How to Reply what’s up – Awesome Reply Ideas

Your phone buzzes📱, you check, and there is a classic text: “What’s up?” It’s a simple question, but often, it can leave us puzzled🤔 and wondering how to respond.

The response to that text depends on who is on the other side, whether it’s from your friend, colleague, or crush💬. You should know how to match your tone to the person and the situation.

In this article, we will discuss how to reply to the What’s Up text.

🔑Key Highlights

• One of the most common ways to reply to what’s up is, “All good! And how about you?”

• Replying to what’s up according to the context of the other person is necessary.

• When a girl texts, “What’s up?” you should match your reply to her tone. Also, consider a relationship with the girl.

• Adding humor to your response can make the conversation more fun and engaging.

• While replying professionally to what’s up text, you need to keep in mind that your reply should be respectful, clear, and appropriate.

How to reply what’s up?

When a friend sends you a text that says, “What’s up,” you might have many ideas on how to respond. It is best to respond accordingly based on what the other person is trying to say.

One of the main reasons to reply according to the context of what the other person is saying is to build and maintain better relationships and keep the flow of conversation.

One of the most common ways to reply to what’s up is, “All good! And how about you?”

Another common reply can be, “Not much, you?” or “Just chilling, how about you?”

There are tons of ways to reply to What’s Up, so let’s take a look at some more ideas to reply to “What’s Up” according to the context:

But Before we get into the topics, Did you know that As of the third quarter of 2024, approximately 94.5% of internet users worldwide accessed online chatting and messaging apps on a monthly basis?

Source – statista.com

1. Common and casual ways to reply to what’s up

A simple reply to the question “What’s up?” could be to just say “Not much, how about you?”

In text messages, especially if your friend is asking what’s up in a text message, you can keep it simple with a simple answer. A simple answer works best if it is a casual question. If the question requires a more serious answer or if it is a more serious topic, then you can change your answer.

What’s up can be considered similar to saying hi.

I. Best short and simple replies for quick chats

Here are some of the example of best short and simple replies for quick chat when someone sends you “What’s up?”

• “Not much, you?”
• “Just chilling. How about you?”
• “Same old, same old.”
• “Hey! Just relaxing. What’s up with you?”
• “Nothing much, just enjoying my day.”

II. Replying to what’s up when you are busy but also do not want to ignore

Here are some of the examples when replying to what’s up when you are busy but don’t want to ignore:

• “Hey! I’m tied up right now, but let’s talk later!”
• “Can’t chat much at the moment. Hope everything’s good with you!”
• “In the middle of something, but I’ll get back to you soon!”
• “Swamped with work right now, but I’ll message you when I’m free.”
• “Super busy at the moment, but I didn’t want to leave you without a reply!”

2. How do you reply what’s up from a girl?

When a girl texts, “What’s up?” instead of saying hi, you should match your reply to her tone. Also, consider a relationship with the girl.

If the girl is just a friend, keep it casual. But if you are interested in her, you can add a flirty touch to the conversation.

I. Improvise your response according to her texting style and tone

Take note of her tone and style when responding to a girl’s “What’s up?”. If she is playful, add some playfulness to your response. If she seems a little flirty, respond in kind or create a little tension in your response.

Here are some examples of how you can tailor your response according to the girl’s texting style:

Casual:

1. “Hey! Just chilling, what about you?” 😎
2. “Not much, just relaxing. How’s it going with you?” 😊

Playful:

1. “Just waiting for a fun text… and here it is!” 😄
2. “Hey! What’s up? I was hoping you’d text me.” 😏

Flirty:

1. “Not much, just thinking about you. What are you up to?” 😘
2. “Just hanging out, but I’d rather be hanging with you.” 😏

Curious:

1. “Hey! What’s up? Got any fun plans today?” 🤔
2. “Not much, just wondering what you’re up to. Anything exciting?” 🤩

II. Know when to keep the conversation short and when to continue the conversation.

If a girl sends you a “what’s up”, you should gauge how much she wants to interact. If she doesn’t seem interested and sends a casual “What’s up,” don’t push the conversation

If she seems interested, ask a question to keep it going.

