Chapter 3: Social Media Features & Terminology
Get familiar with social media features and terminology. Learn the differences between posts, reels, stories, hashtags, DMs, and more so you can navigate platforms and communicate with confidence.
Every platform comes with its own lingo and functionality. Understanding the common features and terms used across social media helps you navigate more confidently, post more effectively, and engage like a pro.
📄 Common Post Types and Features
| Feature | What It Is | Where You'll See It |
|---|---|---|
| Post | A standard update (text, image, video) | Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X |
| Story | Temporary content that disappears in 24 hours | Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok |
| Reel/Short | Short-form vertical video | Instagram (Reels), YouTube (Shorts), TikTok |
| Thread | A series of connected posts | X (Twitter), Threads |
| Live Stream | Real-time video broadcast | YouTube, Facebook, Instagram |
| DM (Direct Message) | Private one-on-one or group messaging | All major platforms |
| Comment | A public reply to a post or content | All platforms |
| Like/Heart | A quick way to show appreciation | All platforms |
| Share/Retweet | Reposting someone else's content to your audience | Facebook, X, Threads |
| Save/Bookmark | Privately saving content for later | Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest |
🔣 Common Social Media Terms Explained
- Hashtag (
#) – A keyword or phrase used to group posts and make them discoverable (e.g.,#solotravel) - Mention (
@) – Tagging a person or brand in a post (e.g.,@brandonhimpfen) - Bio – Your profile description; a quick summary of who you are and what you do
- Handle – Your username on the platform (e.g.,
@yourname) - Algorithm – The system that decides what content is shown in your feed
- Engagement – Interactions such as likes, comments, shares, saves, and clicks
- Reach – The number of unique users who saw your post
- Impressions – Total views, including multiple views by the same person
- Tagging – Associating people or pages with your post so they're notified
- Link in Bio – A common workaround for platforms that limit direct linking (especially Instagram)
🧠 Platform-Specific Jargon
| Platform | Unique Terms/Features |
|---|---|
| Reels, Highlights, Grid, Close Friends | |
| X (Twitter) | Threads, Quote Tweet, Spaces |
| TikTok | Duets, Stitch, For You Page (FYP) |
| Endorsements, Recommendations, Featured | |
| Pins, Boards, Rich Pins | |
| YouTube | Shorts, Subscriptions, Community Tab |
| Watch, Marketplace, Groups, Events |
🔐 Privacy and Content Visibility Options
- Public – Anyone can view
- Followers Only – Only approved followers see your content
- Close Friends/Custom Lists – Handpicked audiences
- Private Messaging – For direct interaction outside of public posts
Most platforms allow post-by-post control of visibility — learn where those settings live early on.
Summary
Understanding how features work — and what the terms mean — makes navigating social media much easier. This knowledge sets the stage for creating better content, engaging authentically, and using each platform with purpose.