What does YW mean on Snapchat?

Kawter Abed
Snapchat logo next to someone using their phone

While using Snapchat, or other similar social media platforms, you may have encountered the phrase ‘YW’ — but what does this term actually mean and when is it used?

Snapchat is known for its time-sensitive features, where photos and messages disappear after a set period, making quick and concise communication crucial.

To facilitate this, users often employ various acronyms, emojis, and slang terms to get their message across clearly and quickly. While some acronyms and slang are platform-specific, many are borrowed from common internet language and integrated into Snapchat.

When using the instant messaging app, or other platforms such as WhatsApp or Instagram, you may have at some point come across the term ‘YW.’ Here’s everything to know about what it means.

Snapchat logo on a phone

YW meaning on Snapchat

On Snapchat, YW usually stands for ‘You’re Welcome.’ This acronym is the quick and straightforward reply to someone who has thanked you for something, whether it’s for a favor, a compliment, or sharing something.

It captures the essence of the phrase in just two letters, perfect for speedy exchanges or when you’re multitasking. For instance, if you offer a piece of advice for a friend, and they say “Thank you,” you could easily reply with “YW” to acknowledge their gratitude without taking too much time or space.

Alternatively, if you’ve shared a funny snap and someone messages you with a “LOL, thanks for the laugh,” a simple “YW!” would suffice as a polite and efficient response.

Of course, the usage of this term is not limited to Snapchat, so you may find it used across a whole range of other messaging platforms and social media.

If there are any other terms and phrases you don’t know the meaning of, you can check out our guide here to learn all about Snapchat’s most popular slang.

About The Author

Kawter Abed is a London-based Entertainment Writer at Dexerto. She covers celebrity and reality TV news, and the latest viral TikTok trends. Kawter has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media, and a Master’s in International Journalism. When she's not covering celebrities and TikTok stories, she enjoys reading, binging shows on Netflix, and playing nostalgic Nintendo games. You can contact her at kawter.abed@dexerto.com