Here are some examples of how to respond:

Short Response Examples:

1. “Not much, just relaxing. You?”

1. “Hey! Not much, just chilling. How about you?”

Keeping the Conversation Going:

1. “Not much, just planning my weekend. Do you have any fun plans?😎🎉”
2. “Just hanging out, but I’d love to hear what you’re up to!😊💬”
3. “Hey! Just got done with work. What about you? What’s keeping you busy?”
4. “Not much, just thinking of trying something new this weekend. Got any suggestions?”

3. How do you reply to what’s up on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media?

When someone asks, “What’s up?” on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Tinder, Instagram, or TikTok, your response should match the platform’s vibe and the nature of your relationship with the person.

Every social media platform has a unique style of communication. Try to match the context and respond accordingly.

On WhatsApp:

WhatsApp is usually for more personal or direct communication, so you can keep it friendly or casual based on your relationship with the person.

• Casual reply: “Hey! Not much, just relaxing. What about you?”
• Friendly reply: “Hey there! Just catching up on some things. What’s new with you?”
• Flirty reply: “Nothing much, just waiting for your message to make my day better 😉”

On Facebook Messenger:

Facebook Messenger is mainly used for casual chat and group chats. Depending on who is texting you, you can formulate your reply differently.

• Casual reply: “Not much, just scrolling through FB. What about you?”
• Friendly responses: “Hey! Just finished lunch. Got anything exciting going on?”
• Playful reply: “Hey! Just trying to escape from all the notifications, haha! How about you?”

On Tinder:

Conversations on Tinder are generally more flirtatious, so your reply should match the vibe if you want to make a good impression.

• Flirty reply: “Not much, just waiting for your message 😉”
• Playful reply: “Just swiping through some profiles and saw yours… thought I’d say hey!”
• Curious reply: “Not much, but I’m curious about you. What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done this week?”

On Instagram:

Conversations on Instagram will be more visual and will likely have a playful tone. If someone asks “What’s up?” you can add your own sense of fun into your response.

• Casual reply: “Hey! Just scrolling through some stories. What’s up with you?”
• Engaging reply: “Not much, just posted a pic. Did you see it?”
• Playful reply: “Just checking out the latest memes. You should try it!”

On TikTok:

Conversations on TikTok will typically be more cheerful and fun, with lots of memes and jokes. Keep this same tone in your response.

• Casual reply: “Just watching some TikToks. You?”
• Playful reply: “Not much, just trying to figure out how to do that dance! 😂”
• Fun reply: “Just making some videos. Ever tried lip-syncing to a song?”

On LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so your response to “What’s up?” should show a level of politeness and respect, and be somewhat formal. You can still be friendly, but LinkedIn is a professional site at the end of the day.

• Professional reply: “Hello! I’m currently working on a project, but I would love to connect and chat more soon.”
• Polite reply: “Hi there! Just catching up on some industry news and projects. How about you?”
• Friendly yet professional reply: “Hello! I’m busy with some work at the moment, but I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to professionally.”
• Engaging reply: “Hi! I’m focusing on a few things right now, but let’s schedule a time to chat about potential collaborations.”

4. How to reply to what’s up in a flirty way?

When responding to “What’s up?” in a fun and flirty manner, you want to keep things light, playful, and somewhat mysterious.

How to Keep It Simple and Sweet:

Flirting doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Keeping your responses sweet and simple can work wonders.

A little playfulness can set the right tone without making things feel forced.

Examples:

1. “Not much, just waiting for you to make my day a little brighter 😉”
2. “Just thinking about how cute you looked in your last pic 😏”
3. “Not much, just waiting for your message to make my day better 😊”
4. “Hey! I was just thinking about you. How about you?” 😘

Send Voice Notes While Flirting to Build Confidentiality:

One method to personalize a flirty response or keep the conversation interesting is to send a voice note. Voice notes allow you to express tone and emotion in your response, increasing the familiarity and enjoyment of the conversation.

Examples:

1. Voice note: “Hey you, just thinking about how great it is to hear from you 😏”
2. Voice note: “I was actually just daydreaming about you! 😘”

Flirty Responses with a Touch of Humor:

Adding humor to your flirty replies can make things even more fun. A playful tone with a light-hearted joke can keep the conversation engaging and charming.

