If you’re a TikTok user, you might have come across the term “ratio” in the comment section. It may sound like a math lesson from middle school, but fear not! The meaning of “ratio” on TikTok has nothing to do with equations or calculations. It’s actually a social media trend that has its own unique definition.

Understanding TikTok Ratios

On social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, “ratioing” occurs when the majority of viewers disagree with a particular opinion expressed in a comment or post. It’s a way of expressing dislike in the absence of a “dislike” button or “downvoting” function. Understanding this TikTok terminology will have you earning “ratio Ws” in no time!

Exploring the TikTok Ratio Phenomenon

The concept of ratioing actually began on Twitter. When someone is “ratioed” on Twitter, it means that their tweet has more replies than likes and retweets. In other words, the comment section performs better than the original content, indicating that more people disagree with the tweet than support it.

On TikTok, ratioing can take on a few different forms:

• If a video has more comments than likes, it’s likely been “ratioed” because the majority of viewers don’t agree with its content.
• If a comment challenging a TikTok’s content receives more likes than the video itself, it’s considered a ratio. For example, if a video claims that Hawaiian pizza has the best topping combo and receives 1,000 likes, but the top comment saying “Hawaiian pizza is gross” receives 10,000 likes, it’s clear that the people have spoken. Sometimes, people simply comment “ratio” to signal their disagreement and gather likes that way.
• If a reply to a comment receives more likes than the original comment, it means that the commenter has been ratioed. In the given example, the reply could be a counterpoint or simply the word “ratio.”

Decoding “Ratio L” and “W” on TikTok

When scrolling through ratioed posts on TikTok, it’s common to come across the abbreviations “Ls” and “Ws.” These letters represent whose opinion was more popular, drawing inspiration from slang phrases like “taking an L” (losing) and “taking a W” (winning).

For instance, if the likes on a “ratio” comment surpass the number of likes on the original comment, the “ratio-er” and other commenters will use a “W” to indicate that they have won the debate or ratioed the original poster. Conversely, if a video has twice as many comments disagreeing with the original poster as it has likes, the comment section will likely be filled with users pointing out that the post is a “ratio L.”

The Impact of TikTok Ratios

TikTok ratios can serve different purposes, both positive and negative. On one hand, they allow people to express their disagreement, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It could be as harmless as two super-fans playfully arguing over who will win an upcoming football game. On the other hand, ratios can also highlight harmful or contentious original comments, signaling that the majority of people disagree with the poster’s views.

However, it’s crucial to remember that TikTok ratios can sometimes be used inappropriately or maliciously. Mean-spirited individuals may exploit this trend to put others down, annoy TikTokers, or amplify harmful opinions. It’s essential to approach ratios thoughtfully and consider whether they contribute positively to the conversation. If a ratio is meant to hurt someone’s feelings, it’s best to refrain from participating.

In conclusion, understanding the meaning behind “ratio” on TikTok sheds light on a popular social media phenomenon. Whether you encounter a ratioed comment or participate in the trend yourself, always keep in mind the importance of respectful and considerate online interactions.