What Does Scrubbing Mean? | Social Media Glossary

"Scrubbing" refers to the act of removing unwanted or outdated content from a social media profile, often to maintain privacy or improve one's image.

What does “Scrubbing” mean in the context of social media?

Scrubbing on social media is the process of deleting or removing old posts, photos, comments, or any content that no longer fits the image or branding someone wants to portray. This is often done for privacy reasons, to erase past mistakes, or to clean up a profile for professional purposes.

Influencers, celebrities, and even regular users may scrub their accounts to control their online presence, eliminate potentially embarrassing content, or ensure their current content is aligned with their goals.

Example

Before the interview, I spent hours scrubbing my Instagram to remove any posts that could be seen as unprofessional. #SocialMediaCleanup #Scrubbing

What are ways to use “Scrubbing” in social media?

Scrubbing is commonly used by people who want to curate their online persona or ensure that their past posts no longer reflect who they are. This can include deleting old photos, comments, or even editing captions to match a new tone. It’s often used before a significant life change, public event, or job search to make sure there are no controversial traces online.

It’s also employed by people managing brands or businesses to ensure their profiles are consistently presenting the right image.

Pro Tip

If you're planning to scrub your social media accounts, make sure you don’t remove content that might be valuable in showing growth or authenticity. Sometimes, it’s better to let old posts show evolution rather than completely wiping them away.