If you’re teaching English and want to help your students talk confidently about online life, this post is the ultimate resource for social media vocabulary. Whether your learners are beginners or more advanced, this list covers the words and phrases they need to understand and use in real conversations.
Inside, you’ll find tables with clear meanings, IPA pronunciations, CEFR levels, and example sentences for 179 important social media terms in 18 categories. This makes it easy to plan lessons that match your students’ levels and keep them engaged.
Use these words to create conversations, questions, role-plays, and debates in your classroom. You can also introduce common expressions that appear often on social media platforms. Your students will practice speaking naturally and confidently.
This post saves you time by giving you everything you need in one place. It’s perfect for designing fun, relevant activities that help learners connect English with the digital world they use every day. Dive in and see how this social media vocabulary list can transform your lessons!
Table of Contents
Social Media Platforms
This category introduces the most common social media platforms that learners often hear about or use in daily life. Knowing these helps students participate in real-world conversations and online discussions confidently.
| Platform | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| /ˈfeɪs.bʊk/ | A2 | A popular social media platform where users can share posts, photos, and videos. | I use Facebook to keep in touch with my family in another country. | |
| /ˈɪn.stə.ɡræm/ | A2 | A photo and video sharing platform where users can post pictures, reels, and stories. | She posts her travel photos on Instagram every week. | |
| Twitter (X) | /ˈtwɪt.ər/ | B1 | A platform for sharing short messages, thoughts, and updates, now rebranded as X. | He tweeted about the event just after it ended. |
| TikTok | /ˈtɪk.tɒk/ | B1 | A video-sharing platform known for short, entertaining, and creative clips. | TikTok is popular among teenagers for dance and comedy videos. |
| /ˌlɪŋktˈɪn/ | B2 | A professional networking platform for career development and job searching. | She updated her LinkedIn profile to apply for a new job. | |
| YouTube | /ˈjuː.tʃuːb/ | A2 | A video-sharing platform where users upload, watch, and comment on videos. | I learned how to cook pasta by watching a video on YouTube. |
| Snapchat | /ˈsnæp.tʃæt/ | B1 | A messaging app where photos and videos disappear after being viewed. | They send each other funny pictures on Snapchat every day. |
| /ˈpɪn.trəst/ | B1 | A platform where users collect and share visual ideas and inspirations. | She uses Pinterest to plan her wedding decoration ideas. | |
| /ˈrɛd.ɪt/ | B2 | A forum-based platform where users discuss topics in communities called subreddits. | He reads tech discussions on Reddit every night. |
User Roles & People
This category focuses on the different people involved in the world of social media. From content creators to followers, understanding these roles helps learners talk clearly about what people do online and how they interact with each other.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influencer | /ˈɪn.flu.ən.sər/ | B1 | A person who has many followers on social media and can affect opinions or buying choices. | The company paid an influencer to promote their new product. |
| Content Creator | /ˈkɒn.tɛnt kriˈeɪ.tər/ | B1 | Someone who makes and shares original content like videos, blogs, or photos. | She works as a full-time content creator on YouTube. |
| Follower | /ˈfɒl.əʊ.ər/ | A2 | A person who subscribes to see another user’s updates on social media. | He has over 10,000 followers on Instagram. |
| Subscriber | /səbˈskraɪ.bər/ | B2 | Someone who signs up to regularly receive content, especially on YouTube. | I’m a subscriber to her cooking channel. |
| Moderator | /ˈmɒd.ə.reɪ.tər/ | B2 | A person who manages online discussions to keep them respectful and safe. | The moderator deleted the offensive comments from the post. |
| Admin | /ˈæd.mɪn/ | B1 | Short for “administrator”; someone who manages a group or page online. | The group admin shared the new rules with all members. |
| Troll | /trəʊl/ | B2 | A person who intentionally posts upsetting or annoying content online. | Don’t reply to the troll; they just want attention. |
| Streamer | /ˈstriː.mər/ | B2 | Someone who broadcasts live video, especially while playing games or chatting. | He’s a popular streamer on Twitch. |
