What does 'TBH' mean on social media?

“What does ‘TBH’ mean on social media?” — “To be honest.” TBH is an initialism used to introduce a candid opinion, admission, or personal reaction. It can appear at the start of a sentence—“TBH, I preferred the first version”—or as a standalone response.

The expression became widespread through online chat, texting, and social-media communication. Its purpose is often conversational rather than dramatic: it signals that the writer is about to speak frankly, even when the opinion is mild. On some platforms, “TBH” has also been used as a label for posts or prompts inviting compliments or opinions about other users.

TBH is sometimes mistaken for phrases such as “to be helpful” or “to be happy,” but those are not the standard social-media meaning. It is closely related to “honestly,” “frankly,” and “in my view,” although TBH can sound more personal or confessional. Another common internet initialism, IMO, means “in my opinion.”