posts in the feed but include a “Sponsored” label.

2. News Feed

The News Feed is the main area on social media where users see updates, posts, and content from accounts they follow. Algorithms decide which posts appear here based on user interactions and preferences.

3. Niche

A Niche is a focused area or interest that appeals to a specific audience. In social media marketing, targeting a niche can help brands connect deeply with a smaller, highly engaged group of people.

Example: A pet brand might focus on a niche audience interested in vegan, organic pet food.

4. Notification

A Notification is an alert that informs users of interactions on social media, like new followers, comments, or mentions. Notifications help users stay connected with what’s happening on their accounts.

O

1. Organic Reach

Organic Reach refers to the number of unique users who see your content without paid promotion. Building a strong organic reach can be challenging but is valuable for authentic engagement.

2. Optimization

Optimization in social media involves adjusting content, strategies, and posting times to maximise engagement and reach. It helps ensure your posts are performing as well as possible.

3. Owned Media

Owned Media includes all the channels a brand controls, like its social media accounts, blog, or website. It’s a cost-effective way to reach audiences with messaging that reflects the brand’s voice.

Example: A clothing brand’s Instagram account and website are examples of owned media.

4. Outreach

Outreach involves connecting with individuals, brands, or influencers on social media to build relationships, collaborate, or increase brand visibility.

P

1. Paid Reach  

Paid Reach refers to the number of unique users who see content as a result of paid ads. It’s a key metric to track in advertising to understand how many people the paid content reaches.

2. Persona

A Persona is a detailed description of a brand’s ideal audience or customer, including their age, interests, job, and challenges. This helps marketers create relevant content and target the right people.

3. Pinned Post  

A Pinned Post is a post that stays at the top of a profile or page feed, even as new posts are added. It’s useful for highlighting important information or announcements.

4. Platform

A Platform is a social media site or app where users interact and post content, like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

5. Poll  

A Poll is an interactive feature that allows users to vote on options. Brands use polls to gather feedback and boost engagement by asking their followers to participate.

6. Post Reach  

Post Reach is the number of unique users who see a specific post. It’s an important metric for understanding how widely your content is being viewed.

7. Profile

A Profile is a personal or brand account on social media that showcases posts, bio information, and sometimes contact info. Profiles help brands create a cohesive identity on each platform.

8. Promoted Post

A Promoted Post is a paid post that reaches a wider audience than it would organically. Brands use promoted posts to reach new users and increase engagement.

9. Push Notification  

A Push Notification is a message sent to users’ devices from an app, notifying them of new content or updates. It helps drive traffic and engagement on social media.

Q

1. Quality Score

Quality Score is a rating used in social media advertising to measure how relevant an ad is to its audience. A high-quality score can improve ad performance and lower costs.

2. Quote Tweet  

A Quote Tweet is a retweet on Twitter that allows users to add their comments or thoughts. It’s a way to engage with content while adding a personal touch.

R

1. Reach  

Reach is the total number of unique users who see your content. It’s an important metric for understanding how far your posts are spreading on social media.

2. Real-Time Marketing

Real-Time Marketing involves creating content that responds to current events, trends, or popular moments. It’s a way for brands to stay relevant and engage with timely topics.

3. Reply  

A Reply is a response to a comment or post on social media. It helps create conversations and allows brands to engage with their followers directly.

4. Retargeting  

Retargeting is an advertising strategy that shows ads to people who have previously interacted with your brand, often to encourage them to return and complete an action, like a purchase.

5. Retweet   

A Retweet is when someone shares another user’s tweet on Twitter. It’s a simple way to spread information or support content you find valuable.

6. ROI (Return on Investment)

ROI measures the effectiveness of a campaign in terms of profit gained from the investment. In social media, ROI often looks at how much revenue was generated compared to advertising costs.

7. Reaction

A Reaction is an emoji response (like a like, love, laugh) to a post. Platforms like Facebook allow users to react in various ways, which helps measure audience sentiment beyond just likes.

8. Reels  

Reels are short, engaging videos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Reels are popular for their fast-paced, entertaining format, often set to music or audio clips.