Examples:

• “Nothing much, just waiting for you to make me smile. Got any tricks up your sleeve?” 😏
• “I was just thinking about you… now my brain’s stuck on repeat. 😜”
• “Not much, just hoping you’re as fun to talk to as you are to look at!” 😁

5. Reply to what’s up text from your crush

When you receive a text from your crush saying what’s up,” you might get confused or excited and don’t know what to reply. You can take that easily and reply calmly according to the situation of your relationship.

Here are some reply ideas to crush if she texts you with What’s up:

• “Hey! Just relaxing. How’s your day going?” 😊
• “I was waiting for your text, so now my day is officially better!” 😊
• “Nothing much, just working on my future speech for when we tell people how we met. 😜”
• “Oh, you know… just doing something super exciting! Want to guess what it is?”

6. Replying to what’s up text in a friendly way.

When you get a what’s up text from your friend, it does not have to be mysterious or with humor. You can respond to it in a friendly way.

Here are some examples of what to reply to what’s up in a friendly response:

• “Hey! Not much, just relaxing. What about you?” 😊
• “Just chilling and enjoying the day. How’s everything with you?”
• “Nothing much, just catching up on some stuff. What’s new with you?”
• “Just finished a long day! How’s everything on your end?”
• “Not much! Just trying to survive the day. How about you?” 😆

7. Funny ways to respond to what’s up

Adding humor to your response can make the conversation more fun and engaging. Whether it’s sarcasm, a joke, or a playful exaggeration, funny responses can set a lighthearted tone.

A Sarcastic and Simple Way to Respond:

• “The ceiling… as always.” 😆
• “Gas prices… unfortunately.” ⛽😂
• “My stress levels, thanks for asking!” 🤯
• “Definitely not my bank balance.” 💸😜
• “The sky, my mood, and hopefully your interest in this conversation!” 😏

How to Turn “What’s Up” into an Unexpected Joke:

• “Just waiting for someone to finally send me a winning lottery ticket.” 🎟️
• “Currently starring in my own reality show: ‘The Lazy Chronicles.’” 📺
• “Oh, you know… just contemplating the mysteries of the universe.” 🤔🌌
• “Plotting world domination, but taking a snack break first.” 🍕😆
• “Trying to figure out why I always say ‘I’ll sleep early’ but never do!” 😴😂

8. How to reply to what’s up professionally and politely?

When your boss texts you what’s up, the reply should be professional and polite. It is best not to add humor or just reply casually.

While replying professionally to what’s up text, you need to keep in mind that your reply should be respectful, clear, and appropriate.

Here are some examples of how can you reply professionally to what’s up:

• “Hello! I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?”
• “Good day! Just working on some tasks. How’s your day going?”
• “I’m currently in the middle of a project. How can I assist you?”
• “Everything is going well, thanks for asking. How can I help you today?”
• “Busy with work, but always happy to connect. What’s on your mind?”

9. How to respond to what’s up when you want to keep the conversation going

When some texts you with what’s up and you want to continue the conversation, there are many reply ideas. But also, you need to know whether the other person wants to continue the conversation or not.

Sometimes, a simple “What’s up?” can lead to an interesting conversation. Here’s how you can continue your conversation with what’s up.

I. Adding Questions After “What’s Up” to Continue Your Chat

One of the easiest ways to keep the conversation flowing is by asking a real question in return.

Example: 

• “Not much! What’s something exciting you’ve done today?” 🤔
• “Just relaxing! How’s your day been so far?”
• “Hey! Just catching up on some work. What about you?”
• “Not much, but I was just thinking, \what’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?” 🎬
• “Same old! But hey, do you have any fun weekend plans?”

II. Share Your Experience and Interests to Extend the Conversation

Sometimes, giving a little more detail about what you’re doing can help keep things interesting.

