Instagram is gaining popularity among all ages. Granny has an account and follows his 2-year-old great-grandson. Parents are creating and managing young children’s accounts. Have you received a comment or inbox with ‘TM’ and felt confused?
‘TM‘ is an acronym for a ‘text message.’ Instagram users use it on their stories, newsfeeds, comments, or inbox. It means that they have sent you a text message, or you need to send them one. Sometimes, the context differs while maintaining the meaning.
Like Pinterest, Instagram is a picture platform with a little more. The reels, IGTVs, and stories. These are all communication avenues where ‘TM’ can be used relevantly.
Here’s how you can use the acronym on Instagram and reply to it. You will also learn some alternatives that could be applicable on Instagram depending on the conversation’s context.
What Is ‘TM’?
‘TM’ is a common abbreviation for text messages on Instagram. But, it is also an acronym for ‘too much‘ or ‘tomorrow‘ that could still be used on the platform. Sometimes, you can use it on its own or pair it with other words.
For instance, on Instagram, someone can say ‘TM’ when they want you to send them a text message. It is a conversation starter. You might get this from followers you know or new visitors. Their intention might be known or unknown to you.
The acronym is simple to guess because of an almost similar one, ‘DM.’ The latter is taking over the former. But, for new social media users, especially if you start with Instagram as your first platform, the confusion is more.
How Is ‘TM’ Used?
You can use ‘TM’ like you would in a one-on-one conversation. It is a quick way to ask someone to send you a message. It shows that you would like to hear from them, whether to check up on them or about details you need to know.
If you are trying to start a conversation with a friend or stranger on Instagram, using ‘TM’ is a perfect way of creating a conversation. This can get things flowing if the other party responds.
When To Use ‘TM’ on Instagram
Sending someone a ‘TM’ comment or inbox is a casual way of starting a conversation. Check out some situations when you can use ‘TM’ on Instagram:
- When you are trying to make friends with a new follower on Instagram.
- When you spot a friend or follower you haven’t chatted with in a long time and want to start a conversation.
- When someone on Instagram asks for details about something you have posted, you don’t want to reply publicly.
How To Reply When Someone Sends You a ‘TM’
When you receive a comment or inbox with ‘TM,’ you can reply with a greeting first. It is good to be courteous, too, on Instagram. If the sender is an unknown person, find out who they are and go with the flow of the conversation.
You can use your usual communication language if it is from someone you often chat with. Sometimes, ‘TM’ could be paired with other words. Your reply might be different.
For instance, if you receive a comment like ‘TM me where you bought the sneakers,’ you will reply with the location or contact person.
Not everyone on Instagram is there to socialize. Some are scammers with harmful intentions. If you feel unsafe replying to a message with ‘TM’ asking for personal info, ignore or block the account.
Ensure to understand the context of the conversation before replying to ‘TM’ comments or inboxes. You want to be sure of your reply to avoid confusion.
Other Meanings of ‘TM’
‘TM’ can also be an abbreviation for:
- Time
- Team
- Trademark
- Too much
- To the maximum
More possible long forms are:
- Technical Manual
- Time machine
- Traffic manager
However, numerous long forms for the abbreviation apply in different fields.
Conclusion
Instagram users are embracing slang both in the inbox and on public content like stories, newsfeeds, and reels. A good one is ‘TM.’
If you have been wondering what it means on Instagram, its common long form is a ‘text message.’ You can use it as a conversation starter.
