Understanding the Meaning of PSA on TikTok

While scrolling through TikTok videos and comment sections, you may have encountered the term “PSA”— but what does it actually mean?

The short-form video platform TikTok is among the most popular social media platforms today, continuously attracting new users who create accounts to access content and share videos with friends and followers.

Users on the app utilize a variety of slang terms, phrases, and acronyms to facilitate quicker communication or reference inside jokes. Many of these terms originated elsewhere but have found a significant place on TikTok.

What does PSA mean on TikTok?

PSA typically stands for Public Service Announcement, which refers to a message intended for public benefit, often aimed at raising awareness about specific issues.

@skit_man_dan
They were so casual with it too 😭 #psa #childhoodmemories #childhood #2000skids #ihate7 #wompwomp #wineandpizza

♬ original sound – Sillyfella.edu

On TikTok and other platforms, PSA is often used when individuals wish to relay important information to their followers. For instance, one might say: “PSA: don’t drink and drive” or in a casual manner: “PSA: I moved house.”

This term can also be employed in serious contexts, where creators genuinely aim to circulate important messages or clarify misinformation that may be spreading on the platform.

Alternatively, it may be used in a lighthearted context, as when a creator shares a personal update or discusses one of their interests.