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[News] Brandwatch named a Leader in IDC MarketScape

Brandwatch has been named a leader in the IDC MarketScape:
Social Marketing Software for Large Enterprises 2024 Vendor Assessment.

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Brandwatch | Glossary

Social Media Glossary

Upgrade your social media marketing lingo by browsing our list of the most popular social media glossary terms today.

Brandwatch Social Media Glossary
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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A

A/B testing

A/B testing is a way to compare two versions of something digital to see which one works better. You might test different social media posts, web pages, or ads. It's like a mini-experiment where you show version A to some people and version B to others.

Access group 

An access group is a feature in social media management tools that lets you control who can see and do what with your accounts. It's a way to organize users and give them specific permissions. 

Aesthetic

A social media aesthetic is the consistent use of design elements to shape a brand’s look. Learn why creating a strong visual identity matters.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is earning commissions by promoting others’ products. Learn how to start generating income with affiliate marketing.

Algorithm

A social media algorithm is a computer program that decides what content you see on your feed. It's like a smart sorting system that picks posts based on your likes, comments, and other actions.

Algospeak

Algospeak refers to alternative terms used to bypass social platform algorithms. Learn how creators use algospeak to avoid content censorship.

Alt text

Alt text is a short description you add to images on your social media posts and websites.

AMA

AMA stands for "Ask Me Anything." It's a popular Q&A format that started on Reddit and spread to other social media platforms.

API

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules that lets different software talk to each other.

Archiving

Archiving is the process of saving social media posts privately. Explore how it differs from deleting and why it’s a must for content curation.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer technology that mimics human thinking. It's software that can learn, reason, and make choices like you do.

Augmented reality (AR) 

Augmented reality (AR) blends digital elements with your real-world surroundings. It's like adding a layer of virtual info on top of what you see. 

Avatar

An avatar is your digital representation in the online world. It's the image or character that shows up when you interact on social media platforms, forums, or games.  

Average response time

Average response time is how long it takes a brand to reply to customer messages on social media. It's the average time between when customers send inquiries and when you respond.

B

B2B

B2B, or Business-to-Business, refers to companies that sell products or services to other businesses. It's different from B2C (Business-to-Consumer), where companies sell directly to individuals. 

B2C

B2C stands for business-to-consumer. It's when companies sell products or services straight to you, the end user. This differs from B2B, where businesses sell to other businesses.

BeReal

BeReal is a social media app that focuses on sharing authentic, unfiltered moments of your day, unlike the carefully curated posts you see on other platforms like Instagram.

BFR

BFR stands for "Be For Real" on social media. It's a popular slang term used to express disbelief or skepticism.

Binge-watching

Binge-watching means that instead of waiting a week for the next episode, you can now watch an entire season in a day if you want. 

Bitly

Bitly helps you create compact links for sharing on social media and other platforms, useful for when you need to fit long web addresses into limited character spaces. 

Bitmoji

A Bitmoji is your personal emoji – a cartoon version of you. It's a fun way to express yourself on social media and in messages.

Blockchain

A blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology used to verify transactions. Learn how blockchain is revolutionizing industries.

Blocking

Blocking on social media means preventing someone from viewing or interacting with your content. Find out how this feature works across social media platforms.

Blog

A blog is a regularly updated website used to share content or insights. Learn how to start a blog and engage your audience.

Blogger

A blogger is someone who writes and publishes content on a blog. You might be a blogger if you regularly share your thoughts, experiences, or expertise online.

Blue checkmark

A blue checkmark is a symbol used on social media to verify account authenticity. Learn who gets verified and why it matters for your brand.

Bluesky

Similar to X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky is a new decentralized social media platform that gives you more control over your data. 

BoardReader

BoardReader is a useful tool for marketers, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring user-generated discussions across the web. 

BoFu (Bottom of the Funnel)

BoFu, or Bottom of Funnel, is the final stage in your social media marketing funnel. It's where your leads are closest to making a purchase decision.

Boolean search

Boolean search is a game-changer for your social media efforts. When you can refine search with AND, OR, and NOT, you can cut through the noise and find exactly what you're looking for. 

Boosted post

A boosted post is a paid social media promotion that extends the reach of your organic content.

Bots

Social media bots are designed to post content, like and share posts, and even chat with people automatically. These bots can do helpful things, but they can also cause trouble.

Brand

Your brand includes your logo, colors, and the way you talk to your followers. It encompasses how people see and think about you or your business.

Brand advocate

A brand advocate is someone who loves your brand and tells others about it. They're your biggest fans who spread the word without being paid.

Brand Ambassador

A brand ambassador is someone who represents and promotes a company or product on social media.

Brand authenticity

Brand authenticity is when you can trust a company to be true to its values and promises. It's about being real and honest in how a brand presents itself to you on social media and other channels.

Brand awareness 

Rooted in recognizing a brand's name, logo, or products, brand awareness is how well you know a company's identity.  

Brand partnership

Brand partnerships often focus on social media campaigns or product collaborations. It's a way for brands to join forces and create something special together. 

Brand persona

Brand persona is about how your brand talks, acts, and connects with people on social media and beyond. Think of it as your brand's character.

Brand reputation

Brand reputation is the sum of what customers, partners, and the public think of you. Your reputation comes from their experiences, opinions, and what they hear about you. 