| Fan | /fæn/ | A2 | A person who really likes and follows a specific creator or influencer. | She’s a big fan of that fashion blogger. |
| Audience | /ˈɔː.di.əns/ | A2 | The group of people who watch, read, or listen to social media content. | His audience enjoys his funny cooking videos. |
Types of Content
This category introduces the different types of content users create and interact with on social media. Knowing these terms helps learners describe what they see, share, or comment on in the digital world.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post | /pəʊst/ | A2 | A message, photo, or video shared on social media. | I wrote a post about my trip to the mountains. |
| Story | /ˈstɔː.ri/ | A2 | A short photo or video update that disappears after 24 hours. | She posted a story of her birthday party. |
| Reel | /riːl/ | B1 | A short, edited video clip, usually entertaining or informative. | His reel about street food went viral. |
| Live Stream | /laɪv striːm/ | B1 | A real-time broadcast on social media. | They did a live stream during the concert. |
| Comment | /ˈkɒm.ent/ | A2 | A written reaction or opinion under a post or video. | I left a comment on her makeup tutorial. |
| Caption | /ˈkæp.ʃən/ | B1 | A short description added to a photo or video. | His photo had a funny caption. |
| Hashtag | /ˈhæʃ.tæɡ/ | B1 | A word or phrase with “#” used to label or group content. | She used the hashtag #foodie on all her posts. |
| Meme | /miːm/ | B1 | A funny or clever image or video shared widely online. | That meme made me laugh so hard. |
| GIF | /ɡɪf/ or /dʒɪf/ | B1 | A short animated image used to express emotions or reactions. | He replied with a funny GIF. |
| Poll | /pəʊl/ | B2 | A question shared to gather opinions from followers. | She created a poll to ask what video she should make next. |
Common Actions on Social Media
This category covers the everyday actions users take on social media. Learning these verbs and expressions helps learners describe what they do online and understand others’ actions clearly.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Like | /laɪk/ | A2 | To show approval of a post by clicking a heart or thumbs-up. | I liked her photo of the sunset. |
| Share | /ʃeər/ | A2 | To post someone else’s content on your own page or profile. | He shared the article on his timeline. |
| Comment | /ˈkɒm.ent/ | A2 | To write a reaction or message under a post. | I commented on her video about learning English. |
| Follow | /ˈfɒl.əʊ/ | A2 | To subscribe to someone’s content and updates. | I follow many cooking channels on YouTube. |
| Unfollow | /ʌnˈfɒl.əʊ/ | B1 | To stop receiving updates from someone on social media. | She unfollowed the page because of too many ads. |
| Post | /pəʊst/ | A2 | To publish content like a photo, message, or video. | He posted a picture from his vacation. |
| Tag | /tæɡ/ | B1 | To link someone to a post, photo, or comment. | I tagged my friend in the group photo. |
| Upload | /ʌpˈləʊd/ | B1 | To add a file, photo, or video to a social media platform. | She uploaded a new makeup tutorial. |
| Scroll | /skrəʊl/ | B1 | To move up or down a page to view more content. | I scrolled through my feed for an hour. |
| Block | /blɒk/ | B1 | To stop someone from contacting or seeing your content. | He blocked a stranger who kept messaging him. |
Hashtags and Trends
This category includes words related to what’s popular on social media and how users organize and follow viral content. These terms help learners talk about trending topics and how to join online conversations.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashtag | /ˈhæʃ.tæɡ/ | B1 | A word or phrase with “#” used to group and search for similar posts. | I used the hashtag #studygram in my post. |
| Trending | /ˈtren.dɪŋ/ | B1 | Gaining popularity quickly; being widely discussed online. | That video is trending on Twitter today. |
| Viral | /ˈvaɪə.rəl/ | B2 | Something that spreads very fast online, especially a post or video. | Her dance video went viral overnight. |
| Challenge | /ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/ | B1 | A fun activity or task people try and share online, usually with a hashtag. | They did the ice bucket challenge last summer. |
| Tag | /tæɡ/ | B1 | To include someone’s name or account in a post so they are notified. | Don’t forget to tag me in your birthday post! |