Example: 

• “Just finished a workout! Trying to stay fit these days. Do you like working out?” 💪
• “I was just reading an interesting article about (topic). Have you heard about it?”
• “Just made some amazing pasta! Do you enjoy cooking?” 🍝
• “Catching up on my favorite TV show. Do you have any recommendations?” 📺
• “Was just thinking of planning a trip. Do you like traveling?” ✈️

III. Consider Whether the Other Person Wants to Continue the Conversation or Not

If the other person is giving short replies or seems uninterested, it’s best not to force the conversation. If the other person also expects an answer from your side, it is best to keep going.

Example: 

• If they reply with a short “Nothing much,” you can say:
  “Cool, just checking in! Let me know if you’re up for a chat later.” 😊
• If they ask about you, too, it’s a good sign to continue!
  “Glad to hear that! By the way, I meant to ask, how’s your week been?”
• If their responses seem disinterested:
  “Alright, I won’t keep you! Catch up soon?”

10. Responding to what’s up when you are feeling good

When you are feeling great, and suddenly someone texts you, “What’s up?”. Your response should reflect positivity and excitement.

Here’s how you can respond to what’s up when you are feeling great:

• Hey! Feeling amazing today! How about you?” 😃
• “Life’s great! Just enjoying the day. What about you?” ☀️
• “I’m in a fantastic mood! Hope you’re having a great day too!”
• “Just having an awesome day! Anything fun going on with you?” 🎉
• “Feeling great and ready to make the most of today! What’s up with you?” 😊

11. Responding to what’s up when you feel bad

When you’re feeling down, your response to “What’s up?” depends on whether you want to keep it short or share how you feel.

If you don’t feel like talking much, a simple reply works:

• “Just a long day, but I’ll be okay.”
• “Not the best day, but I’ll get through it!”
• “Feeling a bit off today, but thanks for asking.”

If you feel comfortable opening up, you can be more honest:

• “Honestly, it’s been a tough day. Hoping tomorrow is better.”
• “A bit stressed with everything going on. What about you?”

Or, if you want to change the mood and keep the conversation going, try:

• “Not the best day. Got any funny stories to cheer me up?” 😊
• “Just trying to shake off a bad mood. Any recommendations for a feel-good movie?” 🎬

12. Responding when you have exciting news to share

If you have something exciting happening in your life and you receive a text that says “What’s up?” that is a great invitation to share your energy and news.

In your response, capture your energy and develop their interest in your news.

Here’s how you can reply when you have exciting news to share:

If you want to express pure excitement, you can say:

• “OMG! I have the best news! Can’t wait to tell you!” 🎉
• “Something amazing just happened! You won’t believe it!” 😃

If you want to give a hint and build curiosity, you could say:

• “Big things are happening! Guess what?” 😉
• “I have some really exciting news. Want to hear it?”

If you want to share directly, keep it simple:

• “Just got a promotion at work! Super happy!” 🚀
• “I finally booked my dream vacation! So excited!” ✈️

13. Responding with a request if you need something

II. Ask Directly Without Making It Awkward

If you need something, it’s best to be clear and polite while keeping it natural. Instead of jumping straight to the request, you can ease into it with a friendly tone.

• “Hey! Actually, I need a quick favor. Do you have a minute?”
• “Not much, but I could really use your help with something!”
• “I was just about to message you! I need some advice, got a sec?”
• “Nothing much, but I was wondering if you could help me with something real quick.”

II. Continue With Casual Talk After What’s Up to Smoothen the Request

If you don’t want to make the request seem too abrupt, you can first engage in a bit of casual conversation before bringing it up.

• “Hey! Just catching up on some work. By the way, do you know anything about [topic]?”
• “Not much, just planning my weekend. Speaking of which, are you free to help me with something?”
• “Just chilling! Oh, I meant to ask, can you recommend a good place for [something]?”
• “Nothing much, just thinking about plans. Actually, could I ask you for a little help?”

14. How to reply to what’s up with total honesty

Sometimes, the best response is to be completely real about how you’re feeling. Whether you’re having a great day, feeling stressed, or just going through the motions, honesty can make the conversation more meaningful.

Here are some ways to reply truthfully:

• “Honestly, just trying to get through the day. It’s been a bit rough.”
• “Feeling great today! Everything’s going really well.” 😊
• “To be honest, I’m kind of stressed out, but I’ll be okay.”
• “Nothing much, just in a weird mood. Ever have one of those days?”