Brand style guide

A brand style guide ensures consistent visuals and messaging. See how it helps you maintain brand trust and cohesion across media.

Brand voice

Brand voice helps you stand out from the crowd while also ensuring consistency. This way, your social posts, emails, and ads sound like they're all coming from the same place.

Branding

Branding is about creating a unique personality for your company through consistent visuals, messaging, and values.

Bricks and mortar

Bricks and mortar refers to businesses with physical stores you can visit.

Business objective

A business objective is a specific, measurable target that helps guide a company's strategy. Learn how to align these goals with your social media efforts.

Buyer persona

A buyer persona represents your target audience, helping you tailor content to their needs. Learn more about creating detailed personas today.

Buyer’s journey

Made up of three main stages, the buyer's journey is the path potential customers take to purchase a product. Understanding the buyer’s journey is crucial for your marketing success.
C

CAC (customer acquisition cost)

Customer acquisition cost (CAC) is a key metric for businesses, meaning the total money you spend to get a new customer.

Call center

Call centers used to focus on phone calls, but now they deal with emails, chats, and social media too. That's why some people call them contact centers. 

Call to action (CTA)

A call to action (CTA) is a prompt that encourages you to take a specific action on social media. It's a key part of posts and ads, designed to get you to engage.

Camp

Camp has roots in queer culture but has gone mainstream on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. You'll see it in fashion posts, memes, and even influencer content. 

Canva

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that helps you create stunning visuals for social media.

CapCut

Made by ByteDance, the same folks behind TikTok, CapCut is a user-friendly tool lets you edit videos on your phone or computer with ease. 

Caption

A caption is a short text that goes with a photo or video on social media. It's your chance to add context and meaning to your visual content.

Carousel 

A carousel post is a social media format that lets you share multiple photos or videos in one post. You can swipe or click through each slide to see more content.  

Carousel ads

Carousel ads let you present multiple visuals in a single ad. Learn how brands use them to capture attention and drive conversions effectively.

CEO

A CEO is the top dog in a company. You'll find them making big decisions and steering the ship. They're in charge of setting goals, managing operations, and keeping the business on track. 

Character count

The character count measures the total characters in a body of text. Stay within limits to keep your social media posts engaging and clear. See platform-specific tips.

Chat

Chat is a key part of social media platforms. It lets you talk to friends and family in real time through text messages.  

Chatbot

A chatbot is a software program that simulates conversations with users on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

ChatGPT

When you type a question or comment, ChatGPT uses smart computer programs to come up with a reply. This tool can help you with many tasks. You might use it to write, learn new things, or come up with ideas. ChatGPT is trained on lots of informati

Check-in

A check-in is a social media feature that lets you share your current location with your followers. It's a way to tell people where you are and what you're up to.

Chronically online

Being chronically online describes people who spend too much time on the internet. It's a state where you're always connected, shaping how you think and act.

Churn Rate

Churn rate is the percentage of users who stop using your product or service during a specific period. For social media platforms, this could mean people deleting their accounts or becoming inactive. 

Click-through rate (CTR)

CTR, short for click-through rate, helps you measure audience engagement.

Clickbait

Clickbait refers to misleading content designed to get clicks. Learn how it works, its impact on brand trust, and how to avoid it.

Clout

Clout is your social media influence and power. It's how much sway you have online. People with clout can shape trends and opinions.

Clubhouse

Clubhouse is an audio-based social media app that lets you join live conversations. It's like a mix of podcasts and conference calls, but more interactive.

Co-marketing

Co-marketing is when two or more brands team up to promote each other's products or services. You'll often see this on social media, where companies join forces to reach new audiences and boost their visibility.

Comment

A comment is how you interact with posts on social media platforms. When you see content you want to respond to, you can leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Community management

Community management builds relationships in online communities. Learn how it fosters loyalty and helps brands manage online interactions effectively.

Community manager

A community manager is a social media pro who builds relationships between a brand and its online followers. Their goal? Turn casual fans into loyal brand advocates.

Compliance

Social media compliance means following rules and laws when using social platforms for business. It's about protecting user data, respecting copyrights, and following advertising guidelines.

Connection

A connection in social media is a digital link between you and another user, brand, or community. It's how you build your online network and interact with others.

Content

Content in social media refers to the stuff you see and interact with on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. It's the heart of your online experience.

Content creator

Content creators make digital content to inform, entertain, and inspire. Curious about their impact and how they build personal brands? Read on.

Content curation

Content curation is the process of finding, organizing, and sharing valuable content from different sources to engage your target audience.

Content marketing

Content marketing is a strategy you can use to connect with your audience online. It's all about creating and sharing valuable content that your target audience will find useful or interesting. 

Conversational AI

Conversational AI powers automated systems that interact with users like real humans. See how it's changing customer service and social engagement.

Conversational Commerce

Conversational commerce lets you shop through real-time chats with businesses. It uses messaging apps, social media, and voice assistants to help you buy things easily.

Conversion

Conversion in social media is when you get users to take a specific action that helps your business goals. It's about turning interactions into real results.

Conversion rate

Conversion rate is the percentage of users who take a desired action after engaging with your social media content or marketing campaigns.

