What Does "IG" Mean on Snapchat? A Comprehensive Guide for Small Businesses

Snapchat has exploded in popularity over the last few years. The photo and video sharing app now boasts over 300 million daily active users, making it a compelling platform for businesses to reach new audiences.

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But the ephemeral nature of Snaps and the app‘s unique culture comes with its own vocabulary. Terms like "Snapstreaks" and abbreviations like "IG" have become commonplace.

For small business owners new to Snapchat, the lingo can be confusing. What exactly does "IG" mean on Snapchat, and should your business be using it?

This in-depth guide will break it all down.

A Crash Course on Snapchat for Small Businesses

Before digging into what "IG" means specifically, let‘s do a quick overview of Snapchat and what makes it different from other social media networks.

Key Snapchat Stats for 2022

300+ million daily active users
90% of users are between the ages of 13 and 24
Total time spent per day: Over 30 minutes
65+% of users create content daily

What Makes Snapchat Unique?

Snapchat rose to popularity thanks to its ephemeral content. Users can send Snaps (photos or short videos) that disappear after being viewed.

The app also encourages sharing daily moments without the pressure of curating a perfect life like on Instagram. The more raw, silly, and casual the content, the better.

Other standout Snapchat features include:

Stories: Share photos and videos in chronological order that disappear after 24 hours.
Filters and Lenses: Augmented reality effects that you can layer over photos and videos.
Snap Map: Allows users to see where their friends are on a map in real-time.

Benefits for Businesses

Snapchat provides a unique opportunity for businesses to:

Connect with younger demographics who use Snapchat daily
Showcase products quickly and casually through photos/videos
Increase brand awareness through engaging, fun content
Drive traffic to your website or online store through links and swipe up features

Now that we‘ve covered the Snapchat basics, let‘s move on to decoding what "IG" means and how to use it properly.

The Meaning of "IG" on Snapchat

On Snapchat, the abbreviation "IG" typically stands for "I guess." It conveys uncertainty, indifference, or a casual acknowledgement of what was said or posted.

For example:

Friend: Want to go to the movies tonight?
You: IG
Friend: I‘m thinking of dying my hair blue.
You: IG, you do you!

Some other meanings "IG" could stand for include:

In-game: Referring to something happening in the context of a video game.
Instagram: Telling someone to check out your Instagram account.

But nine times out of ten, "IG" means "I guess" when used on Snapchat.

How Do Businesses Use "IG" on Snapchat?

You may be wondering if "IG" is appropriate for brands to use when interacting with followers on Snapchat.

Here are a few scenarios where businesses might use "IG":

Responding to Questions in Snapchat Stories

Followers may send questions about your products that don‘t necessitate long, detailed responses. Replying with "IG" can acknowledge you‘ve seen it without having to provide an in-depth answer.

Commenting on Partners‘ or Influencers‘ Content

If another business or influencer tags you in their Story, "IG" can be a simple way to react, especially if you don‘t have anything unique to contribute.

Chatting with Followers

Using "IG" sparingly in chat messages with followers can give a more conversational, casual tone. But rely on it too much, and it may come across as disinterested.

The key is mixing up "IG" with more enthusiastic responses. Gauge the context of the interaction and whether a simple "IG" is appropriate.

Tips on Using "IG" for Your Business on Snapchat

While "IG" can be part of your Snapchat lexicon, use it strategically and judiciously as a brand. Here are a few best practices:

Don‘t Overuse It

Sprinkling in the occasional "IG" is fine, but replying to every message or comment with it may undermine your brand voice.

Respond Thoughtfully to Customers

If a follower asks a specific question about your product, take time to provide a thorough, helpful answer. Don‘t rely on the ambiguous "IG."

Know When to Spell Things Out

If "IG" could be misinterpreted in a certain context, spell it out ("I guess") instead to be clear.

Use Your Brand Voice

While Snapchat has a casual vibe, stay true to your brand voice in how you construct responses. Don‘t let the informality make you too lax.

Evaluate Performance

Pay attention to how followers respond when you use "IG." If engagement drops, that reaction may no longer work for your audience.

The Takeaway for Businesses Using Snapchat

At the end of the day, context is everything on social media. While "IG" has become ingrained in Snapchat culture, make sure your usage aligns with your brand voice and resonates with your audience.

Hopefully this guide gave you a better grasp of what "IG" means on Snapchat and when it may or may not be appropriate to use as a business.

The lingo and ephemeral nature that makes Snapchat unique for personal communication also requires some finesse to navigate as a brand. But with the right strategic approach, Snapchat offers an immense opportunity to connect with younger demographics in an authentic way.