what is a ratio?
a ratio happens when the replies or quote tweets on your post dramatically outnumber the likes. it's the internet's way of saying "this ain't it, chief" without actually having to say it.
the term comes from the visible ratio between these numbers - a healthy post has more likes than comments. a ratio'd post? more comments. many, many more comments. usually not nice ones.
anatomy of a ratio
normal post engagement:
- 1000 likes
- 50 replies
- 20 retweets
- people generally agree or don't care enough to fight
ratio'd post:
- 47 likes
- 2,847 replies
- 15,000 quote tweets
- every reply is some variation of "L + ratio"
famous ratio moments
the ratio has become such a cultural phenomenon that people actively try to achieve them on bad takes. some posts become legendary specifically because of how hard they got ratio'd.
notable categories:
- corporate accounts trying to be relatable
- brands weighing in on social issues they shouldn't
- influencers with takes so cold they're frozen
- anyone who starts with "unpopular opinion:" followed by an extremely popular opinion
how to avoid getting ratio'd
- have actual opinions, not lukewarm takes disguised as controversy
- don't punch down
- don't be that brand trying to capitalize on tragedy
- if you're a corporation, maybe just don't
- actually, if you're that worried about it, you're already too safe
how to achieve a good ratio
wait, you want to ratio someone? based. here's how:
- find a genuinely bad take
- respond with something funnier than their original post
- timing matters - early comments get more visibility
- keep it short, sharp, and screenshot-worthy