Yes, I actually got asked to explain #ThrowbackThursday or the #TBT stuff for my Ask Nile Series. Throwback Thursday is a weekly fun social networking activity that you can share pictures of yourself from another time of your life. Instead of saying “Throwback Thursday”, they’ve tagged it with the hashtag term #ThrowbackThursday or for short, #TBT.
Now, some have used it to share pics of others, or their pets, or personal belongings, but #ThrowbackThursday are generally suppose pictures of the past of the individual posting them. You can find people participating in #ThrowbackThursday on most social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. Anyone can participate in the event.
Now, I caution to take “past pictures” literally, as they really need to be from years ago, and not yesterday, last week, or last month. In fact, in the paragraph after this, is an article with a little meme stating some general rules for participating in #ThrowbackThursday. You may wish to check them out.
I’m not able to tell you where the trend originated from, but Kate Knibbs at Digital Trends has a little more information on the back story of #ThrowbackThursday in her article – Everything you need to know about your favorite day: Throwback Thursday (er, #tbt).
As an added note, the above article lists #ThrowbackThursday as mostly an Instagram thing, but don’t be discouraged. As mentioned earlier, you can participate on other social networks too. Just make sure to put in the hashtag #ThrowbackThursday or #TBT.
Wait… #TBT? You’re probably wondering about that one? It’s just an abbreviated version and works well for places like Twitter, especially in conserving characters.
So, have you ever participated in #ThrowbackThursday? What other web trends do you participate in?
Thanks Nile, It’s just as well I haven’t participated in TBT because I would have assumed it was for posting links to old blog posts, probably because I’m not a regular Instagram user. I do have friends and family on Facebook but on other networks it’s nearly all fellow bloggers, marketers and clients. It’s a reminder not to be so limited and to be more aware of what the majority of web users are doing on social media.
I’ve participated in Fanpage Friday on FB in the past. Are there any similar memes that you or your readers recommend for increasing comments and conversation on Social Media?
I rarely do #ThrowbackThursday on Instagram. I usually participate on Facebook as I have a terrible addiction to it, second to Twitter… luz
Hey Nile,
That is interesting, I haven’t heard about this trend before, thanks for explaining it.
Will surely take part in it soon.
There are many other trends like #caturday etc. that I have heard about. But TBT seems more exciting!
Hi Nile,
I do like to participate once in a while with Throwback Thursdays. I have done a few in the past and it was so much fun to get so many replies. “that was you?” he he he.
I find that whenever I do remember to do it and keep it light there is so much engagement, especially on Facebook.
-Donna
I like #ThrowbackThursday as well, and definitely… it should be light and fun. 🙂
I used to participate in #TBT quite often. Normally I did old pictures of myself as a baby or when my kids were. It is always fun to see a ‘blast from the past’.
I also think it is the first and only hashtag my husband ever used.
I don’t always participate, but it can be fun. I shared my senior pic in a past #ThrowbackThursdays, and people said, other than weight, I’ve not really changed in 16 years… lol
#ThrowbackThursday on Instagram. is my favorite. I usually participate on Facebook. it should be light and fun
it should be light and fun
I’ve seen this lots on Facebook, but I’m thinking it would be fun for my blog too! I often have trouble thinking of something to post, and this certainly opens up a big field.
Thanks Nile,
I find that whenever I do remember to do it and keep it light there is so much engagement, especially on Facebook.