Hashtags have been a social media staple for years. But are they still as effective as they once were?
And more importantly, are you using them in the right way to maximize your reach and engagement?
In 2025, hashtags are evolving, and their effectiveness varies widely across platforms.
Whether you're looking to boost visibility on Instagram, join trending conversations on X, or enhance your professional presence on LinkedIn, understanding how hashtags work today is crucial.
This guide will unpack the latest trends, strategies, and platform-specific nuances to help you take advantage of hashtags in your social media campaigns.
Plus, you'll find links to updated, in-depth guides for Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to refine your approach for each platform.
Let’s get started and look at how hashtags can still be an important factor in your marketing strategy in 2025!
Get the cheatsheet you need on how hashtags work on different platforms:
Hashtags in 2025: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with the basics and then dive into how hashtags have evolved in 2025.
Hashtags are simply keywords or phrases preceded by the hash (#) symbol.
They help categorize content, making it easier for users to find posts related to specific topics. For example, #DigitalMarketing connects your content to broader conversations in that niche.
When creating hashtags, spaces are removed between words. To improve readability, many marketers use camel case (e.g., #SocialMediaMarketing instead of #socialmediamarketing).
How Hashtags Work Today
In 2025, hashtags continue to serve as organizational tools, but their effectiveness depends on the platform and the context.
Algorithms are of course always evolving and becoming smarter, prioritizing relevance and quality over quantity.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Instagram—hashtags still play a role in discoverability, but keyword-rich captions are increasingly influential.
- X—while hashtags remain useful for joining trending conversations, topic tags and keywords often take precedence.
- LinkedIn—hashtags are essential for expanding visibility and engaging with professional communities.
- TikTok—trending hashtags can skyrocket your reach, but they need to align with your content for authenticity.
- Facebook—hashtag usage here has declined in importance, though they can still be helpful in niche groups.
The Bottom Line
While hashtags remain valuable in 2025, using them strategically is more critical than ever.
Thoughtful hashtag selection tailored to each platform can amplify your reach and help you connect with the right audience.
Why You Should Still Use Hashtags (and When You Shouldn't)
Hashtags remain a powerful tool for marketers in 2025—but their value depends on how and where you use them.
Here’s a look at why hashtags still matter and when you might want to skip them.
Why You Should Still Use Hashtags
1. Expand Your Reach
Hashtags connect your content to broader conversations, increasing its visibility to audiences searching for specific topics.
For instance, using #DigitalMarketing on Instagram can help you reach professionals and enthusiasts in that niche.
2. Boost Engagement
Posts with targeted hashtags can generate higher likes, comments, and shares by appearing in searches or trending feeds.
For TikTok and Instagram, trending hashtags can create virality for the right content.
3. Join Relevant Conversations
Platforms like LinkedIn and X allow hashtags to group content under professional or trending topics, making it easier to position yourself as a thought leader.
4. Strengthen Branding
Branded hashtags (e.g., #YourCompanyName or #CampaignTagline) create a hub for user-generated content and make your campaigns more recognizable.
5. Enhance Searchability
On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, users often search for content using hashtags.
Having the right tags can help your content show up in those searches.
When You Shouldn’t Use Hashtags
1. X (Formerly Twitter)
Elon Musk recently advised against using hashtags on X, as the platform’s algorithm no longer prioritizes them for engagement or discoverability.
Instead, focus on keyword optimization and creating engaging content that resonates with your audience.
2. Overuse Can Hurt Engagement
Using too many hashtags—especially on Instagram—can make your posts look spammy or desperate for attention.
Stick to 3–5 highly relevant hashtags to maintain professionalism and focus.
3. Poorly Researched or Irrelevant Hashtags
Avoid generic hashtags like #Love or #Food unless they directly relate to your content. Overly broad tags are unlikely to bring targeted traffic.
4. Platform-Specific Exceptions
On Facebook, hashtags have limited impact compared to other platforms.
If you’re posting in groups or running campaigns, hashtags can help, but they’re often unnecessary for standard posts.
