the misunderstanding
most people think shitposting means posting garbage. random memes. incoherent nonsense. low-effort content that clutters feeds.
they're wrong.
the real definition
shitposting is posting content that looks casual or unfiltered but is actually crafted to hit specific audiences exactly where they live.
it's the difference between:
- someone who "doesn't care what others think" (but actually does, desperately)
- someone who genuinely doesn't care (and that authenticity shows)
the best shitposts feel effortless. they read like thoughts that just happened. but behind that appearance of spontaneity? intention.
the elements
authenticity (real or performed)
great shitposts feel genuine. they don't sound like corporate content because they aren't. even when a brand shitposts effectively, they've learned to drop the corporate voice.
emotional resonance
shitposts make you feel something:
- recognition ("that's so true")
- surprise ("I wasn't expecting that")
- belonging ("my people get this")
cultural fluency
you can't shitpost effectively without understanding the culture you're posting in. the references, the timing, the unwritten rules.
strategic imperfection
polished content signals effort. effort signals trying too hard. trying too hard signals insecurity. the paradox: the more polished your content, the less authentic it feels.
what shitposting is NOT
- spam - shitposting has intention. spam is volume without thought.
- trolling - trolling seeks negative reactions. shitposting seeks connection.
- randomness - random ≠ funny. context matters.
- low effort - the appearance of low effort often requires high effort.
why it matters
shitposting has become the dominant mode of online communication because it works. in a world of polished, corporate content, authenticity stands out.
the algorithm rewards engagement. engagement comes from emotion. emotion comes from authenticity. shitposting is often the most authentic content in someone's feed.
the skill
here's what separates good shitposters from bad ones:
bad shitposters think the format is the point. they copy surface elements (casual language, meme formats, trending sounds) without understanding why they work.
good shitposters understand the underlying psychology. they know that the format is just a vehicle for genuine observation or emotion.
next steps
now that you understand what shitposting actually is, you're ready to learn the core principles that make it work. start with understanding your audience and the platforms you're posting on.
the goal isn't to abandon quality. it's to redefine what quality means in the context of social media.