Slang meaning
What does ICYMI mean?
ICYMI stands for “in case you missed it.” It goes in front of something that was shared earlier, such as a video, an announcement or an answer, so people can catch up.
Updated 6 October 2026
ICYMI means “in case you missed it”: a label for something shared earlier that you are bringing back.
What ICYMI can mean
1. A recap or repost
The main use. Someone reposts a Reel, shares an old post, or sums up a news story, and begins with ICYMI. “ICYMI: the new drop sold out in an hour.” It tells the reader this is not new, and it is helpful to people who scroll less often.
2. A polite nudge
In conversation, ICYMI can quietly point out that someone hasn't responded. “Icymi, I asked about the date yesterday” is a reminder. Without a friendly tone it can read as passive-aggressive.
How people use it on Instagram and Facebook
Captions on reposts and Reels
Brands and creators use it to bring back posts that were buried by the feed: “ICYMI, our spring menu is here”. Because feeds are not strictly in order, repeating something is normal.
Stories
A Story that shares an earlier post often says ICYMI so followers know to tap through. It works well when a post is a few days old.
Comments and group chats
Friends use it when sending a link they think someone missed: “icymi, this is the video everyone's talking about”. It is a light, helpful tone and doesn't need a reply.
ICYMI in real conversations
- CaptionICYMI: the full tutorial is now on the channel, link in bio.
- Story replyicymi we're open until 9 tonight 🍕
- Instagram commenticymi, the sale ends sundaythank you, nearly forgot!
- Direct messageicymi, I asked about the venue yesterday 🙂sorry, replying now
How to reply to ICYMI
Questions people ask
How do you say ICYMI?
Most people say the letters: I-C-Y-M-I. Some read it as a word, but spelling it out is the common way.
Is it passive-aggressive?
It can be when it points at a reply you haven't given. On a post that recaps news or a launch, it is neutral. A smiling emoji and a friendly tone remove most of the edge.
Should ICYMI be capitalised?
Either way. Capitals suit headlines and brand posts, while lower-case fits a casual message. Both are understood.
Can a brand post ICYMI more than once about the same thing?
Yes, since many followers don't see every post. Do it sparingly and add something new, such as a result or a deadline, so it doesn't feel like a repeat.
Related slang
- FYIFor your information: a heads-up that passes on a useful fact, and sometimes a pointed way to correct someone.
- TL;DR“Too long; didn't read”: once a complaint about long posts, now mostly a label for a quick summary of one.
- BTWBy the way: it adds an aside, switches topic, or slips in a reminder as if it were an afterthought.
- QOTDQOTD means “question of the day”: a single prompt posted for followers to answer, sometimes “quote of the day.”
- FWIWFWIW means “for what it’s worth”: a modest way to add an opinion, tip or fact without pushing it on anyone.
- TBTTBT means Throwback Thursday: the habit of posting an old photo or memory on a Thursday, often with #tbt.
More slang meanings
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