Conversion Tracking

Conversion tracking is a tool that lets you see what happens after people interact with your ads or content. It shows you when users take actions you care about, like buying a product or signing up for your newsletter.

Cost per click (CPC)

Cost per click (CPC) is how much you pay when someone clicks on your ad. It's a key part of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on social media and search engines.

Cost per mille (CPM)

Cost per mille (CPM) is the amount you pay for 1,000 ad impressions. It's a key metric in digital advertising, especially for social media campaigns.

Cover photo

A cover photo is the large banner image at the top of a social media profile. It’s crucial for branding and first impressions—find out how to make yours stand out.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that helps you share your creative work. It offers free licenses you can use to let others legally use and remix your content.

Crisis management

Crisis management refers to responding to events that threaten brand reputation. Find out why it’s crucial for social media and how to handle crises.

Cross-posting

Cross-posting is a social media strategy that lets you share the same content across multiple platforms. It’s a time-saving trick that helps you reach more people without extra work.

Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is a way to get ideas and help from lots of people online. It's big on social media. Brands ask their followers for thoughts on new products or content.

CSAT

CSAT is a key metric that shows how happy customers are with your product, service, or interaction. It's a quick way to get feedback, usually through short surveys. 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews are feedback you get from people who've used your product or service. They often include star ratings and comments about their experience.
D

Dark post

A dark post is a targeted social media ad that doesn't appear on your public feed. Find out how marketers use them to run effective, discreet campaigns.

Dark social

Dark social refers to the sharing of content through private, untraceable channels. It happens when you send links via messaging apps, email, or direct messages on social media.

Dashboard

A dashboard is essential for tracking metrics and optimizing social media campaigns. See how it boosts engagement and simplifies management.

Data visualization

Data visualization turns numbers into pictures. It's a way to show social media information using charts and graphs. You can see things like follower growth or post likes at a glance.

Deep linking

Deep linking directs you to specific content within an app instead of just the main screen. It's like a shortcut that takes you right where you want to go.

Deinfluencing

Deinfluencing is a social media trend that flips traditional influencer marketing on its head. Instead of promoting products, deinfluencers tell you what not to buy.

Demographics

Demographics are the key traits that describe a group of people. They include things like age, gender, income, and location.

Digg

Digg is a social news website where you can find and share interesting content from across the internet. It lets you submit links to articles, videos, and other web pages.

Direct message (DM)

A private way to chat on social media. You can send DMs to other users without anyone else seeing them.

Direct response

Direct response marketing is a strategy that aims to get you to take action right away. It's different from other marketing that focuses on building brand awareness over time.

Disappearing content

Disappearing content, also known as ephemeral content, is social media posts that vanish after a set time. You've probably seen this on platforms like Instagram Stories, Snapchat, and Facebook Stories. These posts typically last for 24 hours before they're gone for good. 

Discord

Discord is a free communication app you can use to chat with friends and communities. It started as a tool for gamers but now welcomes all kinds of groups.

Discover (or Snapchat Discover)

Snapchat Discover is a feature that brings fresh content to your fingertips. It's a curated feed where you can explore stories from top publishers, brands, and influencers.

Discovery Call

A discovery call is a two-way conversation between you and a potential client or customer. It's your first chance to learn about their needs and challenges.

Disqus

Disqus is a popular comment platform that lets you engage in discussions on websites and blogs. It's easy to use and works with many sites you visit.

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is when you can't stop scrolling through bad news on social media. It's the habit of constantly looking at upsetting posts or articles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or news sites

Double tap

A double tap is a quick way to like content on social media. You simply tap twice on a post to show your appreciation.

Drag & drop

Drag & drop is a handy feature you've likely used in social media apps without even realizing it. It lets you move digital items around to a new spot.

Duet

A duet on TikTok is a feature that lets you create a split-screen video alongside another user's content. You can react to, harmonize with, or build on someone else's video in real-time.

E

E-commerce chatbot

An e-commerce chatbot is your AI-powered assistant for online shopping. It's a smart program that talks to customers on your website or social media platforms.

E-commerce marketing

E-commerce marketing is how you promote and sell products on your online store. It's all about using digital channels to attract customers and boost sales, using tactics like social media, email, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach shoppers.

Earned media value (EMV)

Earned media value (EMV) is a marketing metric that puts a dollar figure on your brand's non-paid exposure. It includes social media mentions, shares, likes, press coverage, and other free publicity.

Ecommerce

Ecommerce is buying and selling products or services online. It's grown huge in the digital age, with social media playing a big role. You can shop on websites, apps, and marketplaces 24/7. 

EdgeRank

EdgeRank was Facebook's first algorithm for sorting your News Feed. It came about in 2010 when Facebook needed a way to handle the growing amount of content on the platform.

Embed

An embed lets you display digital content from another source on your own site. You can add things like social media posts, videos, or images to your blog or webpage using a short code snippet. This means your visitors can see and interact with the content right there, without leaving your site.

Emoji

Emojis are small digital images or icons used to express emotions, ideas, or objects in electronic messages and web pages.

Employee advocacy

Employee advocacy is when you share and promote your company on your personal social media accounts. It's a way to spread the word about your workplace using your own voice and connections.

Engagement

Social media engagement is how you interact with content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. It's all about the actions you take when you see a post or video.

