The biggest problem that I felt on Instagram was understanding the acronyms used on it. Earlier, whenever I opened someone’s story, one acronym that I saw most of the time was TBH. It is one of the acronyms that gained a lot of popularity and is used by almost everyone. Despite being popular, it is still possible that you don’t know its meaning. If this is so, don’t worry. It’s not rocket science to know it.
Here, I will guide you to know its meaning and how you can use it in various situations.
What Does TBH Mean on Instagram?

There are two main meanings of it on Instagram. One is vastly used on the internet and the other one is less popular. Below I have shared both meanings one by one:
1. To Be Honest
This acronym is usually used when you want to share some true thoughts about something. Whether discussing politics or giving a review for a movie, you can add it to give more emphasis to your conversation. With the change in time, it is not just limited to the literal meaning of it. It is now being used as a way to boost the engagement level on the account.
Many influencers and small creators use it in the captions and even the stories. When you add it in a caption, you are asking your audience to be honest about a particular thing. Here is an example to make it more clear:
- TBH! How is the outfit for a date night?
2. To be Heard
To be heard is a less popular meaning of it but is generally used on Instagram when you want others to know more about it. If you think that very few people listen to you, you can always use it. This will help to bring more attention to what you are saying on social media. Below I have discussed some examples of how you can use it as To be Heard:
- It’s very important to take care of forests otherwise global warming will increase in the upcoming few years. #TBH
- I am feeling so left out from my friend’s group. TBH!
Also, read What Does JSP Mean on Instagram
Origin and Evolution of TBH
It has been used by people for around a decade even before social media was popular. You will notice that this acronym is either used in the starting or the ending of the sentences. Additionally, in some cases, you might see it used in stories for various polls and Q&A sessions, and also in captions mainly as hashtags at the end of it. With the change in time, it is now used for more things rather than its literal meaning. It is now a way to give complements to the other person and ask the genuine and honest views and opinion related to a particular thing.
How to Use TBH?

TBH generally stands for To be Honest. There are different ways to use it. You can use it in the comment section, DMs, or even by replying to the stories. Below are three different ways of using TBH on Instagram:
1. To Share Honest Thoughts
The literal meaning of it is ‘To be honest’. It means sharing honest views with the other person. Thus, whenever you are in a conversation regarding something, you can always use it to express your real thoughts behind it. Suppose you are discussing the best Hollywood actor of all time, you can always use TBH to support your thoughts on it. In addition to that you can also use it to reply to a story that asks for your opinion.
Examples
- TBH, I think that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer in the whole world.
- Suppose a person has put up a story with two outfits and a poll to choose one. You can make a reply on it like “TBH Outfit 1 goes better on you than the 2nd one.”
2. To Give a Complement
When you are planning to compliment someone, adding it can help in making it look more graceful. It helps the other person to know that you are truly complimenting them. Suppose you think the dressing style of someone is great, you can give them compliment like “TBH, I love your dress Style”.
Examples
- TBH, I loved what you were wearing last night.
- TBH, I must say your taste in the movies is really awesome.
3. When You Want Others to Know What You Are Saying
You can always use it as To be heard in the required situations. Suppose there is something that you think people should focus on, you can always use TBH in such a situation. Whether it is about something serious, or you are upset about, adding it can help to bring the attention of other people.
Examples
- Global warming is one of the biggest reasons for climatic changes. Hope people start taking precautions to control it. #TBH
How to Reply TBH?
Now that you know how to use it, I am sure you are wondering how to reply when someone sends you TBH during the conversation or you see it in captions. The first thing that you must do is to understand the context of using it. Usually, they are used as To be honest. In such cases you must do the following things:
1. Thanking Them
When it is used as a way to compliment you, it’s your duty to thank them. It is because when someone compliments you, it becomes rude when you don’t reply to them. Also, there are times when we ask for honest opinions from others. If your followers have shared them with you, thank them. When you do so it not only looks good but also increases your interactions with them.
Example
They: TBH! Food you made is really great.
You: Really? Thank you so much for saying that.
2. Tell Them That You are Hurt
There are times when people use TBH and say something that might hurt you. In such a situation, most people try to insult the other person. But you must not do that. It will help you to avoid any drama from it. Just let them know that you are feeling bad about what they said to you.
Examples:
- It’s disappointing that you think like this but everyone has their own opinion about things.
- The message you just sent hurt me a little bit.
3. Try to Talk to Them
If “to be heard” is used when the other person is not feeling good about something, try to talk to them. It is because they may be in a situation where they just want someone to listen to them. However, make sure to understand why they have used it first before replying to them. Here is how you can respond to them:
- Hey! What happened is everything ok?
- Are you ok? Just read your message.
Also, read What Does RS Mean on Instagram
Conclusion
Just like many other acronyms used on Instagram, TBH is the one that has two different meanings depending on the context of it. TBH generally stands for “To Be Honest,” but in rare cases, it also stands for “To Be Heard.” “To Be Honest” is the phrase that is mostly used when you want to share some true reviews and opinions. On the other hand, “To Be Heard” is the phrase that is usually used when you want to be listened to by more people.
FAQs
What Does TBH and IDK Mean From a Girl?
TBH stands for To Be Honest and IDK stands for I Don’t Know.
What Do You Write in a TBH on Instagram?
TBH stands for To be Honest. If someone asks you to write a TBH for them, they are asking you to share your true opinion about them.