A hashtag is a word or phrase after the # symbol, like #smallbusiness. It groups posts by topic so people can search, browse and sometimes follow conversations they care about.
Hashtags help platforms understand what your post is about and can surface it to people beyond your followers. Specific, relevant hashtags usually beat very broad ones, where your post gets buried in seconds. Branded hashtags help collect user-generated content and campaign entries.
Their weight varies by platform. On some networks, keywords in captions and on-screen text now matter as much as hashtags. Use a few that truly fit, and write multi-word tags in camel case, like #SocialMediaTips, for readability and accessibility.
Questions about Hashtag
How many hashtags should I use?
It varies by platform and changes over time. Many marketers now use a small set of highly relevant hashtags rather than the maximum allowed. Test different amounts and check each platform's current guidance to see what works for your account.
Do hashtags still work?
Yes, but they matter less than they once did on some platforms. Algorithms now lean on captions, keywords and engagement too. Relevant hashtags still help categorize posts, support search and power branded campaigns.
What is a branded hashtag?
A branded hashtag is unique to your company or campaign, like your brand name or slogan. It encourages customers to tag their posts, making it easy to find user-generated content, run contests and track campaign participation.