| Thread | /θred/ | B2 | A series of connected posts or comments on social media, especially Twitter. | She wrote a thread about her travel tips. |
| Trend | /trend/ | B1 | A general direction in which something is developing or becoming popular. | The trend now is posting daily routines. |
| Buzz | /bʌz/ | B2 | Excitement or attention around a topic or post. | There’s a lot of buzz around that new movie trailer. |
| Follower Count | /ˈfɒl.əʊ.ər kaʊnt/ | B1 | The number of people following a social media account. | Her follower count grew after the trend. |
| Hashtag Game | /ˈhæʃ.tæɡ ɡeɪm/ | B2 | A playful or creative post using a specific hashtag. | The brand started a hashtag game to engage users. |
Notifications and Settings
This category covers important terms related to how users manage their social media accounts and stay updated. Knowing these words helps learners understand and explain how to control their online experience.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notification | /ˌnəʊ.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ | A2 | A message that alerts you about new activity on social media. | I got a notification that someone liked my post. |
| Privacy Settings | /ˈprɪv.ə.si ˈset.ɪŋz/ | B1 | Options to control who can see your posts and information. | I changed my privacy settings to make my profile private. |
| Mute | /mjuːt/ | B2 | To stop seeing posts or notifications from someone without unfollowing them. | She muted her friend’s posts for a while. |
| Block | /blɒk/ | B1 | To stop someone from contacting or viewing your profile. | He blocked the user who sent rude messages. |
| Follow Requests | /ˈfɒl.əʊ rɪˈkwests/ | B1 | Notifications asking for permission to follow a private account. | I accepted all my follow requests yesterday. |
| Two-Factor Authentication | /tuː ˈfæk.tər ɔːˌθen.tɪ.kəˈeɪ.ʃən/ | C1 | Extra security step requiring a second form of ID when logging in. | Enabling two-factor authentication keeps your account safer. |
| Account Settings | /əˈkaʊnt ˈset.ɪŋz/ | B1 | Options to manage your profile, password, and preferences. | I updated my account settings to change my email. |
| Privacy Policy | /ˈprɪv.ə.si ˈpɒl.ɪ.si/ | B2 | Rules a company follows about handling your data. | Always read the privacy policy before signing up for a new app. |
| Tagging Settings | /ˈtæɡ.ɪŋ ˈset.ɪŋz/ | B2 | Options controlling who can tag you in posts and photos. | I adjusted my tagging settings to approve tags before they appear. |
| Report | /rɪˈpɔːt/ | B1 | To inform the platform about inappropriate content or behavior. | She reported a spam account to the site moderators. |
Online Behavior & Engagement
This category helps learners understand common terms related to how people interact on social media. Knowing these words is useful for discussing respectful communication and community participation online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Like | /laɪk/ | A2 | To show approval of a post or comment by clicking a heart or thumbs-up. | I liked her new profile picture. |
| Comment | /ˈkɒm.ent/ | A2 | To write a reaction or opinion on a post or video. | He commented on the news article. |
| Share | /ʃeər/ | A2 | To repost someone else’s content on your own profile. | She shared a funny video with her friends. |
| Follow | /ˈfɒl.əʊ/ | A2 | To subscribe to someone’s posts and updates. | I follow my favorite singer on Instagram. |
| Unfollow | /ʌnˈfɒl.əʊ/ | B1 | To stop following someone’s account. | He unfollowed the page because he didn’t like the posts anymore. |
| Block | /blɒk/ | B1 | To prevent someone from interacting with you or seeing your profile. | She blocked a user who sent mean messages. |
| Report | /rɪˈpɔːt/ | B1 | To notify the platform about inappropriate content or behavior. | I reported the spam account to Facebook. |
| Engage | /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/ | B2 | To participate actively by liking, commenting, or sharing posts. | Teachers encourage students to engage with each other’s posts. |
| Troll | /trɒl/ | B2 | Someone who posts annoying or offensive messages to upset others online. | The troll kept posting rude comments on the video. |
| Viral | /ˈvaɪə.rəl/ | B2 | Something that spreads very quickly and widely online. | The funny cat video went viral last week. |
Slang & Abbreviations
This category introduces common informal words and abbreviations used on social media. Knowing these helps learners understand casual conversations and write messages that sound natural online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOL | /ɛl oʊ ɛl/ | A2 | Laughing out loud; used to show something is funny. | That joke was so funny, I LOLed! |
