If you are new to social media, it may seem like some social media tools use a completely different language.

The jargon of social media can at first seem confusing, but with a little practice, the art of social media wordplay will become second nature. Here are some of the common terms used on social media which you should be aware of.

Tweets and Retweets
Tweets are posts by users on Twitter.

When someone tweets something of interest, other users can share it by reposting it to their followers. This is called a retweet.

To retweet either select the retweet option on Twitter or copy the tweet and include ‘RT’ before the content of the tweet.

#Hashtags
Hashtags are words or phrases with the symbol ‘#’ in front of them. They group or categorise conversations by theme, providing context to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media posts. They also help to signpost where posts fit into a broader public conversation.

The way to use a hashtag is to include it immediately before the keyword or phrase, such as #publicrelations or #qanda.

Handles (@)
A handle is a Twitter username and is identified with the ‘@’ symbol before the username, for example @CatrionaPollard. This can be used to mention other Twitter users in your tweets.

The ‘@’ symbol is also becoming popular across other social networks such as Facebook or Instagram, to allow users to mention other people in posts.

Pins and Repins
A pin is an image or video added to Pinterest. Pinterest allows users to organise and collect content by pinning items of interest onto virtual boards; similar to an online scrapbook or noticeboard.

A repin is when you post another user’s image or video onto your own Pinterest board. This allows you to share other user’s images or videos with your own followers.

Filters
A filter is an effect that can be applied to photos or videos taken through Instagram. Filters change the look of photos and video by changing the colour and contrast.

IM and DM
IM (instant messaging) refers to real time online chat. There are many systems which offer IM including Facebook chat, MSN or Yahoo.

DM (direct messaging) is a way to send a private message directly to another user on Twitter.

Follows & Likes
Following is a way of connecting with users on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or LinkedIn in order to receive their updates in your news feed.

Liking is a way of highlighting your interest in a post across these platforms by clicking a ‘like’ button.

The social media environment is continually evolving. Getting a handle on the language used in social media is the first step towards social media success.

Sydney Social Media Agency, CP Communications provides specialist social media strategies as well as traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au or download our free Social Media eBook http://bitly.com/12GEPor