Pro Tip for 2025: Instead of defaulting to hashtags, analyze each platform’s trends and algorithms. Pair hashtags with strong visuals, engaging copy, and strategic timing to maximize your impact.
Finding and Using Hashtags Effectively
The success of your hashtag strategy hinges on choosing the right hashtags for your content and audience.
In 2025, with platforms evolving and trends shifting quickly, a thoughtful approach to hashtag research and use is more critical than ever.
1. Researching Hashtags
Use these methods to identify hashtags that align with your goals:
- Competitor analysis—check what hashtags your competitors are using in successful posts. Tools like Sprout Social or Rival IQ can streamline this process.
- Hashtag tools—platforms like Hashtagify (for Instagram), RiteTag, and All Hashtag provide insights into trending, niche, and related hashtags to help you optimize your strategy.
- Platform recommendations—many platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn, suggest popular or relevant hashtags when you start typing in the hashtag field. Use these suggestions to find audience-relevant tags.
- Trending hashtags—on TikTok and Instagram, monitor the Explore or For You pages to identify trending hashtags that align with your content.
2. Selecting the Right Hashtags
Choosing the right mix of hashtags can amplify your reach:
- Popular vs. niche hashtags—combine widely used hashtags (#MarketingTips) with niche-specific ones (#SaaSMarketing) to target both broad and focused audiences.
- Branded hashtags—create unique hashtags for your brand or campaigns. For example, #MyBrandLaunch encourages user-generated content and helps build a community around your brand.
- Hashtag relevance—always prioritize hashtags that align directly with your content and target audience. Irrelevant tags can harm your credibility and confuse algorithms.
3. Using Hashtags Strategically
How you use hashtags is just as important as which ones you choose:
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Placement
- Instagram—place hashtags in the caption or the first comment. Test both to see what works best for engagement.
- LinkedIn—integrate hashtags naturally into your post or add them at the end.
- TikTok—include a mix of hashtags in your caption, but don’t clutter it.
- Hashtag limits—respect platform-specific limits. For instance, Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but the ideal range is 3–5. LinkedIn performs best with 2–3 hashtags, while TikTok thrives on a mix of 3–5 trending or niche hashtags.
- Testing and iteration—regularly analyze which hashtags drive the most engagement and refine your strategy based on performance data.
4. Tracking Hashtag Performance
Monitor the impact of your hashtags to optimize future campaigns:
- Built-In analytics—platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer insights into how hashtags drive impressions and engagement.
- Third-party tools—use tools like Keyhole or Brand24 to track the reach and performance of your hashtags across platforms.
Pro Tip for 2025: Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your hashtag strategy to each platform, audience, and campaign goal. Staying agile and informed will help you maximize the ROI of your social media efforts.
Hashtag Calendars: Making the Most of Daily and Trending Hashtags
Scanning through this list can even be a good source of inspiration for ideas on what to post to social media.
Use these hashtags strategically to align your content with daily themes, making it more relatable and engaging.
For ease of reference, these are listed in alphabetical order.
Monday
Start the week strong with motivational, inspirational, or fun content. Mondays are great for setting the tone or engaging in self-care trends.
- #MarketingMonday — share marketing tips, insights, or case studies to kickstart the week for professionals.
- #MotivationMonday / #MondayMotivation — inspire your audience with quotes, success stories, or goals for the week.
- #MindfulMonday — promote mindfulness or wellness tips to counter Monday stress.
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Other ideas:
- #ManicMonday — highlight the fast-paced energy of Mondays—great for humorous or relatable content about tackling busy schedules.
- #MancrushMonday (#MCM) — highlight male influencers or team members.
- #ManicureMonday — perfect for beauty or self-care brands.
- #MaxoutMonday — share stories of exceeding goals or pushing boundaries to encourage your audience to go all out this week.
- #MeatlessMonday — share vegetarian or vegan recipes to join the sustainable eating trend.
- #MeowMonday — post adorable or humorous cat content—perfect for pet or lifestyle brands aiming to boost engagement.