Engagement rate

Engagement rate measures how much your audience interacts with your social media content. It's a key metric to gauge your online performance.

Ephemeral Content

Ephemeral content is short-lived media that vanishes after a set time, usually 24 hours. You'll find it on popular social platforms like Instagram Stories, Snapchat, and Facebook Stories. 

Era

An era on social media is a way to describe your current interests or priorities. It's become a popular trend, especially on TikTok. When you're in your "villain era," you might be feeling a bit mischievous or rebellious.

Events

Social media events are online gatherings that happen on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. They include live streams, webinars, and virtual meetups. These events help brands connect with their audience and build community.

Evergreen content

Evergreen content is material that stays fresh and relevant long after it's published. Like evergreen trees that keep their leaves year-round, this type of content remains useful and interesting to readers over time.

Everything app

An everything app is a single mobile application that combines many different services. You can think of it as a digital Swiss Army knife. These apps let you do things like message friends, post on social media, pay bills, and shop online all in one place.

Explore Page

The Explore page is a key feature on Instagram. It's a personalized feed that shows you content you might like. You can find it by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the app. 

Extra

"Extra" on social media describes someone who's over-the-top or dramatic. You might use it when a friend posts ten selfies from slightly different angles or writes a long rant about cold fries.

F

Facebook (FB)

Facebook is the world's largest social media platform. Mark Zuckerberg founded it in 2004, and it's now owned by Meta. Facebook lets you connect with friends, family, and people worldwide.

Fan

A fan is someone who likes or follows your social media page, actively engaging with your content. Learn how fans drive organic growth and brand loyalty.

Fan Girl

A fan girl is you if you're super passionate about celebrities, TV shows, or fictional characters. You're likely a young woman who's really into pop culture. On social media, you might follow your faves, share fan art, or join fan communities. 

Fandom

Fandom is a vibrant community of fans who share a deep love for specific movies, TV shows, books, or celebrities. You'll find passionate groups dedicated to Marvel superheroes, K-pop bands, and Harry Potter wizards.

Fans

Fans on social media are people who actively follow and engage with your brand or content. Facebook first used this term, but it now applies across platforms. You'll find fans liking, commenting, and sharing your posts regularly.

Featured Banner

A featured banner is a customizable graphic that sits at the top of your Link in Bio page. It's like a digital billboard for your social media profile.

Fediverse

The fediverse is a network of social platforms that work together. It's like many different social media sites talking to each other. You can make friends and share posts across these sites. 

Feed

A feed is your main content stream on social media platforms. It's where you see posts, videos, and ads from accounts you follow. Feeds update in real-time, showing the latest content.

Feels

"Feels" is social media slang for intense emotions or feelings. It's a shorter way to say "feelings" that you'll often see in comments or captions.  When you come across a post that gives you strong emotions, you might say it "hit you in the feels."

Filter

A filter is a digital tool you can use to change how your photos and videos look on social media.

Finsta

A finsta is a secret Instagram account you create to share more personal content with a small group of close friends. It's short for "fake Instagram."

Fire

On social media, "fire" is slang for something really cool or awesome. When you see people calling a new song or outfit "fire," they mean it's super impressive. You might spot the fire emoji 🔥 used the same way. 

Fleet

Fleets were Twitter's version of disappearing posts. Introduced in 2020, they let you share temporary content that vanished after 24 hours. You could post text, photos, videos, or reactions to tweets. 

Flickr

Flickr is a photo-sharing platform and social network launched in 2004. It's designed for photographers and creative pros like you. You can upload, edit, and share your photos and videos with a global community. 

Focus groups

Focus groups are a qualitative research method you can use to gather insights from a small group of people.

Follower

A social media follower is someone who subscribes to your account on social media platforms. When you follow an account, you'll see their posts in your feed.

Forum

A forum is an online space for topic-based discussions. Learn how it fosters community and deep conversations across social media platforms.

FR (For Real)

FR stands for "for real" in social media lingo. You'll often see it used to express sincerity or agreement in online chats and posts. When someone says "FR," they're emphasizing that they're being truthful or genuine. 

Friction

Friction in social media is anything that makes it hard for you to use a platform or take action. It's like a roadblock that slows you down or stops you from doing what you want. 

FYP (For You Page)

It's a personalized content feed you'll find on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

G

Gatekeeping 

Gatekeeping is when you control who gets access to something. It's like being a bouncer at a club, deciding who can come in. On social media, you might see gatekeeping in fan communities or niche groups.

Gen X 

Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, bridges Baby Boomers and Millennials. You're known for independence and adaptability, having grown up during rapid technological changes. As a "latchkey kid," you likely had working parents and learned self-reliance early on. 

Gen Z

Gen Z includes those born from 1997 to the early 2010's, raised in the digital age. Curious how their social media habits are influencing brands today?

Geotag

A geotag is a piece of geographical data added to your digital content. It's like a virtual stamp that shows where you took a photo, made a post, or shared a video.

Geotargeting 

Geotargeting is a smart way to reach people based on where they are. It's all about showing ads or content to users in specific places. 

Ghosting

Ghosting is when you suddenly stop all communication with someone on social media without any explanation. It's like vanishing into thin air, leaving the other person wondering what happened.