| DM | /diː ɛm/ | B1 | Direct message; a private message sent to someone. | Send me a DM if you want more information. |
| OMG | /oʊ ɛm dʒiː/ | A2 | Oh my God; an expression of surprise or excitement. | OMG, I can’t believe we won the game! |
| BFF | /biː ɛf ɛf/ | B1 | Best friends forever; a close friendship. | Sarah is my BFF, we do everything together. |
| ICYMI | /aɪ si waɪ ɛm aɪ/ | B2 | In case you missed it; used to highlight important info. | ICYMI, the event starts at 7 pm tonight. |
| TBT | /tiː biː tiː/ | B1 | Throwback Thursday; sharing old photos or memories on Thursday. | I posted a TBT photo from my last vacation. |
| FYI | /ɛf waɪ aɪ/ | B1 | For your information; used to share helpful info. | FYI, the meeting has been moved to Friday. |
| IMO | /aɪ moʊ/ | B2 | In my opinion; used when giving a personal view. | IMO, that movie was really good. |
| NSFW | /ɛn ɛs ɛf dʌbəl.ju/ | B2 | Not safe for work; content that might be inappropriate at work. | Don’t open that link here, it’s NSFW. |
| BRB | /biː ɑːr biː/ | A2 | Be right back; used to say you will return shortly. | I need to answer the door, BRB. |
Reactions & Emojis
This category covers common ways users express feelings and responses on social media. Understanding these words helps learners talk about emotions and reactions online in a natural way.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Like | /laɪk/ | A2 | To show approval or enjoyment by clicking a button. | She liked my photo on Instagram. |
| Love | /lʌv/ | A2 | To express strong liking or affection for a post or comment. | I love your new profile picture! |
| Haha | /ˈhɑː.hɑː/ | A2 | Used to show laughter or amusement at a post or comment. | His joke made everyone say “Haha.” |
| Wow | /waʊ/ | A2 | To express surprise or amazement at something. | Wow, that sunset photo is beautiful! |
| Sad | /sæd/ | A2 | To show sympathy or sadness about a post or event. | I felt sad when I read the news about the storm. |
| Angry | /ˈæŋ.ɡri/ | A2 | To express anger or frustration with a post or comment. | Many people were angry about the new policy. |
| Emoji | /ɪˈməʊ.dʒi/ | B1 | A small digital icon used to express an emotion or idea. | She sent a smiley face emoji in her message. |
| Reaction | /riˈæk.ʃən/ | B1 | A response to a post, such as like, love, or angry. | His reaction to the news was very positive. |
| Sticker | /ˈstɪk.ər/ | B1 | A digital picture used to decorate messages or posts. | I sent a funny sticker in the group chat. |
| GIF | /dʒɪf/ or /ɡɪf/ | B2 | A short animated image used to express reactions or jokes. | That GIF perfectly shows how I feel today. |
Cybersecurity & Online Safety
Understanding online safety and cybersecurity terms is essential for protecting personal information and using social media responsibly. This category helps learners discuss how to stay safe online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Password | /ˈpæs.wɜːd/ | A2 | A secret word or phrase used to access an account. | Always use a strong password to protect your account. |
| Phishing | /ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/ | B2 | A method of trying to get personal information by pretending to be a trustworthy source. | Be careful of phishing emails asking for your password. |
| Hacker | /ˈhæk.ər/ | B2 | Someone who breaks into computer systems illegally. | The hacker tried to steal private information from the website. |
| Spam | /spæm/ | A2 | Unwanted or junk messages sent in bulk, often by email or social media. | I receive a lot of spam messages every day. |
| Malware | /ˈmæl.weər/ | C1 | Software designed to harm or exploit devices and networks. | Installing antivirus software helps protect your computer from malware. |
| Two-Factor Authentication | /tuː ˈfæk.tər ɔːˌθen.tɪ.kəˈeɪ.ʃən/ | C1 | Extra security step requiring a second form of identification when logging in. | I enabled two-factor authentication to secure my account. |
| Privacy Settings | /ˈprɪv.ə.si ˈset.ɪŋz/ | B1 | Options that control who can see your information on social media. | Adjust your privacy settings to control who sees your posts. |
| Encryption | /ɪnˈkrɪp.ʃən/ | C1 | The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. | Encryption helps protect data sent over the internet. |