- #MondayBlues — acknowledge the struggle of starting the week while keeping it lighthearted.
- #MondayFunday — share light, cheerful content to inject positivity and fun into your audience’s Monday.
- #MondayMemories — reflect on a past milestone or event—great for nostalgic storytelling or brand highlights.
- #MondayOutfit — showcase stylish looks or outfit ideas for the start of the workweek—ideal for fashion or lifestyle brands.
- #MondayRun — motivate your audience with fitness content, from running tips to inspiring workout goals.
- #MusicMonday — share playlists, music inspiration, or behind-the-scenes sounds from your workspace.
Tuesday
Tuesdays are perfect for actionable advice, transformations, and indulging followers' interests.
- #TipTuesday — provide practical tips or how-tos related to your niche—great for educating and engaging your audience.
- #TransformationTuesday — showcase before-and-after content, whether for products, projects, or personal journeys. Perfect for industries like fitness, beauty, or interior design.
- #TravelTuesday — share travel photos, tips, or destination recommendations to inspire wanderlust in your audience. Ideal for travel or lifestyle brands.
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Other ideas:
- #GoodNewsTues — spread positivity by sharing uplifting stories, milestones, or testimonials.
- #TakeMeBackTuesday — post nostalgic content, such as past travels, milestones, or memories—similar to #ThrowbackThursday but with its own Tuesday twist.
- #TastingTuesday / #TastyTuesday — highlight food, drinks, or recipes. Perfect for restaurants, food bloggers, or brands in the culinary space.
- #TechTuesday — share tech news, updates, or tools that your audience can benefit from. Ideal for SaaS companies or tech-related industries.
- #TopicTuesday — spark conversations around trending topics or thought-provoking ideas relevant to your niche.
- #TuesdayShoesday — showcase stylish shoe photos—great for fashion brands, influencers, or retail businesses.
- #TuesdayTasting — feature tasting notes for wine, coffee, or specialty food items—perfect for beverage or gourmet brands.
- #TuesdayTunes — share favorite songs, playlists, or music recommendations to connect with your audience on a personal level.
Get the cheatsheet you need on how hashtags work on different platforms:
Wednesday
Midweek content should aim to inspire, educate, or entertain as people push through the week.
- #WednesdayWisdom / #WisdomWednesday — share industry insights, inspirational quotes, or actionable tips to engage a professional audience.
- #WorkoutWednesday — promote fitness routines, challenges, or health tips—great for brands in wellness, fitness, or activewear.
- #WomenWednesday / #WomancrushWednesday (#WCW) — celebrate inspiring women, whether in your industry, community, or team.
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Other ideas:
- #Humpday: — acknowledge midweek struggles with relatable or humorous content to energize your audience.
- #WackyWednesday — share quirky, fun, or offbeat content to entertain and engage your followers.
- #WayBackWednesday — post nostalgic content, such as milestones or memories, similar to #ThrowbackThursday but with a midweek vibe.
- #WellnessWednesday — promote self-care, mental health, or holistic wellness tips—ideal for wellness-focused brands.
- #WineWednesday / #Winesday — share wine recommendations, pairings, or fun wine-related content—perfect for beverage brands or lifestyle accounts.
- #WinItWednesday — run a midweek giveaway or contest to engage your audience and boost participation.
- #WonderfulWednesday — share uplifting stories, milestones, or achievements to spread positivity.
- #WoofWednesday — showcase adorable or funny dog content—great for pet brands or simply increasing engagement.
Thursday
Thursdays are ideal for reflective, thoughtful, or fun throwbacks as the week nears its end.
- #ThrowbackThursday (#TBT) — share nostalgic photos, videos, or stories to connect emotionally with your audience. Ideal for showcasing your brand’s journey, milestones, or fun moments from the past.
- #ThankfulThursday — express gratitude, whether for your team, clients, or milestones. It’s perfect for fostering a sense of appreciation and positivity.
- #ThursdayThoughts — spark engagement with thought-provoking questions, insights, or polls relevant to your niche. Encourage audience interaction by inviting comments or responses.