9. Reach Rate  

Reach Rate is a percentage that shows how many of your followers saw your post. It helps assess the effectiveness of your content in reaching your existing audience.

10. Responsive Design

Responsive Design ensures that content looks good on all devices, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This is crucial in social media, where users access platforms from various devices.

11. RSS Feed

An RSS Feed is a tool that collects content updates from websites and displays them in a feed. It’s useful for aggregating news, blog posts, and social media updates in one place.

S

1. Schedule  

The schedule refers to planning posts ahead of time for future publishing. Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer let brands set up posts to be shared at optimal times, even when they’re not actively managing their accounts.

2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO is the process of optimising content to rank higher in search engine results. On social media, this can involve using keywords in captions, hashtags, and profiles to increase visibility.

3. Share

Share is when a user posts someone else’s content to their profile or feed. Shares help content reach a broader audience and are valuable for growing engagement.

4. Social Listening  

Social Listening is the practice of monitoring social media for mentions, trends, and user sentiment around your brand or industry. It helps brands understand what people are saying about them and adjust their strategy accordingly.

5. Stories

Stories are temporary posts that appear for 24 hours and can include photos, videos, or text. They’re available on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat and are popular for real-time content.

6. Subscriber  

A Subscriber is someone who follows or opts in to see a brand’s content, especially on platforms like YouTube or email newsletters. Subscribers show a strong interest in a brand’s content and are valuable for long-term engagement.

7. Swipe Up

Swipe Up is a feature in Instagram Stories (for accounts with 10,000+ followers) that lets users swipe up to access a link. It’s useful for driving traffic to websites or promotions.

T

1. Tag  

Tagging means mentioning other users in a post using the @ symbol. It’s a way to notify someone of a post, get their attention, or attribute content.

2. Target Audience

Target Audience is the specific group of people a brand aims to reach with its content, based on demographics like age, location, interests, and behaviour.

3. Thread

A Thread is a series of connected posts, often on Twitter, that expand on a topic or tell a story. Threads allow for more detailed content than a single post.

4. Traffic

Traffic refers to visitors driven to a website or landing page from social media links. Increasing traffic is often a goal of social media campaigns to boost brand awareness and conversions.

5. Trending

Trending refers to popular topics or content currently getting a lot of attention on social media. Brands often leverage trending topics to stay relevant and increase engagement.

6. Troll

A Troll is a person who deliberately posts offensive or provocative comments on social media to upset others or create conflict. Brands often have strategies to manage trolls respectfully and effectively.

7. Tweet  

A Tweet is a post on Twitter, limited to 280 characters. Tweets can include text, links, images, or videos, and users can engage by liking, retweeting, or replying.

8. Twitter Chat  

A Twitter Chat is a live, organised discussion around a specific hashtag. It’s a way for people with shared interests to connect and engage in real time.

U

1. UGC (User-Generated Content)  

UGC is content created by users, not brands, like customer reviews, testimonials, or photos of products. Brands often share UGC as it provides authentic social proof.

2. Unfollow  

Unfollow means stopping following a user or brand. People often unfollow if they lose interest or feel overwhelmed by a brand’s content.

3. URL

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address that directs users to a specific webpage. Social media posts often include URLs to drive traffic to external sites.

4. Username  

A username is a unique handle for a social media profile, often preceded by an @ symbol. It helps users find and tag each other on platforms.

V

1. Vanity Metric

Vanity Metrics are statistics like follower count or likes, which look impressive but don’t necessarily indicate meaningful engagement or conversions. Brands focus on balancing these with metrics that reflect actual value.

2. Viral  

Viral content is highly shareable, and rapidly spreading across social media. Brands hope for viral content, as it can bring in new followers and boost awareness.

3. Vlog

A Vlog (video blog) is a blog in video format. Popular on platforms like YouTube, vlogs are an engaging way for brands to share their story, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content.

Y

1. YouTube

YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and watch videos. It’s valuable for brands to host video content, tutorials, and ads and grow a subscriber base.

2. YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos (under 60 seconds) similar to TikTok videos. They’re designed for quick consumption and high engagement on YouTube.