If you’re among the 2.4 Billion Instagram users, chances are you’ve come across the hashtag #IYKYK. It could have been attached to a photo or a reel. Seeing that you’re scrolling through this article, it’s obvious you’ve, at some point, wondered, “What’s IYKYK meaning on Instagram?”
Well, this article will answer that question. It’ll also teach you all there’s to know about this IYKYK and how you can effectively use it in your Instagram posts to connect with your audience in a unique way. Because from the look of it, IYKYK is here to stay.
What does IYKYK mean?
Before we dig deeper into the meaning of IYKYK on Instagram and its relevance, it’s important to know that the understanding of this term will come in handy in enhancing your social media interactions and growing your page.
The IYKYK meaning on Instagram and in text
IYKYK is an acronym for “If You Know, You Know.” It’s used to hint at a particular meaning that is only apparent to a selected few. In addition, IYKYK on Instagram is often used to reference an inside joke, a shared experience, and mostly signals that there’s a hidden meaning that not everyone is meant to understand. This acronym is mostly seen in captions and in comments.
IYKYK meaning in texts, also points to something that not everyone would understand at a glance. It’s a way to connect with those who share the same knowledge or experience as you, without necessarily spelling out all the details.
Essentially, “IYKYK” means that if you’re in the know, you’ll understand the significance of what’s being shared.
The origin and rise of the slang IYKYK
The slang IYKYK has its roots in online communities and in meme culture, and has been in existence for the longest time. With time, its popularity continued to rise, as more and more people continued to adopt this slang. However, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram contributed immensely to its popularity. Today, many users use the slang to share niche-related content and entertain their followers.
Why do people use IYKYK in chat?
Just like other slang like “ikr’ and “lol,” it is common to see users use slang during chats on social media. And IYKYK is no exception. But why do people use it? Let’s explore the benefits of using the slang “IYKYK” and how it can improve online interactions.
Create a sense of in-group identity
IYKYK on Instagram creates a sense of belonging among users who understand the reference picture, video or post. It is usually used to speak to a selected few. For instance, a user could post an engagement ring with the caption, “Iykyk.” However, only a few close followers would understand that the user is either engaged or about to. Thus, making the conversation feel more intimate and exclusive.
Save time to facilitate communication
Instead of explaining a complex idea, experience, or joke using the entire detail, “IYKYK” allows Instagram users to convey the message quickly to the target audience using just 5 alphabets.
Add humor or mystery to attract audiences
IYKYK is also used to add mystery and humor to Instagram posts. It entices others to engage and ask questions, or simply smile at the shared understanding. With every post that contains this slang, a user is either stuck trying to figure out the details or already understands and finds it humorous.
Highlight shared experiences
Whether it’s an inside joke or a memorable moment, IYKYK emphasizes experiences that only a few people find relatable. This slang creates stronger connections between friends, followers, or community members who were part of that moment.
Promote engagement
Posts that use “IYKYK” often invite comments and interactions from Instagram users who “get it.’ So it boos engagement on whatever content it is that you have attached to this slang. In addition, it also generates curiosity and responses.
When to employ IYKYK on Instagram?
Understanding when to use “IYKYK” is key to making your posts perform better. Most users or followers would scroll past a post they do not find exciting or relatable. So, knowing exactly when to use this slang is key to effectively delivering your message to the target audience.
Here are five scenarios where the IYKYK slang would particularly come in handy:
Share an inside joke within a community
If you’re posting something that only your close friends or a particular community would understand, this slang is your perfect tool to ensure that the message is delivered to only the target audience.
For instance: a picture of a dress and a #iykyk caption will leave most people confused. But those within the community would understand the words behind the picture.
Launch an exclusive product
IYKYK can also be used when posting a product that is only available to a selected few. Using IYKYK while promoting the product creates a sense of belonging and exclusivity.
Post a unique experience
IYKYK is employed on Instagram while sharing a memorable experience that not many people can relate to. For instance, a visit to a monumental site, a presidential villa tour, or any experience that is not accessible to everyone. Those who have ‘been there’, ‘done that’ would understand without the details being spelled out. In some cases, the non-followers who also share in the experience see this as an invitation to connect with you, thereby growing your fan base or followership.
Respond to comments
IYKYK can be used to reply to comments on your posts that only you and whoever made the comment understand. In doing this, the conversation is kept intimate and only a small number of people are aware of the meaning.
Build a community sharing similar interests
As an Instagram user, using IYKYK in your posts, can help direct attention to the right people. Besides, it helps you build a community of like-minded individuals who share in your passion, appreciate the things you do, and find your experiences relatable.
How to use IYKYK effectively on Instagram?
You have learned the IYKYK meaning on Instagram. Then, how do you use it effectively to send messages to the right audience? Some Instagram users have carelessly used this slang and their messages have gotten lost, along with a ton of others. How do you ensure you’re not one of the careless users?
