Ever scrolled through TikTok and felt like you missed an inside joke when someone mentioned ‘imsg’? The term is simple slang for iMessage, Apple’s exclusive messaging app. But the secret that unlocks a huge trend isn’t the word itself—it’s the color of the text bubbles (What Does IMSG Mean In Texting).
iMessage only works between Apple devices. On an iPhone, texts to another Apple user show up in bright blue bubbles. When an iPhone user texts someone with an Android phone, the chat switches to standard SMS messages, and the bubbles turn green.
This simple color difference is the foundation for the iMessage trend on TikTok. The blue bubble vs. green bubble debate has become a huge part of online culture, signifying whether everyone in the chat is using an iPhone. This visual cue is the meaning behind countless jokes and even the distinct text notification sounds in viral videos.
Why TikTok Cares About Your Text Bubble Color
On TikTok, the blue bubble has evolved from a technical feature into a massive inside joke about social status. For many users, especially in North America, having iMessage signifies being part of the same “group.” This is why you see so many funny videos where creators react with mock horror or disappointment the moment a potential date’s text message comes through in a green bubble. It’s less about the technology and more about the shared, instant understanding that they are not in the same messaging club.
This trend is most visible in content about dating and relationships. You’ve likely scrolled past comments where users playfully declare that “green texts are a red flag” or an instant “dealbreaker.” While this is almost always an exaggeration for comedic effect, it has become a shorthand for compatibility. The color of your text bubble is now a humorous, low-stakes litmus test for whether someone “fits in,” making for endless viral audio clips and relatable skits about modern dating woes.
Ultimately, the phenomenon is a lighthearted jab in the long-running rivalry between iPhone and Android users. It’s not just about the bubble color—even the distinct iMessage “ding” is used in popular sounds to signal something desirable or exclusive. So the next time a video references “green texts” or you hear viral TikTok sound effects about dating dealbreakers, you’ll be officially in on the joke that has taken over the platform.