You have all seen the ubiquitous # (hashtag) sign in front of social media posts, but do you really know what this symbol does or could do for you? In case you’re hesitant to raise your hand in front of friends, colleagues, or conference attendees, here’s a quick rundown of the hashtag.

Definition of hashtag

A hashtag is a label used on social media sites that makes it easier to find posts or information on a topic or containing specific content. It is created by including the « # » symbol in front of a word or words without spaces.

Hashtags encourage social media users to explore content that catches their eye. Social media accounts can then use hashtags to reach their target audience and help members filter information.

The best uses of hashtags

The method of using hashtags varies from one social network to another. Thus, to gain more interactions on your posts, it is essential that you have an idea of ​​the methods to apply on each social network to develop your visibility.

The use of hashtags on Twitter

Twitter is one of the first platforms to have taken the first step with the use of hashtags. On Twitter, several studies have found that posts with 1-2 hashtags per Tweet have more organic reach than those with more than two hashtags.

For example, when you make an influencer product placement and add four hashtags, it is very likely that the latter will benefit from less interaction. However, by adding two hashtags, you will be able to gain a lot of interactions with your product placement.

The use of hashtags on Instagram

Instagram is one of the best-known social networks for using hashtags behind Twitter. Here, when you make an Instagram product placement, for example, it is recommended to add 9 to 15 hashtags to the publication. However, most accounts that have more interactions adapt to the number 11 to place their hashtags.

The use of hashtags on Facebook and LinkedIn

Hashtags are relatively less used on these two social networks compared to Instagram and Twitter. However, the use of hashtags on these networks remains a better strategy to apply to benefit from increased visibility with users. Here, it is advisable to limit yourself to one or two hashtags per publication.

Hashtags on Pinterest

Pinterest doesn’t do fuss.  You can add as many hashtags as you want and in any place.  They are displayed in the description of your Pin and they can be hidden according to their length.

Hashtags on Tiktok

On this new trendy social network, hashtags are essential.  Not only do they allow you to have a better chance of getting your videos back to other users, but it’s actually the whole platform that is based on this concept.  You can even check trends to create your new videos based on popular hashtags.  If, for example, you want to take up a challenge, you absolutely must use the hashtag dedicated to it.