| Firewall | /ˈfaɪə.wɔːl/ | C1 | A system designed to block unauthorized access to or from a private network. | The firewall stopped the hacker from entering the system. |
| Security Breach | /sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.ti briːtʃ/ | C1 | An incident where unauthorized access to data occurs. | The company suffered a security breach last year. |
Marketing & Ads Vocabulary
This category covers common terms used in social media marketing and advertising. These words help learners understand how brands promote products and services online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad / Advertisement | /æd/ | A2 | A message promoting a product, service, or event. | I saw an ad for a new phone on Facebook. |
| Brand | /brænd/ | A2 | A company’s name, logo, or identity that distinguishes its products. | Nike is a popular sports brand. |
| Campaign | /kæmˈpeɪn/ | B1 | A series of coordinated marketing activities to promote something. | The company launched a campaign to sell their new shoes. |
| Influencer | /ˈɪn.flu.ən.sər/ | B2 | A person with many followers who promotes products on social media. | Many brands work with influencers to advertise their products. |
| Sponsorship | /ˈspɒn.sər.ʃɪp/ | B2 | Financial support from a company in exchange for advertising space. | The event received sponsorship from a local company. |
| Target Audience | /ˈtɑːɡɪt ˈɔːdiəns/ | B2 | The specific group of people a marketing campaign is aimed at. | The target audience for this product is teenagers. |
| Click-Through Rate | /ˈklɪk θruː reɪt/ | C1 | The percentage of people who click on an online ad or link. | The ad had a high click-through rate, which means many people clicked it. |
| Conversion | /kənˈvɜːrʒən/ | C1 | When a user completes a desired action, like buying or signing up. | The website’s goal is to increase conversions from visitors. |
| Engagement | /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ | B2 | Interaction between users and content, such as likes or comments. | The campaign increased engagement on social media posts. |
| Hashtag | /ˈhæʃ.tæɡ/ | A2 | A word or phrase preceded by # to group similar posts. | Use the hashtag #summerfun to join the conversation. |
Analytics & Performance
Understanding analytics and performance terms helps teachers and learners discuss how social media content is measured and improved. This knowledge is useful for planning lessons about digital literacy or marketing.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytics | /ˌæn.əˈlɪt.ɪks/ | B2 | Data collected to measure how well content performs online. | We checked the analytics to see how many people watched the video. |
| Impressions | /ɪmˈprɛʃ.ənz/ | B2 | The number of times content is displayed to users. | The post received 10,000 impressions in one day. |
| Reach | /riːtʃ/ | B2 | The total number of unique users who see the content. | Our campaign’s reach increased after sharing it on Twitter. |
| Engagement Rate | /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt reɪt/ | C1 | The percentage of people interacting with content. | The engagement rate shows how many people liked or commented. |
| Click-Through Rate | /ˈklɪk θruː reɪt/ | C1 | The percentage of users who click on a link in the content. | The click-through rate for this ad is higher than last month. |
| Bounce Rate | /baʊns reɪt/ | C1 | Percentage of visitors who leave a page quickly without action. | A high bounce rate can mean users don’t find the content useful. |
| Conversion Rate | /kənˈvɜːrʒən reɪt/ | C1 | Percentage of users completing a desired action (e.g., purchase). | Increasing the conversion rate is the goal of most online campaigns. |
| Follower Growth | /ˈfɒl.oʊ.ər ɡroʊθ/ | B2 | The increase in the number of followers over time. | Our follower growth has been steady since we started posting daily. |
| Traffic | /ˈtræf.ɪk/ | B2 | The number of visitors to a website or social media page. | The new post drove a lot of traffic to our blog. |
| User Engagement | /ˈjuː.zər ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/ | B2 | How actively users interact with content, such as likes and comments. | High user engagement means your content is interesting to people. |
Social Media Etiquette & Culture
This category includes words and phrases that help learners understand the unspoken rules and behaviors expected on social media. Teaching these helps students use social platforms respectfully and effectively.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troll | /troʊl/ | B1 | Someone who posts annoying or offensive messages online to provoke others. | Don’t feed the troll by replying to their rude comments. |