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Other ideas:
- #TGIT — celebrate the almost-weekend vibe with fun or lighthearted content that energizes your audience.
- #ThirstyThursday — highlight beverages, happy hour specials, or cocktail recipes—perfect for hospitality, food, or beverage brands.
- #ThoughtfulThursday — share meaningful content, such as customer stories, motivational messages, or reflections that resonate with your audience.
- #Thursdate — highlight date ideas, relationship content, or lifestyle tips—great for brands in hospitality, events, or lifestyle niches.
Friday
Fridays are perfect for celebrating the week’s achievements, sharing lighthearted content, and setting the tone for the weekend.
- #FridayVibes / #Friyay / #TGIF — celebrate the end of the workweek with upbeat, casual, or behind-the-scenes content. Great for connecting with your audience on a personal level.
- #FeatureFriday — highlight a customer, employee, or product feature to showcase your brand’s value and build community.
- #FitnessFriday — share workout tips, wellness advice, or fitness gear to motivate your audience going into the weekend.
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Other ideas:
- #FactFriday / #FridayFact — share fun or surprising industry-related facts to engage and educate your audience.
- #FashionFriday — showcase stylish outfits, accessories, or trends—ideal for fashion or lifestyle brands.
- #FearlessFriday — inspire your audience with bold, motivational stories or calls to action to tackle challenges.
- #FictionFriday — recommend books or share creative writing content—great for literary or education-focused brands.
- #FlashBackFriday — post nostalgic content from your brand’s history or fun moments similar to #ThrowbackThursday.
- #FollowFriday (#FF) — give shoutouts to partners, collaborators, or customers to strengthen community ties.
- #FoodieFriday — share food photos, recipes, or restaurant promotions—perfect for culinary or hospitality brands.
- #FreebieFriday — offer giveaways, discounts, or exclusive deals to excite and engage your audience.
- #FridayFun — post lighthearted or entertaining content, such as memes, jokes, or team activities, to boost end-of-week engagement.
- #FridayNight — highlight events, nightlife, or weekend plans—ideal for entertainment or lifestyle brands.
- #FridayReads — recommend books, blogs, or articles to encourage weekend reading and reflection.
Saturday
Saturdays are ideal for casual, creative, or community-focused content. Use these hashtags to engage your audience and highlight weekend vibes.
- #SaturdaySale / #SalesSaturday — promote exclusive weekend sales, discounts, or promotions to drive traffic and conversions.
- #SelfieSaturday — encourage your audience to share selfies featuring your brand or campaign hashtag—great for boosting engagement and UGC (user-generated content).
- #ShoutoutSaturday / #SaturdayShoutOut (#SS) — recognize team members, loyal customers, or collaborators to build community and foster goodwill.
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Other ideas:
- #Caturday — post adorable or funny cat content—perfect for pet brands or increasing overall engagement.
- #SaturdayNight / #SaturdayNightFever — highlight nightlife, events, or fun activities—ideal for entertainment, events, or lifestyle brands.
- #SaturdaySpecial — showcase unique offers, products, or limited-time deals to attract attention.
- #SaturdayStyle — share weekend fashion trends or outfit ideas—perfect for lifestyle or retail brands.
- #SaturdaySwag — highlight branded merchandise or giveaways to create buzz.
- #SaturdaySweat — motivate your audience with fitness content or workout challenges.
Sunday
Sundays are perfect for relaxation, reflection, and gearing up for the week ahead. Use these hashtags to engage your audience with light, inspiring, or reflective content.
- #SundayFunday — share cheerful or fun content to end the week on a positive note—perfect for lifestyle, travel, or entertainment brands.
- #SundayReads — recommend articles, books, or other resources to inspire or educate your audience for the week ahead.
- #SundayBrunch — post food, drink, or lifestyle content that highlights the leisurely Sunday vibe—great for restaurants or lifestyle brands.
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Other ideas:
- #ScienceSunday — share fascinating scientific discoveries or facts—ideal for educational or STEM-related content.
