Gen Z Slang · social media

By Deimos EMK · Published Sep 13, 2026 · Updated Sep 13, 2026 · 3 min read · AI-drafted, source-checked

Via GIPHY (@mythical)

• StatusMainstream
• Typenoun
• Categorysocial media
• LaneSlang

See it in action

Video: How to get a Shout-Out #shorts #shoutout, embedded from its original platform.

What it means

A shoutout is a public acknowledgment or promotional mention, often used to thank, praise, or highlight someone or something. It's widely used in social media, radio, and live performances to give credit or boost visibility. The term has evolved from a simple greeting or acknowledgment to a more formalized practice in the creator economy, where it can be a unit of exchange or a paid promotion.

Originally, shoutouts were informal and free, aimed at one person, often used on radio or in hip-hop liner notes. Today, they are a common practice in the digital world, where creators, fans, and brands use them to acknowledge each other. A shoutout can be a simple thank-you, a praiseful mention, or a promotional tool.

In the creator economy, a shoutout-for-shoutout deal between two accounts of equal size is the smallest transaction, often seen as the most honest form of exchange since both sides know what it is.

The term has also been used in various contexts, such as in the Badger Herald at UW-Madison, where it refers to witty or funny messages published weekly. In the creator economy, shoutouts can be bought, sold, and exchanged, often carrying a paid partnership label. The term has become a product in itself, with creators thanking brands in captions over photographs of the products. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

The receipts

Documented, dated uses of “shoutout” — each quote is verbatim from the linked source.

Every quote above passed the same verification gate this site publishes under: real source, real date, copied verbatim. See the editorial policy.

Why it's everywhere

Shoutouts are everywhere now because they serve multiple purposes in the digital age. They can be a genuine expression of gratitude, a way to boost someone's visibility, or a promotional tool. In the creator economy, shoutouts have become a currency, with creators exchanging them to grow their audiences. This practice has made shoutouts a common and accepted part of online culture.

The term has also gained popularity due to its versatility. It can be used in various contexts, from acknowledging a friend's support to promoting a brand. The rise of social media platforms has made shoutouts more visible and widespread, as creators and brands use them to engage with their audiences.

The term's informal and warm tone makes it appealing to a wide range of users, from casual social media users to professional creators.

In the creator economy a shoutout functions as a unit of exchange: creators trade shout-for-shoutout deals or accept paid partnerships, and the practice is visible in captions that double as advertisements, which fuels its prevalence across platforms.

Because shoutouts are informal and warm-toned, they read as genuine appreciation even when used promotionally, which distinguishes them from blatant ads and makes them appealing to both casual users and professional marketers.

How to use it

Shoutout is informal and commonly used in social media, live streams, podcasts, and group chats. It's versatile and can be used for gratitude, praise, or promotion.

• “Big shoutout to Maya for saving my presentation last night.”Social media caption
• “Shoutout to everyone who pulled up to the stream today.”Live stream
• “Quick shoutout to the editor who made this video look way better.”Podcast intro
• “I'd like to give a big shout-out to my mom who's in the audience tonight.”Live performance

Frequently asked