GIF

A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a digital image file you'll often see on social media. It's a compact format that can show both still pictures and short, looping animations without sound.

Girlie 

'Girlie' is a playful social media slang term. You'll often see it used to refer to women or female friends in a warm, affectionate way. It's not just for girls though - anyone can be called 'girlie' online. 

Giveaway 

A giveaway is a marketing strategy where you offer free products or services to your social media followers. It's a way to boost engagement and grow your audience. You'll often see brands or influencers running giveaways on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. 

Go live

Going live mean you are streaming live video to your followers, fostering immediate interaction. Learn how it boosts engagement for businesses.

GOAT

GOAT stands for "Greatest of All Time." You'll often see this acronym used on social media to praise exceptional people in their fields. It's most common in sports, but you'll also spot it for musicians and other celebrities.

Google Ads

Google Ads is Google's pay-per-click advertising platform. This tool helps you display ads on Google Search and partner sites.

Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps you manage your business's online presence on Google Search and Maps.

Gram

“Gram” is a popular shorthand for Instagram in social media lingo. It's a quick and casual way to refer to the photo-sharing platform.

Grid

In social media, a grid organizes your profile’s posts into a visually pleasing format. Find out which grid layouts can best represent your brand’s style.

Groups

Social media groups are online communities where you can connect with others who share your interests. You'll find them on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit.

GRWM

GRWM stands for "Get Ready With Me." It's a popular social media trend where creators show you their getting-ready routines. You'll find these videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a user-friendly way to interact with your devices and apps. Instead of typing commands, you use visual elements like icons, buttons, and menus.
I

I can’t even

"I can't even" is a popular slang expression you might see on social media. It's used when you're feeling so overwhelmed by something that you can't finish your thought.

I Was Today Years Old

"I was today years old" is a fun way to say you just learned something new. It's used when you discover a fact that seems like common knowledge. You might use this phrase on social media when sharing a surprising realization.

IB (Inspired By)

IB" stands for "Inspired By" on social media platforms like TikTok. You'll often see it in captions or comments when creators want to credit their source of inspiration.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

ICYMI stands for "In Case You Missed It." You've probably seen this acronym on social media or in digital conversations.

IDGI

IDGI stands for "I don't get it." You'll often see this acronym on social media when someone's confused or needs clarification. It's a quick way to say you're not understanding a post, joke, or comment. 

IGTV

IGTV was Instagram's platform for long-form video content, launched in 2018. It let you post videos between 15 and 60 minutes long, much longer than regular Instagram feed posts.

Impressions

Impressions are a key social media metric. They show how often your content appears on users' screens.

Inbound marketing

Inbound marketing is a strategy that attracts customers to your brand through valuable content. Instead of interrupting people with ads, you create helpful resources they're looking for.

Influencer

An influencer is someone who can shape your opinions and decisions on social media. They're active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is a way for brands to reach you through social media stars. It's when companies team up with popular people online to promote products.

Infographic

An infographic is a visual tool that helps you share complex info in a simple way. It uses images, charts, and short text to explain ideas quickly.

Insights

Social media insights are data-driven analytics that show you how users interact with your content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These tools give you a peek into your audience's behavior, content engagement, and overall campaign performance.

Instagram

Instagram (IG) is a popular social media app. It lets you share photos and videos with your followers. In 2010, it started as a simple photo-sharing platform.

Instagram carousel

An Instagram carousel lets users post up to 10 photos or videos in a single post. Learn how this feature boosts engagement and helps brands tell stories.

Instagram comment

An Instagram comment is a response you leave on someone's post. It's a way to share your thoughts, ask questions, or chat with others about the content. 

Instagram highlight covers

Instagram highlight covers are custom icons for stories. Add personality to your profile with unique designs. Learn how to use them for branding.

Instagram Notes

Instagram Notes are short text updates you can share with your followers. They appear at the top of your Direct Messages inbox.

Instagram Pod

An Instagram pod is a group of users who work together to boost each other's posts. You join a pod with other Instagram accounts in your niche.

Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are short-form video features that allows users to create videos up to 90 seconds with music and effects.

Instagram Shops

Instagram Shops is a feature that lets businesses sell products directly on the app. It's like having a virtual store right on Instagram.

Instant messaging (IM)

Instant messaging (IM) is a quick, real-time communication tool. Learn how it works, its popular platforms, and why it’s essential for modern communication.

ISO (In Search Of)

ISO stands for "In Search Of" on social media platforms. You'll often see it in posts when someone's looking for something specific.

IYKYK

IYKYK stands for "If You Know, You Know." It's a popular abbreviation used on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. You'll often see it in posts or comments to hint at shared experiences or inside jokes. 
K

Key performance indicator (KPI)

A KPI in social media is a measurable value that shows how well you're meeting your goals. It helps you track progress and make smart choices for your social media strategy.
L

Lead generation

Lead generation is the process of attracting potential customers. Learn the best strategies to grow your business today.

Like

A "like" is a quick way to show you enjoy or agree with content on social media. It's a simple click that lets you interact without typing a comment.

Link building

Link building is the process of getting other websites to link to your site. It's a key part of search engine optimization (SEO).

Link in bio

'Link in bio' refers to the clickable URL you can add to your social media profile. It's a way to share important content with your followers.

