TikTok Ratio Explained: What You Need to Know

When you hear “ratio,” you might think of math class, right? But on TikTok, it means something different.

If you’re into TikTok slang, you’ve probably seen the term “ratio” in the comments. It’s like a signal that a comment has more replies than likes. Not exactly a positive thing, if you are on the receiving end!

Despite its prevalence, many people don’t know what the ratio means on TikTok. If you’re among those seeking clarity, this guide has you covered.

In this article, we’ll thoroughly explore what the ratio means on TikTok, unraveling its role in the platform’s evolving dynamics.

What Is TikTok Ratio?

“Ratio” is one of the most common TikTok slangs that is widely used across social media platforms. Within the context of TikTok, it’s closely tied to the comment section.

Being ‘ratioed’ on TikTok implies that the number of replies to your comment outweighs the likes it receives.

If reading that left your head spinning and brought back math class nightmares, here’s a simpler illustration:

Your Comment: Ronaldo is better than Messi and deserves to win the next FIFA World Cup.

Imagine that your comment receives 50 likes, while there are 200 replies to it. This most likely means most people don’t agree with your comment (although there are exceptions).

Think of it as an unspoken disagreement method – arguing without words, just likes and comments.

What Does Ratio Mean On TikTok?

Before September 2022, TikTok didn’t let users dislike comments with a thumbs-down. So, they found a different way called “ratio” to show they didn’t agree with certain comments.

This trend originated on Twitter in 2017 and has subsequently extended its reach to TikTok. On TikTok, ratios can have three different meanings:

1. Clear Disagreement

If a video has more comments than likes, it’s likely because most viewers disagree with its content – this is being “ratioed.”

2. Challenging Views

When a comment that questions a TikTok video gets more likes than the video itself, it’s a type of ratio. For instance, consider a video asserting that cats are superior to dogs, with 2,000 likes. Yet, a comment arguing “Dogs are the ultimate companions” accumulates 15,000 likes – the sentiment becomes evident.

3. Counterpoint Prevalence

If a response to a comment gets more likes than the original comment, it means the person who made the comment has been “ratioed.”For instance, if someone counters a comment with a different point of view or simply writes “ratio,” and their reply gets more likes, it’s a ratio situation.

Is Receiving a Ratio Always Bad?

Social media users, especially people on TikTok, often consider a ratio to be a bad thing. If it is the first type of ratio, where there are more comments than likes, then it’s most likely not looking too good for you, as most people are showing their disagreement.

However, showing disagreement is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a ratio shows that most people disagree with a not-so-good comment. It’s like a flag saying, “This isn’t cool.”

But remember, ratios can also be used to be mean. Some folks use it to tease or make fun of others, or even to highlight a bad idea.

Related: The Complete Blueprint To Sell On TikTok In 2023

How Can You Tell You’ve Been Ratioed?

The process of being ratioed doesn’t come with notifications. Instead, you need to do the counting yourself. Here’s a simple technique:

• Original Post Likes: Look at the number of likes on your original post.
• “Ratio” Comment Likes: Compare it against the likes on a “ratio” comment.
• Total Likes and Comments: Alternatively, gauge the total likes against the total comments.
• Ratio Determination: You have been ratioed if your post’s likes are:
  • Fewer than comments or
    • Less than a contrasting “ratioed” comment’s likes

What Is A TikTok Ratio Request?

When you see comments like “ratio 1:1” or “ratio me 1:1” on a video, it’s a ratio request. It is all about getting people involved and boosting engagement.

When someone asks for a 1:1 ratio, they want the likes on their comment to be the same as the likes on the video.

So, what’s the deal with the ratio request? Well, when comments get lots of likes, TikTok’s algorithm likes them too. Getting likes boosts the video, making more people see it. It’s like a little promotional tool to promote the video.

What Does “Ratio L and W” Mean On TikTok?

In the comments of ratioed posts, you’ll often see “Ls” or “Ws.” But what does it mean? These words describe how well a ratio worked, especially if a user requested it. It’s like a game where “L” means losing and “W” means winning. So, “ratio L” shows an unsuccessful ratio, while “ratio W” acknowledges a successful one.

We hope now you understand what ratio means on TikTok and how it impacts content engagement on the platform.

Related: How to Change a TikTok Thumbnail: A Step-by-Step Guide for A Stunning Feed

Easiest Way to Boost Your TikTok Presence

Looking to step up your TikTok marketing game? Well, the ratio is not the only way!

Enter Simplified – the ultimate tool to give your brand a boost on TikTok. It’s an all-in-one AI-powered solution to manage your TikTok account for free. If you are using TikTok for business, Simplified is all you need to get the upper hand.

With Simplified, you can:

• Write a captivating Bio and generate TikTok hashtags using AI Writer
• Create a perfect script for your next viral TikTok using Script Writer
• Use free templates to create viral TikToks
• Remove background, add music and voiceovers to TikTok
• Edit and customize your videos with a built-in video editor & animator
• Add logos and colors from your Brand Kit to your TikToks
• Plan and schedule TikTok posts
• Manage all your comments with ease
• Collaborate with your team on different TikTok projects

What’s best is that you can use all these TikTok tools for free with Simplified!

TikTok ratio is important because it shows what people really like. This helps businesses understand the audience better and tailor the content to boost engagement. Simplified can assist you with TikTok ratio, making it easier to track what people like and dislike and put the best content out there.