| Spam | /spæm/ | A2 | Unwanted or repetitive messages sent online. | Avoid sending spam messages in group chats. |
| DM (Direct Message) | /diː ɛm/ | B1 | A private message sent between users on social media platforms. | I sent her a DM to ask about the event details. |
| Block | /blɒk/ | A2 | To stop someone from contacting or viewing your profile online. | He blocked the user who kept sending him spam. |
| Unfollow | /ʌnˈfɒl.oʊ/ | A2 | To stop following someone’s updates or posts. | I decided to unfollow that page because I wasn’t interested anymore. |
| Tag | /tæɡ/ | A2 | To mention or identify someone in a post or photo. | She tagged me in a funny photo from the party. |
| Caption | /ˈkæp.ʃən/ | B1 | The text that explains or comments on a photo or video. | Write a funny caption for your Instagram post. |
| Viral | /ˈvaɪr.əl/ | B2 | When content spreads quickly and widely online. | The video went viral and got millions of views in a day. |
| Emoji | /ɪˈməʊ.dʒi/ | B1 | Small icons or images used to express emotions or ideas. | Use emojis to make your messages more expressive. |
| Feed | /fiːd/ | B1 | The continuous stream of posts and updates on a social media platform. | I spend a lot of time scrolling through my Facebook feed. |
Content Creation Tools
Knowing the vocabulary related to content creation tools helps learners discuss how to make and share posts, videos, and graphics on social media. This is great for lessons focused on digital skills and creativity.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter | /ˈfɪl.tər/ | A2 | A tool that changes the look of a photo or video. | She used a filter to make her photo look warmer. |
| Edit | /ˈɛd.ɪt/ | A2 | To change or improve a photo, video, or text. | I edited the video before posting it online. |
| Template | /ˈtem.plɪt/ | B1 | A pre-designed layout to help create content quickly. | I used a template to make a professional-looking Instagram story. |
| Caption | /ˈkæp.ʃən/ | B1 | Text that describes a photo or video. | Add a caption to explain the picture. |
| Hashtag Generator | /ˈhæʃ.tæɡ ˈdʒen.əˌreɪ.tər/ | B2 | A tool that helps create relevant hashtags for posts. | Use a hashtag generator to find popular hashtags. |
| Video Editing Software | /ˈvɪd.i.oʊ ˈed.ɪ.tɪŋ ˈsɒft.wɛər/ | B2 | Programs used to cut, arrange, and enhance videos. | I use video editing software to make my YouTube videos more engaging. |
| Stock Photos | /stɒk ˈfoʊ.təʊz/ | B1 | Professional photos available for free or purchase to use in content. | Many bloggers use stock photos for their articles. |
| Storyboard | /ˈstɔːr.i.bɔːrd/ | C1 | A sequence of drawings representing planned scenes in a video. | We created a storyboard before filming the social media ad. |
| Thumbnail | /ˈθʌm.neɪl/ | B2 | A small image that represents a video or webpage. | Choose an attractive thumbnail to get more views on your video. |
| Content Calendar | /ˈkɒn.tɛnt ˈkæl.ən.dər/ | B2 | A schedule that plans when and what content to post. | We use a content calendar to organize our social media posts. |
Monetization & Business
This category covers key terms related to earning money and managing business activities on social media. These words help learners discuss how individuals and companies make profits online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monetization | /ˌmɒn.ɪ.taɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | B2 | The process of making money from content or a service. | YouTube offers monetization options for creators through ads. |
| Affiliate Marketing | /əˈfɪl.i.ət ˈmɑːr.kɪ.tɪŋ/ | C1 | Promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission. | She earns money with affiliate marketing by sharing product links. |
| Subscription | /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/ | B1 | A payment to regularly receive a service or content. | Many creators offer subscription plans for exclusive content. |
| Sponsored Post | /ˈspɒn.sərd poʊst/ | B2 | A post paid for by a company to advertise their product. | The influencer shared a sponsored post about the new smartphone. |
| E-commerce | /ˈiːˌkɒm.ɜːrs/ | B2 | Buying and selling goods or services online. | Many small businesses use social media to promote their e-commerce stores. |
| Brand Ambassador | /brænd æmˈbæs.ə.dər/ | C1 | Someone who represents and promotes a brand publicly. | She works as a brand ambassador for a popular clothing company. |