LinkedIn Pulse

LinkedIn Pulse is a publishing platform for professionals. Share insights and boost your credibility by writing on Pulse.

Live streaming

Live streaming is broadcasting video in real time over the internet. It's like sharing a live video chat with many people at once. You can watch live streams on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Locket

Locket is a fun photo-sharing app that puts your friends' pics right on your home screen. You'll add contacts from your phone, then snap and send photos through the app. Your pics appear instantly in a widget on your friends' screens. 

Logo

A logo is a key part of your online identity, helping people recognize you at a glance. On platforms like Facebook and Twitter, your logo often serves as your profile picture. 

Lookalike Audience

A lookalike audience is a group of users similar to your existing customers. Learn how this tool boosts targeting efficiency and improves ad performance.

Loop

When you watch a looping video, it starts again as soon as it ends. You'll see loops on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

M

Market research

Market research is how companies understand who's interested in their brand, what they like, and how competitors are doing. By using surveys, social listening, and data analysis, organizations can learn about trends and customer needs.

Marketing funnel

A marketing funnel is a model that shows how customers move through the buying process. It starts with people learning about your brand and ends with them making a purchase.

Mastodon

With Mastodon, users can post short messages, share photos, and follow other users, just like on Twitter. But Mastodon gives people more control over their experience.

Media kit

A media kit is a professional calling card for creators or brands. These kits often include key stats like follower counts, engagement rates, and audience demographics.

Meme

A meme is digital content, often humorous, that spreads rapidly online. Discover how memes shape culture and social media trends.

Mention

A mention is when you tag or refer to another user on social media, usually with the "@" symbol. You'll see this on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Messenger

Messenger is a messaging app created by Meta (formerly Facebook). It's a standalone app that lets you chat with friends, family, and businesses.

Meta Ads Manager

Meta Ads Manager is your go-to tool for creating and managing ads across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.

Milkshake app

With Milkshake, you can build a simple website in minutes, no design skills needed. You'll be able to share more about yourself, your brand, or your work beyond just one link. 

Millennial pause

The millennial pause stems from older video recording habits. You might notice it when a millennial creator takes a moment to ensure their video is actually recording before they start talking. 

Moots

When you and another user follow each other, you become "moots." This implies a two-way connection and often suggests a friendly online relationship. 

Multilingual sentiment analysis

Multilingual sentiment analysis is a process that uses AI and machine learning to figure out if social media posts, comments, or reviews are positive, negative, or neutral. 

Mute

Mute is a handy feature that lets you hide posts from specific accounts without unfollowing them. When you mute an account, you'll still follow them but won't see their content.
N

Named Entity Recognition (NER)

Named entity recognition (NER) is a smart tool that helps computers understand text better. NER finds and labels important words or phrases in writing. 

Native advertising

Native advertising is a paid media format that blends in with organic content on social media, news sites, and search engines.

Network

Networks can be small, like your close friends, or huge, spanning the globe. Eithery way, networks are a a web of connections between people and groups online.

Newsfeed

A newsfeed is where you can access updates and posts on any given social network.

Newsjacking

Newsjacking is a strategy where you use trending news stories to boost your brand's visibility. It's about jumping on hot topics and adding your own twist. 

Newsletter

Newsletters are a powerful tool in your digital marketing arsenal. They help you stay connected with customers and build lasting relationships.

Niche

A niche is a specific segment of a larger market that you focus on with your social media content or products. It's a group of people who share common interests, needs, or characteristics. 

Niche marketing

Niche marketing allows you to develop a clear brand identity that resonates with your target audience.

noplace

A new social media app that launched in 2024, noplace keeps things simple with text-only posts. No photos or videos here! 

Not Me

When you see someone post "Not me doing [something embarrassing]", they're actually admitting to doing that thing. It's used to express agreement, surprise, or self-deprecating humor.

NPC

Non-player character, or NPC, is a term that started in video games to describe characters you can't control. Now, it's used on social media too. 
O

Omnichannel

Unlike multichannel, which treats each channel separately, omnichannel integrates them all. This means you'll see consistent messaging, pricing, and offers no matter how you interact with a brand. 

Open Graph

Open Graph is a protocol created by Facebook to make web content more shareable on social media.

OpenAI

OpenAI's work is pushing the boundaries of machine learning. They're making AI systems that can understand and generate human-like text, images, and more. 

Organic reach

Organic reach is the number of unique users who see your content on social media without paid promotion. It's different from paid reach, which involves spending money to boost your posts.

R

Reach

Social media reach is the number of people exposed to your posts. Learn the difference between reach and impressions, and see tips on how to expand your audience.

Reactions

Reactions are quick responses to posts, using emojis to show emotions like love or anger. See how they impact engagement and strategy.

Real-time marketing

Real-time marketing is all about jumping on current trends and events to connect with your audience right away.

Referral traffic

Referral traffic refers to visitors arriving from external sources like social media or websites. Learn how it can boost your site’s growth and rankings.

Regram

A regram is when you share another user's Instagram post on your own account. It's like reposting content, but specifically for Instagram.

Repin

A repin is a key feature on Pinterest that lets you save content you like. When you see a pin you want to keep, you can repin it to one of your boards.

Reply

A social media reply allows users to respond to comments, forming conversation threads. See why replying is key to enhancing brand presence.

