How to Use Hashtags for Social Media: The Ultimate Guide

How many times have you thrown a “#” in front of a word just because everyone else was doing it? Guilty as charged? It’s social media peer pressure at its finest. But there’s an art and a science that dictates the proper use of hashtags. Not many people know about it.  

It turns out that hashtags aren’t the magical add-ons that some content creators imagine them to be. On their own, they can’t possibly skyrocket social media engagement, no matter how many of them you stuff into your content. The topic - how to use hashtags effectively - begs for perspective. No doubt, hashtags improve your engagement and discoverability on crowded social platforms, but only if you use them strategically. A well-crafted and placed hashtag can make it easier for people to find your content, engage with it meaningfully, and amplify your social media presence manifold. 

Curious to know how this little symbol (#) has the potential to supercharge your social media marketing? 

Let’s break it down for you. and trust me, by the end of this blog, you’ll be hashtagging like a pro, wondering why you didn’t jump in sooner! 

What is a hashtag?  

Hashtags are defined as words or phrases that follow the # (pound) symbol and are used on social media content to help organize, categorize, and track its performance. You can inject them into your posts, bios, or even comments on just about every major platform — Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest. Hashtags were popularized by X (formerly Twitter), and soon, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok followed suit, making them a universal tool. 

When you click on a hashtag, it gathers all the posts using the same tag, creating a feed centered around that specific topic or conversation. It’s like a shortcut, pulling together all related content for your audience to engage with.  

For example, using #DIYHomeProjects can help connect people interested in home improvement tips. When someone clicks or searches for that hashtag, they’re taken to posts from others with similar content, making it easier for people to engage with communities and topics they care about. 

What is the purpose of hashtags? 

So, what does a hashtag do exactly? 

Hashtags work by organizing and categorizing content, making it easier for users to find posts related to specific topics.  

Here’s how the proper use of hashtags can benefit your social media strategy: 

👉 Helps with community building: Specific hashtags unite people around shared interests, causes, or events, fostering a sense of belonging and community. 

👉 Boosts discoverability: Using popular or trending hashtags can push your content in front of a larger audience, making it discoverable beyond your immediate followers. 

👉 Amplifies engagement: Hashtags encourage interaction by inviting users to join conversations, social media challenges or campaigns. 

👉 Leverages trending topics: Hashtags tied to viral social media trends or breaking news allow users to ride the wave of popular content, increasing virality potential. 

👉 Allows content and campaign tracking: Hashtags make it easier to track a campaign's success by helping you monitor the social media engagement it garners. When you use a specific hashtag, you can easily see how many people are using, sharing, or interacting with posts that include it. This gives brands and creators a clear way to measure their campaign's reach and impact, providing real-time data on how well the audience is engaging with that content. 

👉 Connects with target audiences: Targeting the right hashtags aligns your posts with the specific demographics that are most likely to engage. This way, hashtags amplify your content’s reach and help build meaningful connections with the right audience.  

How to use hashtags on each social media platform 

Not all social media platforms treat hashtags the same way, and that’s where things can get tricky. To make sure you’re getting the most out of hashtags, let’s understand how to use hashtags — platform by platform. 

1. Hashtag strategy for Facebook 

Facebook may not be as hashtag centric as platforms like Instagram or Twitter, but hashtags can still play a role in making your posts more discoverable. The trick is to use them strategically. Here are key things to consider if you want to nail hashtag strategy on Facebook: 

👉 Use 1-3 hashtags: Studies show that posts with fewer hashtags tend to perform better on Facebook, making the content more engaging without feeling too promotional. The trick is not to overdo it. Facebook users aren’t scanning for hashtags, so one or two well-placed tags are more than enough. This helps keep your content clean and to the point. 

👉 Keep it relevant and timely: Focus on hashtags that tie into current events, holidays, or trends. Facebook is great for jumping on timely conversations. For instance, during a product launch, use tags like #NewArrivals or #HolidaySale. 

👉Blend them in: Instead of forcing hashtags, use them as part of your sentence. Research on how these hashtags are being used and follow a similar approach. A local bakery, for instance, might post: “Don’t miss out on our fresh #PumpkinSpice lattes this season!” It’s subtle, and it works.  

👉Engage with hashtags: Don’t stop at just adding hashtags — actively engage with them. Try liking, commenting, or sharing posts that use similar hashtags to yours. This can help boost your visibility and organically build connections with others in your niche.  

2. Hashtag strategy for Instagram 

Instagram is actually the platform where hashtags can make the biggest impact. If you're aiming to boost your reach and engagement, using hashtags on Instagram is a must — there's no question about it. 

👉Stick to optimal hashtag count: While Instagram gives you a limit of up to 30, research suggests that using 9-12 relevant hashtags gets the best engagement.  

👉Mix broad and niche tags: Use a combination of popular hashtags (example: #Travel) and niche ones (example: #EcoFriendlyTravel) to ensure you’re not just lost in a sea of generic posts. 

👉Keep it clean: If you want to avoid cluttering your caption, pop the hashtags into the first comment. Instagram’s algorithm still counts them, but it keeps your post looking tidy but still searchable. 