| Revenue | /ˈrɛv.ə.njuː/ | B2 | Income generated from business activities. | The company’s revenue increased after their social media campaign. |
| Commission | /kəˈmɪʃ.ən/ | B2 | A percentage of sales paid to someone for promoting products. | He receives a commission for every sale made through his link. |
| Pay-per-click (PPC) | /ˈpeɪ pɜːr ˈklɪk/ | C1 | An advertising model where payment is based on the number of clicks. | The company uses pay-per-click ads to attract customers. |
| Crowdfunding | /ˈkraʊdˌfʌndɪŋ/ | B2 | Raising money for a project by collecting small amounts from many people. | They used crowdfunding to launch their new app. |
Community & Interaction
This category focuses on vocabulary related to how people connect, communicate, and interact within social media communities. Teaching these terms helps learners understand social relationships online.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comment | /ˈkɒm.ent/ | A2 | A written response or reaction to a post or message. | She left a positive comment on my photo. |
| Like | /laɪk/ | A1 | To show approval or enjoyment of a post by clicking a button. | I liked his post about the new restaurant. |
| Share | /ʃɛər/ | A2 | To repost content so others can see it. | Please share the event details with your friends. |
| Mention | /ˈmen.ʃən/ | B1 | To refer to someone in a post or comment using their username. | He mentioned me in the group chat. |
| Tag | /tæɡ/ | A2 | To identify or link someone in a post or photo. | She tagged me in a funny video. |
| Follow | /ˈfɒl.oʊ/ | A1 | To subscribe to someone’s updates or posts. | I follow several travel bloggers on Instagram. |
| Mention Notification | /ˈmen.ʃən ˌnoʊ.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ | B2 | An alert that someone has been mentioned in a post or comment. | I got a mention notification when my friend tagged me in a photo. |
| Friend Request | /frɛnd rɪˈkwɛst/ | A2 | A request sent to connect as friends on social media. | I accepted her friend request yesterday. |
| Group | /ɡruːp/ | A2 | A collection of users with shared interests on social media. | We joined a group for local hiking enthusiasts. |
| Community Guidelines | /kəˈmjuː.nɪ.ti ˈɡaɪd.laɪnz/ | B2 | Rules set by social media platforms to regulate behavior. | Always follow community guidelines to avoid getting banned. |
Live & Real-Time Features
This category includes vocabulary related to features that allow users to interact instantly on social media. These terms help learners discuss live streaming, instant updates, and real-time communication.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Stream | /laɪv striːm/ | B1 | Broadcasting video in real-time over the internet. | The musician did a live stream concert for fans worldwide. |
| Broadcast | /ˈbrɔːd.kæst/ | B2 | To send out audio or video content to many people at once. | The event was broadcast live on Facebook. |
| Real-Time | /ˈrɪəl taɪm/ | B2 | Happening immediately, without delay. | We received real-time updates during the game. |
| Chat Room | /tʃæt ruːm/ | A2 | An online space where people can send messages instantly. | They met new friends in the chat room during the webinar. |
| Streaming | /ˈstriː.mɪŋ/ | B1 | Transmitting data (like video or audio) over the internet continuously. | Streaming movies has become very popular recently. |
| Viewer | /ˈvjuː.ər/ | A2 | A person who watches a video or live stream. | The live stream had thousands of viewers. |
| Replay | /ˈriː.pleɪ/ | B1 | Watching or listening again to a recorded live event. | You can watch the replay of the webinar anytime. |
| Moderator | /ˈmɒd.ər.eɪ.tər/ | B2 | Someone who manages and controls online discussions. | The moderator removed inappropriate comments during the live chat. |
| Notification | /ˌnoʊ.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ | A2 | An alert about new activity on social media, like messages or live streams. | I got a notification when the live stream started. |
| Comment Section | /ˈkɒm.ent ˈsɛk.ʃən/ | A2 | The part of a post or video where users write their opinions. | The comment section was full of positive feedback after the live event. |
Influencer & Creator Economy
This category covers vocabulary related to individuals who create content and build audiences to influence and monetize their presence on social media. It’s useful for lessons on careers and digital entrepreneurship.
