With such a vast and diverse variety of TikTok acronyms and slang, it is easy to second guess or confuse them with deep meaning. ‘Ratio’ is one of those TikTok terms that give major math vibes, reminding you of complicated calculations.

In this article, Net Influencer demystifies this TikTok slang. We look at how the term originated and how to use it correctly. You can quickly update your TikTok glossary in no time.

The Meaning and Usage of ‘Ratio’

Ratio is a TikTok term found in the comment section of some posts. It refers to the ratio of replies to likes. Getting ‘ratioed’ on TikTok means that your comment or posts received more replies than likes. This is an indication that it did not perform well. In short, getting ratioed is not good. 

TikTok does not have a ‘dislike’ button. While the app does give users the option to use the “thumbs -down”, it does not display the number of downvotes. Users can openly express their disagreement with a comment or post by bombarding the comments using ratios. In this instance, you will see ‘Ratio” posted under the comment. 

Explain how ‘Ratio’ is used in conversation and captions

If a video makes a claim, such as, “highlighter is an essential beauty item”, and receives 1000 likes, we accept that 1000 followers agree with the statement. However, if an opposing comment such as, “Highlighter is a waste of money” receives 8000 likes, it outweighs the opinion of the 1000 followers who liked the content. In fact, commenters in agreement with the opposing commenter can merely comment “ratio” which counts against the 1000 likes.

Ratio can be used in the description of a post, as a hashtag, or just as part of the write-up. It can also be used in the content as a caption. 

What do “ratio L” and “W” mean on TikTok? 

You may come across “Ls” or “Ws” in the comment section of a post. These letters indicate the winning opinion in a ratio battle. “L” comes from the slang, “taking an L” and “W ” from “taking a W”. 

When a ratio comment receives more likes than the original comment, the “ratio-er” and other commenters will post a “W” in the replies. This indicates they have ratioed the original poster and won the debate.

If the content or comments receives more comments contradicting the original poster than likes, the commenter will post an “L”, indicating a lost argument.

The Origin of ‘Ratio’

Ratio-ing may be popular on TikTok, however, it originally began on Twitter in early 2017. Getting “ratio-ed” on Twitter meant your tweet received more replies than likes and retweets. This is similar to the TikTok definition.

How to Use ‘Ratio’ in Content Creation

While Ratios are not compliments and express disagreement, it is not entirely malicious. Users making their opinion known is valuable to content creators, who must take stock of the feedback their posts and comments earn. 

It also makes for entertaining interaction. For example, 2 superfans debating over who will win a basketball game. 

Creators and users can request a “ratio 1:1” in the comment section. The requester is asking for the same number of likes on the comment as the number of likes on the content. This is favored by TikTok’s algorithm, encouraging more views on the content.

Getting ratio-ed can be mean-spirited and leave the creator or original poster deeply upset and disappointed. This can be equally entertaining for all the wrong reasons. Controversy and tension increase interest. Content creators need to be mindful of this and how they handle using ratios and getting ratio-ed. 

Have a look at these “Ratio” examples from TikTok

@backtotheeighties1985 real#w #catsoftiktok #kittensoftiktok #ratio #nature #cute #animals #lmao #fyp #foryou send this to a random friend and say nothing #garfield #viral ♬ Rapp Snitch Knishes (Live Instrumental) – OMA

This video of a cat frolicking through a field or park is cute and spunky. The description carries the Ratio hashtag. The video has a higher number of likes than comments, clearly not ratioed. Ratio is included in the caption.

@thedankestofmeme You don’t Ratio Denzel 😎 #funny #meme #denzelcurry #fyp #foryou #dank ♬ Ultimate – Denzel Curry

In this example we see a video of a screenshot of a conversation- Rapper Denzel inquiring into “ratio”. The inquiry is flipped into a diss on the comment. While this is cheeky, it does not appear to be malicious. The video receives more likes than comments, therefore it is not ‘ratio-ed”.

@crinkatwo make the best ratios in the comments #fyp #ratio ♬ Pretty isnt it – Poncha and max

This is a play on the Ratio 1:1. This video displays a screenshot of the comment section of posts requesting the longest ratio ever – a World record. The comment section displayed in the video shows everyone commenting ‘ratio’, responding to the appeal. Ratio is used in the description of this video, too.

Conclusion

TikTok lingo is always evolving, with users and creators finding expression through every means possible. While ‘Ratio’ is a smart way for TikTok-ers to articulate their opinion or even tip the scales on how posts perform; it is worth thinking twice before acting out or promoting a spirit of spite. Building community, relatability, and improving engagement can be achieved using better practices. More acceptable approaches will result in long-term and better-quality engagement, while rocking the boat may only attract some short-term attention.