3. Hashtag strategy for LinkedIn 

You have to be more mindful about using hashtags on LinkedIn, reflecting a professional tone in your phrasing and targeting. Here's how you can do it: 

👉 Stick to 2-3 hashtags: Less is definitely more on LinkedIn. Focus on industry-specific tags like #B2BMarketing or #LeadershipTips. Mix niched and popular hashtags, using LinkedIn’s search feature to find your best-fit tags. This helps your posts stand out in professional circles. 

👉 Use branded hashtags: Got a company hashtag? Encourage your team to use it too, when they are sharing company-related content. It helps create brand awareness and visibility on the saturated platform. 

👉 Relevant, professional hashtags: LinkedIn users care about relevance. Hashtags like #Innovation or #TechTrends can make your content more discoverable to the right people. 

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4. Hashtag strategy for X (formerly Twitter) 

Hashtags were born on Twitter, so it makes sense they’re still a big part of how content gets discovered here. To ensure proper usage of hashtags, follow these guidelines:  

👉 1-2 hashtags are enough: Keep it simple. You’ve only got 280 characters, so make those hashtags count. 

👉 Join trending conversations: Twitter is all about what’s happening right now. Jump into trending topics by using relevant hashtags like #Oscars or #TechConference2024. 

👉 Community-based hashtags work best: Whether it’s #NationalPizzaDay or #WorldMentalHealthDay, community-focused hashtags help you connect with people who care about the same things. Keep an eye on Twitter’s trending section for popular hashtags you can use to join a larger conversation that’s happening now. 

5. Hashtag strategy for TikTok 

TikTok hashtags are essential for visibility. The For You page thrives on trends and hashtags, so knowing which ones to use is key to getting your content in front of the right audience. 

👉 Use 3-5 hashtags: More than five, and you’re overwhelming your audience. Keep it focused on relevant and trending tags. 

👉 Jump on trends, but be authentic: TikTok moves fast, so keep an eye on trending challenges and hashtags. Just make sure they fit with your content. 

👉 Niche tags help you get noticed: While it’s tempting to use broad tags like #FYP, niche ones like #PlantMomLife or #DIYDecor will connect you with the right audience. 

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The do’s and don’ts of using hashtags 

As we said before, hashtags can boost your visibility and help your content reach the right audience.  

However, it's essential to know the right way to use them.  Here are some clear guidelines on what to do and what to avoid when using hashtags. 

✅ Do’s  

• Use hashtags that match your content 

Hashtags should reflect what you’re posting about. They act as a keyword or signpost that helps people discover content related to their interests.  If you’re sharing SEO tips, stick to hashtags like #SEOTrends, #SEO2024, or #SearchEngineOptimization. Using irrelevant hashtags only confuses your audience and makes your post look out of place.  

• Research before posting 

Don’t just grab random hashtags — look into which ones are trending or performing well in your niche. It’s worth spending a few minutes researching the most effective hashtags for your audience. Tools like Sprinklr Social or even the search bar on social platforms can give you a sense of what’s popular and what works in your industry.  Curious how this tool can up your hashtag game?

Request a demo and explore how it can help you drive results with data-backed hashtag insights. 

• Mix popular and niche hashtags 

Popular hashtags can get you noticed, but niche ones help you get noticed by the right people. A good hashtag strategy is to use a mix of both. The popular ones give you visibility, while the niche ones target your ideal audience. For example, Airbnb uses a mix of broad tags like #Travel and more specific ones like #UniqueStays to attract different types of travelers. 

• Limit your hashtags to 5-10 

Overloading your posts with hashtags makes it feel like you’re greedy and fishing for attention. So, keep your social media captions and posts clean by limiting your hashtags to a manageable number — 5 to 10 is usually a good range for Instagram, while X(formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn benefit from fewer. 

• Create custom hashtags for campaigns 

A custom hashtag gives people a way to join your conversation. It can be a simple yet effective way to build brand recognition and encourage user-generated content. For example, the brand Always launched the #LikeAGirl campaign to challenge gender stereotypes and change the meaning of “like a girl” from an insult to a positive affirmation. This movement became viral, promoting empowerment and self-confidence among young girls.  

Suggested Read: Latest Social Media Features No Brand Should Miss in 2024 

❌Don’ts  

• Don’t use random hashtags just for visibility 

It might seem tempting to throw in popular hashtags to your social media post, hoping to bring more eyeballs to it. But this strategy often backfires. While you may attract a larger audience, it won't be the right audience.  For instance, using #FoodLovers on a post about email marketing might bring in people who love food, but they won’t care about your email marketing content. Worse, they might disengage quickly, affecting your overall brand perception.  So, make sure your hashtags are relevant to your post or content.  

• Don’t repeat the same hashtags every time 

Avoid using the same set of hashtags on every post. Repeating hashtags over and over can make it seem like you're not putting much thought into your content or, worse, that it's all automated. To keep things engaging and relevant, switch up your hashtags. Tailor them specifically to each post, so they feel fresh and aligned with the message you're sharing. 