| Word/Phrase | IPA | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influencer | /ˈɪn.flu.ən.sər/ | B1 | A person who has the power to affect others’ opinions or buying decisions through social media. | She is a popular influencer with thousands of followers. |
| Content Creator | /ˈkɒn.tɛnt kriˈeɪ.tər/ | B2 | Someone who makes videos, photos, or posts for social media platforms. | The content creator uploaded a new tutorial on Instagram. |
| Engagement | /ɛnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/ | B2 | The interaction between users and content, like likes, comments, and shares. | High engagement means many people are interacting with the post. |
| Collaboration | /kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ | B2 | Working together with others to create content or campaigns. | The influencer did a collaboration with a fashion brand. |
| Sponsored Content | /ˈspɒn.sərd ˈkɒn.tɛnt/ | B2 | Content paid for by a company to promote their product or service. | She posted sponsored content about a new skincare line. |
| Follower | /ˈfɒl.oʊ.ər/ | A2 | A person who subscribes to someone’s social media updates. | He has over 10,000 followers on TikTok. |
| Brand Deal | /brænd diːl/ | B2 | An agreement between a creator and a company for promotion. | She signed a brand deal to promote a fitness app. |
| Analytics | /ˌæn.əˈlɪt.ɪks/ | C1 | Data that shows how well content performs online. | The creator checked her analytics to see which video got the most views. |
| Algorithm | /ˈæl.ɡəˌrɪð.əm/ | B2 | A set of rules social media platforms use to decide what content to show. | The algorithm favors videos that get a lot of views quickly. |
| Viral | /ˈvaɪ.rəl/ | B2 | When content spreads quickly and widely online. | That funny video went viral overnight. |
Conclusion
With this comprehensive social media vocabulary list, you have a powerful tool to make your ESL lessons more relevant and engaging. Your students will not only learn useful words but also gain confidence in using English to talk about their digital lives.
By incorporating these terms into conversations, role-plays, questions, and debates, you help learners practice real-life communication skills. This approach prepares them to navigate social media confidently and safely.
Remember, teaching vocabulary that connects with students’ interests makes learning more meaningful. Use this resource to inspire your lessons and watch your students become more active and confident English speakers in today’s connected world.
FAQs about Using Social Media Vocabulary in ESL Class
What levels of learners is this social media vocabulary list suitable for?
This list includes words from A1 to C1 levels, so you can use it with beginners as well as more advanced learners by choosing words that match their ability.
How can I use this vocabulary list in my lessons?
You can create conversations, role-plays, debates, and question activities based on these words to make your lessons interactive and practical.
Are the example sentences suitable for classroom use?
Yes, all example sentences are clear and simple, designed to help learners understand how to use each word naturally in context.
Can this vocabulary list help improve my students’ speaking skills?
Absolutely! Using these words in discussions and role-plays will boost your students’ confidence and fluency in talking about social media topics.
Is the IPA pronunciation included for all words?
Yes, every word has its pronunciation written in IPA to help learners pronounce them correctly.
Can I adapt this list for different lesson plans?
Definitely! The list is organized into categories, making it easy to select words that fit your specific lesson goals and activities.
Does this list cover common expressions and slang?
It focuses mainly on standard social media vocabulary, but many common expressions are included to help learners understand everyday language online.
How can I encourage students to remember and use these words?
Use games, quizzes, and real-life practice activities like creating posts or commenting to reinforce learning and make it fun.
Is this resource suitable for both online and in-person classes?
Yes, you can use these vocabulary lists and related activities in any teaching setting, whether virtual or face-to-face.
Can I share this vocabulary list with my students?
Yes, feel free to share the list as a reference or handout to support your students’ learning outside the classroom.
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