Repost

A repost is when you share someone else's content on your social media profile. It's a way to spread interesting posts you've seen to your own followers.

Retargeting

Retargeting is a digital marketing strategy that shows ads to people who've already interacted with your brand online. It helps you reconnect with potential customers who visited your website or social media pages but didn't make a purchase.

Retweet

A retweet is a way to share someone else's post on X (formerly Twitter). When you retweet, you're spreading that content to your own followers.

Rich Pin

Rich Pins are enhanced Pinterest posts that pull extra info directly from your linked website.

ROI

ROI in social media means return on investment. It measures how well your social media efforts are paying off. You calculate it by comparing what you spend on social media to what you get back.

RSS feed

An RSS feed lets users follow site updates without checking manually. Find out how it simplifies content consumption for readers and marketers.

RSS reader

An RSS reader collects updates from multiple websites in one place, making it easy to stay informed. Learn how it can simplify your content consumption.
S

Selfie

A selfie is a photo you take of yourself. You usually use your smartphone to take it. It's a fun way to capture moments and share them on social media.

Sentiment analysis

Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool you can use to understand how people feel about your brand on social media.

SEO

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a set of practices to boost your website's visibility on search engines. It's all about making your content more findable when people search for topics related to your brand or products.

Shadowban

A shadowban is when social media platforms limit your content's visibility without telling you. You post, but no one can see it. This happens on apps like Instagram and TikTok.

Share

A share on social media is when you spread content from another user or page to your own followers. When you share, you're boosting the reach of that content.

Share of voice (SOV)

Share of voice (SOV) measures how much of the conversation your brand owns compared to competitors. It's a key metric for tracking your visibility across social media and other digital channels.

Shoppable post

Shoppable posts let you shop directly from your social media feed. See how brands use these posts to improve product discovery and drive conversions.

Slay

“Slay” is a popular slang term you'll often see on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. It means to excel or perform exceptionally well in a confident way.

SMART goals

SMART goals are a framework for creating clear, effective objectives. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Snapchat

Snapchat is a popular multimedia messaging app that's changed how you share moments with friends. It's known for its disappearing messages and real-time content sharing.

Social bookmarking

Social bookmarking is a way for you to save and organize web links online. Instead of keeping bookmarks in your browser, you store them on a platform that's accessible from any device. You can tag and categorize your saved links, making them easy to find later.

Social commerce

Social commerce involves buying and selling products directly through social media. Learn how to implement social commerce in your strategy.

Social customer service

Social customer service is when companies use social media to help their customers. It's a new way to solve problems and answer questions.

Social inbox

A social inbox gathers social media interactions across platforms into a single dashboard. Learn how it boosts efficiency and response times.

Social listening

Social listening is a powerful tool for understanding your audience on social media. It's the process of tracking and analyzing online conversations about your brand, competitors, and industry. 

Social media

Social media is a group of online platforms that let you connect with others and share content. You can use these websites and apps to post photos, videos, and messages.

Social media analytics

Social media analytics helps businesses understand how users interact with content. See how these insights inform better decisions and boost success.

Social media automation

Social media automation manages tasks like scheduling, improving efficiency. Learn how to use it wisely while keeping authentic connections.

Social media bio

A social media bio is a short description about you or your brand on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok. It's your chance to make a great first impression in just a few words.

Social media campaign

A social media campaign is a planned set of marketing activities on social platforms to achieve a specific goal. It's different from regular social posts because it's strategic and focused.

Social media etiquette

Social media etiquette involves using social platforms with respect and professionalism. Find out why it's important and how it impacts your online reputation.

Social media handle

A social media handle is your unique username on platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook. It's how people find and tag you online.

Social media management

Social media management involves creating, scheduling, and analyzing content on platforms. Learn how to streamline your social media strategy.

Social media management platform

Designed to make your life easier if you're managing social media for a business or brand, social media management platforms centralize your needs.

Social media manager

Social media managers curate, create, and analyze content to drive online engagement for brands. Read on to see how they shape your digital footprint.

Social media marketing

Social media marketing uses platforms to promote products or services. Learn how to craft an effective social media marketing strategy.

Social media metrics

Social media metrics give you a clear picture of what's working and what's not. You can use them to make smarter decisions about your social media strategy and create content your audience loves. 

Social media monitoring

Social media monitoring is the practice of keeping track of what people are saying about you, your brand, or your industry online.

Social media scheduling

Social media scheduling means planning and automating posts to go live at optimal times. Find out how it boosts engagement without extra effort!

Social proof

Social proof is when you look to others to figure out what to do. It's a powerful force that shapes how you act online and off.

Social relationship platform (SRP) 

An SRP (social relationship platform) is a platform that helps manage customer relationships and interactions on social media.

Social selling

Social selling is a modern sales approach that uses social media to connect with potential customers. It's about building relationships and providing value, not just pushing products.

Social sentiment

Social sentiment tracks how people feel about your brand online - positive, negative, or neutral. See why it’s key to staying ahead of public opinion.

Spam

Spam is unwanted, repetitive content that floods your social media feeds and inboxes. You've probably seen it – those annoying ads, fake profiles, or suspicious links that pop up everywhere.

Sponsored content

Sponsored content is content created in partnership with a brand to promote its products or services.