⚠️Not every “What’s up?” needs a deep reply—read the situation to avoid over-sharing or shutting down a real conversation.

15. Abbreviations for responding to what’s up

Some people prefer to keep things short and sweet, especially on messaging platforms. However, it’s important to know when and how to use abbreviations to avoid misunderstandings or coming off as too informal when it’s not appropriate.

Here are some common texting abbreviations and slang you might use when responding to “What’s up?”:

• “NM, you?” (Not much, you?)
• “NBD, just relaxing.” (No big deal, just relaxing.)
• “ONG, I’m having the best day!” (On god!)
• “LOL, just chilling!” (Laughing out loud)
• “TMI, but I’ve been super busy.” (Too much information)

16. Sending a relevant GIF or meme as a reply

Responding to “What’s up?” with GIFs or memes adds an entertaining and fun dimension to your conversation. GIFs and memes provide a unique way to express feelings, humor, or reactions in cases where it is difficult or impossible to do so with words.

A great GIF or meme can lighten the mood or enhance your response with personality instantly.

Find the Right GIF or Meme to Match Your Mood: The most important thing in using GIFs and memes is to use one that aligns with your existing mood or the tone of the conversation you are having.

As an example, to match a playful tone, you could use funny responses or funny GIFs. Or if you are feeling tired and this is a Wednesday communication, you could use a tired meme or funny ‘I’m done’ reaction.

⭐Did you know? that, according to a 2011 study, U.S. adult text messaging users sent or received an average of 41.5 messages per day, with the median user sending or receiving 10 texts daily?

Source – pewresearch.org

Alternatives to “What’s up?” text

You may not only receive “What’s up” every single time. There are different versions of this text you may receive, but they mean the same thing as what’s up.

Here are some other alternatives to “What’s up?”

• Hey!: A simple, friendly greeting that works in almost any context.
• How’s it going?: A casual way of asking how things are with someone.
• How are you?: A classic greeting that shows interest in someone’s well-being.
• What’s new?: Asking about any updates or changes in someone’s life.
• How’s your day?: A more specific real question focusing on someone’s current experience.
• Hey stranger!: Used when you haven’t talked to someone in a while, giving it a lighthearted tone.
• Good morning/afternoon/evening!: Depending on the time of day, these greetings are more formal but still friendly responses.
• What are you up to?: A slightly more personal question that asks what someone is currently doing or working on.
• How’s life treating you?: This is a more reflective real question, asking how someone is generally feeling about their life at the moment.
• What’s popping?: A casual and modern way to say, “What’s up?” Often used by younger people, it means “What is happening?” or “What’s new?” It’s seen as more fun and cheerful.

However, it is not used in formal English conversation.

📝 Real Talk

“What’s up?” is often just a casual greeting, but knowing when to keep it light or make it meaningful can turn small talk into real connections.

Conclusion

How you answer “What’s up?” can change your conversation and make it better, whether the person is a friend, family member, or coworker.

If you take a moment to think about the situation, your feelings, and your relationship with the person, you can keep the conversation going smoothly and have a better interaction. You could reply in a fun way or be more polite based on the situation.

So, next time someone asks “What’s up?”, think about how you want to respond. You might choose to answer quickly and casually, be playful, or reply in a friendly way if that’s okay for your relationship.

FAQs

What should I reply to “What’s up?” if I’m not in the mood to talk?

If you are not feeling like talking, you can keep responses short and simple. For example, “Not much, just a little tired,” or “Only relaxing, not much to talk about right now” is okay too.

How can I reply to “What’s up?” on Tinder or dating apps?

On Tinder or dating apps, it’s a good idea to keep things flirty and lighthearted. You can reply with something like, “Not much, just waiting for your message to make my day better,” or “Just swiping through profiles, but yours caught my eye! What’s up with you?” This keeps the vibe playful and engaging.

Is it okay to reply with a meme or GIF when someone asks, “What’s up?”

Yes, Sending a meme or GIF can add humor to the conversation and give it a fun, casual touch. Just make sure it matches the tone of the conversation and the person you’re chatting with. For example, if you’re in a lighthearted chat, a funny meme can be a great response.