One Of The Most Innocuous Acronyms On TikTok: PFP

TikTok users have made lots of NSFW (“not safe for work”) acronyms common references on the app. IWSN (“I want sex now”) and MPFB (“my personal f—k buddy) are just two that we can mention here; many are much more obscene.

A large number of these language shortcuts are used to avoid automated or human moderators seeing language that violates Community Standards or TikTok’s terms and conditions. Others, however, are often used on social media platforms because they save space; the number of characters people can use in their posts is usually limited.

One group of commonly-used TikTok acronyms, like FYP (the curated feeds on users’ For You pages), falls into the latter category. “PFP” is a good example.

What Does PFP Mean on TikTok?

When you set up a TikTok account, one of the first things you’re asked to do is choose a PFP, or profile picture. That’s the small thumbnail photo that appears on your TikTok profile page. It’s also shown next to your TikTok username on posts, comments, and other interactions.

Your profile picture is important. It’s the first representation of your personal identity or company brand that other users notice, and it’s often what people will remember about you long after they’ve watched a 15-second TikTok video that you’ve posted. As the cliché says, you only get one chance to make a first impression. That makes it important to choose a PFP carefully. 

For individuals, it should be a well-lit, flattering picture that conveys what you and your TikTok presence are all about. If you create light-hearted or funny TikTok content, a clever or casual PFP makes sense. Those who create serious TikTok posts would be better served by a picture showing you with a more professional appearance.

Businesses commonly choose easily-recognizable logos or photos that quickly identify their brand, service, or product.

You can opt to use a generic image as a PFP as well, which could be appropriate for users who want to remain private and relatively anonymous. Neglecting to upload a memorable profile picture and letting a system “placeholder” represent you on the app, however, is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you want to become popular and influential on TikTok.