RIYL

What Does RIYL Mean in a Text?

RIYL means "Recommended If You Like." While the English is a bit distorted, RIYL is a common term used online to show approval for something. (It means "I recommend this.")

Image for RIYL

When I write RIYL, I mean this:

meaning of RIYL

"Recommended if you like" denotes that something is so good it's worth sharing.

Summary of Key Points

"Recommended If You Like" is the most common definition for RIYL on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
RIYL
Definition:Recommended If You Like
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of RIYL in Sentences

Here is an example of RIYL being used in a conversation:
  • Tony: There were 4 bands: Tectonic Turtles, Terrible Tortoise, Rastafarian Reptile RIYL and Archaic Arachnid.
  • Jordan: Hey, Rastafarian Reptile are here next month.

An Academic Look at RIYL

RIYL is used as a declarative sentence with the meaning "I recommend this."

Of note, RIYL is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Ar Aye Wye El), but as this is harder to say than "Recommended If You Like," it is not often uttered using its letters. (In other words, the abbreviation RIYL is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "I can recommend this" instead of RIYL.

Example of RIYL Used in a Text

RIYL
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)