Do Hashtags Still Matter?

But don’t be quick to dismiss them entirely!

Let’s explore the current state of hashtags and how we can make the most of them.

The Evolution of Hashtags

Remember the early days of Twitter? Hashtags were a groundbreaking way to organize conversations and easily find content that interested us.

Today, hashtags are everywhere, from Instagram to TikTok. However, as with many major trends, it’s time to rethink our relationship with them.

The truth is that hashtags haven’t disappeared—they’ve just evolved. They’re no longer just labels; they’re powerful tools that influence how users discover our content.

The difference?

Now, it’s not just about quantity. The quality and relevance of the hashtags we choose are what truly count.

Instagram: The King of Hashtags

Instagram remains the platform where hashtags matter most, though things have changed here as well.

In the past, more hashtags meant better visibility. Today, Instagram’s algorithm is smarter and recognizes which hashtags are truly relevant to our content.

• Less is more: Instead of crowding your captions with dozens of hashtags, select 5-10 that accurately describe your photo or video.
• Mix & Match: Combine popular hashtags with more niche ones to increase your visibility (a mix of high volume, medium volume, and low volume hashtags).
• Market research: Focus on your industry, see what hashtags competitors are using, and include some of them in your captions. Don’t forget to use your own unique branded hashtags as well.
• Avoid clichés: Generic hashtags like #love or #instagood are so common that they easily get lost in the crowd.

Pro Tip: Use hashtags in your Stories, too. This will help you attract a broader audience and increase the discoverability of your content.

What About Other Platforms?

X (formerly Twitter)

On X, hashtags are ideal for joining conversations and connecting with users who share your interests.

• Keep it simple: Use 1-2 relevant hashtags per tweet to avoid a spammy look.
• Stay current: Follow trending hashtags to join discussions on timely topics.
• Create your own hashtag: For events or campaigns, create a branded hashtag to encourage users to share your content.

Pro Tip: Use TweetDeck to track trending hashtags and engage in real-time discussions.

LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, hashtags help you connect with professionals in your field and increase the visibility of your posts.

• Use niche hashtags: Choose hashtags that are relevant to your industry and expertise.
• Create branded hashtags: For your company, create branded hashtags to strengthen its discoverability.
• Participate in discussions: Use hashtags to find and join conversations in your sector.

Pro Tip: Interact with other users who use the same hashtags to build relationships and increase your visibility.

Facebook

While hashtags aren’t as crucial on Facebook as on other platforms, they can help organize your content and make relevant posts easier to find.

• Use hashtags in groups: If you’re part of Facebook groups, use hashtags to organize your content and make it easier for others to find you.
• Create hashtags for events: If you’re hosting an event, create a unique hashtag to gather discussions and posts related to the event.

Pro Tip: Monitor Facebook insights to see which hashtags perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Hashtags remain a valuable tool for marketers—as long as they’re used strategically and with a focus on quality over quantity.

Want to learn more about making the most of hashtags?

Get in touch with us!