Sponsored post

A sponsored post is paid content on social media that promotes products or services.

Stitch

Stitch is a cool TikTok feature that lets you add clips from other videos to your own. You can grab a short bit of someone else's TikTok and use it as part of your new creation.

Stock photos

Stock photos are ready-made images you can buy and use for your social media posts, websites, or marketing materials. They're a quick and easy way to add visual appeal to your content without hiring a photographer.

Stories

Stories are bite-sized, temporary posts you can share on social media. Popular on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, they include photos, videos, and text and disappear after 24 hours.

Streams

Streams in social media are real-time flows of content you see on your favorite platforms. They're like digital rivers carrying posts, videos, and comments from the accounts you follow.

StumbleUpon

StumbleUpon was a content discovery platform that helped you find interesting websites, articles, and videos. It worked like a virtual tour guide for the internet. You'd click the "Stumble" button, and it'd take you to a random site matching your interests.

Subreddit

A subreddit is a special community on Reddit, the popular social media site. You can think of it as a mini-forum focused on a specific topic or interest.

Subscribers

Subscribers are people who choose to follow your content on social media platforms or newsletters. When you subscribe, you sign up to get updates from creators, brands, or businesses you like.

Suggested pages

Suggested pages are recommendations you see on social media platforms like Facebook. These are pages the platform thinks you might like based on your activity and interests.
T

Tabs

Tabs in social media are handy tools that help you organize content on your profile or page. They appear as clickable buttons near the top of your page.

Tag

A tag on social media is a way to link or mention other users in your posts. When you tag someone, they get a notification and a clickable link to their profile appears in your post.

Target audience

A target audience is the group most likely to engage with your brand’s message or product. Learn how to define and connect with them for more impactful campaigns.

Targeting

Targeting is the process of reaching specific audiences in advertising. Learn how to define and target your ideal customers.

TBF

TBF stands for "to be fair." You'll often see this acronym used in social media posts and online chats. When you use TBF, you're adding a balanced view to a conversation.

TBH (To Be Honest)

TBH stands for "to be honest." You'll often see this initialism used on social media platforms and in text messages. It's a way to introduce a candid thought or opinion.

Terms of service (ToS)

Terms of service are the rules you agree to when using a social media platform or website. They're like a contract between you and the company running the service.

That Girl

'That Girl' is a popular social media trend that started on TikTok. It's all about self-improvement and creating your best life.

Thought leader

Thought leaders are the go-to people who shape conversations and influence others in their industry. 

Thread

A thread is a series of connected posts or messages on social media that form a single conversation or story.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday, or TBT, is a social media trend that involves people sharing old photos or memories on Thursdays using the hashtag #TBT. 

TikTok

TikTok is a short-form video platform where users share creative content. Learn how brands are using TikTok to engage younger audiences.

TL;DR

TL;DR stands for “Too Long; Didn't Read.” It's an internet acronym you'll often see on social media and online forums. When you come across a long post or article, you might spot TL;DR at the end.

Touch grass

"Touch grass" is a playful way to say, “step away from the screen.” Find out why this phrase resonates with modern online communities.

Traffic

Traffic refers to the visitors who land on your website. Learn how to drive more traffic and increase conversions.

Trending

Trending on social media refers to topics, hashtags, or content that are popular at a given moment. It's when lots of people are talking about something at the same time.

Troll 

A troll is someone who posts inflammatory or off-topic comments online to upset others. You might encounter them in social media comments, forums, or chat rooms.  

Tweet

A tweet is a short post shared on X (formerly Twitter). Learn how to craft tweets that drive engagement.

Twitter

What is Twitter? | Brandwatch Social Media Glossary
V

Vanity metric 

A vanity metric is a surface-level data point that looks impressive but doesn't really tell you much about your social media success. These metrics might make you feel good, but they don't always lead to meaningful results. 

Verified

A verified account on social media usually indicates that the platform has confirmed the identity of the account holder, signified with a blue checkmark next to their name.

Viral

Viral refers to content that spreads quickly across social media platforms. When something goes viral, it gains lots of attention in a short time. This happens through massive sharing and engagement.

Viral marketing

Viral marketing is a strategy that gets people to share your content widely on social media. It's like a digital version of word-of-mouth advertising. You create something catchy or interesting that spreads quickly among users, much like a virus. 

Virtual reality (VR)

Virtual reality (VR) creates simulated environments for users to explore. Find out how it’s transforming digital interactions and brand engagement!

Vlog 

A vlog is a video blog where you share your thoughts, experiences, or information through video instead of written text. It's a popular form of content on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. 
X

X Spaces

X Spaces is a live audio chat feature on X (formerly Twitter). It lets you join real-time conversations with other users right from your mobile device. You can host your own Space or listen in on others' discussions. 
Falcon.io is now part of Brandwatch.
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Existing customer?Log in to access your existing Falcon products and data via the login menu on the top right of the page.New customer?You'll find the former Falcon products under 'Social Media Management' if you go to 'Our Suite' in the navigation.

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Paladin is now Influence.
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Brandwatch acquired Paladin in March 2022. It's now called Influence, which is part of Brandwatch's Social Media Management solution.Want to access your Paladin account?Use the login menu at the top right corner.

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