• Pick winning hashtags 

Not all hashtags will resonate with your audience. If a hashtag isn’t driving engagement, swap it out for something else. Plus, regularly check your post insights to see which hashtags are driving engagement and which aren’t.  Tools like Sprinklr’s social media analytics and reporting can help here by offering in-depth analytics and insights into which hashtags are driving the most engagement, which are underperforming, and how different tags are contributing to your overall social media goals.  

• Don’t use long or complicated hashtags 

Avoid using long or complicated hashtags. If a hashtag is too lengthy or tricky to read, it won’t be as effective in getting attention. Instead, stick to simple, clear, and easy-to-remember hashtags.  For instance, instead of using something like #BestMarketingAgencyInLosAngeles, go for shorter, snappier options like #LAMarketing or #AgencyLife. These are quicker for people to read, easier to use, and more likely to boost engagement. 

Top hashtag analysis tools 

Now that you’ve got a handle on how to generate effective hashtags, it’s time to take things a step further. Let’s look at the top hashtag analysis tools that can elevate your hashtag game and optimize your social media impact. 

1. Sprinklr 

Best for: Enterprises needing comprehensive, multi-platform social media management 

Sprinklr is a powerhouse social media management tool, especially for large enterprises with complex needs. What sets it apart is its in-depth hashtag analytics that tracks how your hashtags perform across multiple platforms in real-time, measuring impressions, engagement, and even the customer sentiment behind them.  

With Sprinklr’s AI-driven insights, you get the kind of data that helps you stay ahead of trends so you can quickly tweak your social media strategy when needed. It's built to handle the scale and sophistication that big brands require, ensuring you're always on top of your social media game. Brands like Nike use Sprinklr to track their global campaigns and stay ahead of trends. 

Key features: 

• Real-time hashtag tracking: Monitor the immediate performance of hashtags across multiple platforms. 
• Sentiment analysis: Understand the tone and sentiment behind hashtags to measure audience reactions. 
• AI-powered recommendations: Sprinklr uses AI to suggest hashtag optimizations for better reach and engagement. 
• Cross-platform insights: Sprinklr offers integrated data from multiple social networks, providing a holistic view of your hashtag’s impact. 
• Integrations: Seamlessly connects and integrates with major tools like Salesforce and Adobe Analytics, supporting larger ecosystems. 

2. Keyhole 

Best for: Smaller teams focused on simplicity 

Keyhole excels at tracking both real-time and historical data for hashtags. It’s a great choice for marketers looking for straightforward, actionable insights without the complexity of larger enterprise tools. 

Key features 

• Real-time tracking: Instantly monitor how your hashtags are performing. 
• Historical data: See how hashtags have performed over time, helping with long-term strategy. 
• Competitor and influencer analysis: Keyhole provides insights into how your competitors and influencers are using hashtags, enabling you to refine your approach. 
• Campaign reports: Visualize the success of your hashtag campaigns with clear reports, making it easy to understand which strategies are working best. 

Limitations: Lacks advanced AI-driven insights and multi-channel tracking. 

3. Brand24  

Best for: Social listening and sentiment tracking 

The hashtag monitoring feature of Brand24 allows you to track hashtag performance in real-time, giving you insights into how often your hashtags are mentioned, who’s using them, and the overall reach and sentiment of those mentions. With Brand24, you can see what’s driving conversations around your hashtags, helping you stay on top of trends and respond quickly to any buzz, positive or negative. 

Key features 

• Social listening: Track conversations around specific hashtags and monitor brand mentions. 
• Sentiment analysis: Measure whether audience reactions are positive, neutral, or negative. 
• Customizable reports: Create reports that focus on the metrics that matter most to you, whether it's engagement or sentiment. 
• Real-time updates: Stay up-to-date with how your audience is interacting with your hashtags, making it easier to tweak campaigns as needed. 

Limitations: More focused on  social media sentiment analysis than detailed hashtag performance insights 

Why world’s most popular brands trust Sprinklr for hashtag analysis 

Sprinklr stands out because it offers advanced, AI-powered social media listening to refine your hashtag strategy in real-time, something that both Keyhole and Brand24 lack. It provides cross-platform analytics, giving you a full view of hashtag performance across various social media channels and ensuring deeper understanding and broader reach. 

Unlike its competitors, Sprinklr also integrates seamlessly with tools like Salesforce, offering unmatched scalability for large enterprises. For businesses managing high volumes of social media content, Sprinklr delivers depth, flexibility, and actionable data unmatched by Keyhole or Brand24. 

Time to start making your hashtags work for you 

Now that you’ve got a better idea of how to use hashtags to truly transform your social media game — boosting your likes, comments, and overall engagement while also revealing any signs of disappointment from your audience—it’s obvious they’re about so much more than just visibility. So it’s time to start using that little “#” symbol like the powerful tool it really is. 

But remember the golden rule: don't go overboard with hashtags, and for the love of engagement, stick to the do’s and don’ts we covered. After all, you put a lot of effort into crafting that perfect post, and it shouldn't just fade into the social media void. You want your audience to see it, right? 

So go on and create that amazing social media post today! As you add the hashtags, think about everything you’ve just learned. We can’t wait to see how your next post performs — just don’t forget to use those hashtags wisely!