Tip 1. Know your followers
Whether your followers will understand the message you’re trying to pass is important, because if the major percentage of your followers do not, then the post might not do well. Unless your intention is to make sure the post is appreciated and well-received by a small number, then, it’s necessary to post experiences that most of your followers will understand.
For instance, as a travel content creator for young adults and teenagers, an #IYKYK posts about pregnancy or prenatal care will leave most of your followers confused.
Tip 2. Use it with a hashtag
Adding hashtag(#) to IYKYK can increase the visibility of your post, attracting users who search for that specific tag. It’s a great way to reach a broader audience while saving time and keeping the content exclusive.
Tip 3. Focus on context
Make sure that when you use IYKYK, it adds value to the post and promotes the message you’re trying to pass across to your audience.
Tip 4. Combine with image & video
Posting IYKYK slang on Instagram without pairing it with an image or video to help followers deduce the context is meaningless. Combining the slang with images and videos will aid in ensuring the target audience is able to connect the dots quickly.
Tip 5. Avoid overuse
While IYKYK can be a powerful tool on Instagram and in texting, overusing it can cause your target audience to lose interest. It’s not every time one scrolls through social media that they want to spend time on a post trying to play detective. So, it is highly recommended you do not use IYKYK often.
Other trendy slang on Instagram
While scrolling through the streets of social media, especially Instagram, the chances that you have come across other slang other than IYKYK are high. And while you have learned the origin, how and when to use IYKYK, we deem it fit to briefly talk about other popular slang you must have encountered on Instagram:
- GRWM: at the top of the list is this slang that has been used by almost every influencer on Instagram. It means Get Ready With Me, and is mostly used to show what it takes for an Instagram user to prepare for their day’s activities. Sometimes, these users/influencers make these GRWM videos showing their outfits, makeup, or meal prep, from start to finish.
- TBH: it is short for To Be Honest, and it’s used to express or emphasize honesty.
- GOAT: This slang is an acronym for Greatest Of All Times. It is used to show that a person is the best in their field or industry.
- SMH: short for Shaking My Head, SMH is often in situations that are either disappointing or unbelievable. A #smh comment on a post indicates that whoever wrote the comment is disappointed at the user or in disbelief about what was posted.
- Slay: used to compliment someone’s outfit, performance, or overall appearance, implying they look or did something exceptionally well.
A powerful way to monitor kids’ behaviors on Instagram
if your child is active on social media, you might be curious about what kind of posts or experiences your child is interacting with.
Well, FlashGet Kids is here to satisfy that curiosity, while also prioritizing your child’s safety on Instagram. With the rise of Instagram influencers and with everyone posting whatever comes to mind, it’s important to monitor your child’s social media usage so they do not consume the wrong contents. FlashGet Kids has made doing that easier than it has ever been in history.
This parental control app is like a social media spy app that’s designed to help you keep an eye on your child and monitor their day-to-day interactions on Instagram, through the following ways:
- Monitor kids’ online interactions: use features like snapshots and screen mirroring, which is known for its ability to display the contents of your child’s mobile device on a parent device in real-time. In this way, FlashGet Kids can keep track of who your child is talking to and what they’re sharing.
- Notifications tracker: once installed and enabled, FlashGet Kids allows you access to all the notifications from your child’s phone, including app and text messages. This means whenever the child receives a notification about an Instagram post, you, the parent also gets the same notification. It’s no wonder FlashGet Kids is one of the best parental control apps available on the App Store.
- Keyword detection: with Keyword detection, FlashGet Kids allows you to input specific words that call for additional attention. Whenever your kid interacts using these keywords, you instantly receive a notification.
Final words
As with any trend, understanding the IYKYK meaning, knowing when and how to use it on Instagram can help elevate your social media game. It can also teach you better ways to relate with your audience, and make your posts more engaging. However, it is wrong to overuse this slang as it makes a lot of users lose interest.
Beyond social media trends, we believe it’s important for parents to keep an eye on their kids while they use Instagram and other social media apps. By using FlashGet Kids, you not only monitor your child’s social media, but you also manage their screen time, mirror their screen, and get usage reports. With the information garnered, you can ensure your child is protected and kept safe from the negative effects of social media.
FAQs
What does IYKYK stand for in texting?
IYKYK meaning in text is simply the same as everywhere—If You Know, You Know. It is often used to pass a message across to a smaller percentage of a group.
What are examples of IYKYK?
Posting a picture of a restaurant that is famous for a particular dish with the caption iykyk. Or, posting a picture of the beach with iykyk in your caption. This could either indicate that you’ve visited the restaurant/beach, about to, or throwing a shade at it.
What is the IYKYK meaning in the urban dictionary?
The meaning of IYKYK in Urban Dictionary is If You Know, You Know. And it’s often associated with sarcasm, eye winks, and social media trends. It implies that only those in the know will understand what is being referenced.
What is IYKYK used for?
After learning IYKYK meaning on Instagram, it’s important to know what it’s used for. The slang iykyk is used all over the internet to talk about a particular post, video, or content that is only understood by a specific group.