- #SelfieSunday — encourage your audience to share selfies featuring your brand or hashtag to foster user-generated content.
- #SpotlightSunday — highlight a standout customer, employee, or initiative to celebrate achievements and build community.
- #StartupSunday — share entrepreneurial stories, tips, or lessons learned—perfect for startup-focused content or brands.
- #SundaySweat — promote fitness routines or health tips to inspire your audience to start their week on a strong note.
General Weekend
These hashtags capture the overall mood of the weekend, allowing for diverse content that resonates with relaxation, fun, or productivity themes.
- #Weekend — share updates, plans, or behind-the-scenes content that reflects your brand’s personality and engages your audience in a casual, relatable way.
- #WeekendVibes — post lifestyle content, such as scenic photos, motivational messages, or relaxing moments that align with the laid-back or aspirational weekend energy.
8 Advanced Hashtag Strategies for Modern Marketers
In 2025, simply using hashtags isn’t enough—you need a strategic approach to make them work for your marketing goals.
Here are 8 advanced tactics designed to help you stay ahead of the curve and maximize the impact of your hashtags.
1. Use Hashtags for Multi-Channel Campaigns
- Unified branding — create a unique, branded hashtag that spans multiple platforms to tie together all elements of your campaign. For example, a hashtag like #YourBrandChallenge can drive UGC across Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Track performance across channels — use tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite to analyze hashtag performance across platforms and refine your approach.
2. Leverage Trending and Event-Based Hashtags
- Be timely — monitor trending hashtags using tools like RiteTag or TikTok’s Discover feature. Incorporate these tags into your posts to join relevant conversations and boost visibility.
- Align with events — use event-specific hashtags to tie your content to holidays, industry conferences, or cultural moments (e.g., #EarthDay or #CES2025).
3. Combine Popular and Niche Hashtags
- Popular hashtags — incorporate highly used tags like #MarketingTips or #Inspiration to reach broader audiences.
- Niche hashtags — add targeted tags that cater to a specific community or industry, such as #B2BMarketing or #EcommerceTips, to connect with more engaged users.
4. A/B Test Your Hashtag Strategies
- Experiment with hashtag combinations — test posts with different sets of hashtags (e.g., 3 vs. 10 hashtags or popular vs. niche). Track which combinations perform best.
- Analyze performance — use analytics tools built into platforms like Instagram or third-party tools like Keyhole to measure reach, impressions, and engagement.
5. Optimize Hashtag Placement
- Instagram — experiment with placing hashtags in captions versus the first comment to determine what drives more engagement for your audience.
- LinkedIn — use hashtags sparingly and embed them naturally in your text for a professional tone.
- TikTok — combine hashtags with trending audio or effects to maximize discoverability.
6. Encourage UGC with Branded Hashtags
- Inspire participation — create a branded hashtag that invites users to share their stories or experiences (e.g., #MyBrandJourney).
- Reward engagement — offer incentives, such as shoutouts or prizes, to users who post content using your hashtag.
7. Avoid Hashtag Pitfalls
- Don’t overdo it — stick to platform-specific best practices (e.g., 3–5 hashtags on Instagram or minimal use on LinkedIn).
- Watch for banned hashtags — regularly check that your hashtags aren’t flagged or banned to avoid algorithm penalties.
8. Use Hashtags in Paid Ads
- Combine organic and paid reach — add hashtags to your paid campaigns to boost discoverability while maintaining alignment with your organic strategy.
- Target hashtag communities — use popular hashtags as inspiration for audience targeting in paid campaigns.
Hashtag Do’s and Don’ts
Using hashtags effectively requires attention to detail and strategic thinking.
Here are key guidelines to help you maximize the benefits of hashtags while avoiding common pitfalls.
Hashtag Do's
- Do check spelling — always double-check your hashtags for typos. A misspelled hashtag can not only look unprofessional but also make your post undiscoverable.
- Do research the meaning — verify that a hashtag means what you think it does and doesn’t have unintended or inappropriate connotations. Tools like Tagdef can help you check unfamiliar hashtags.
- Do use camel case — capitalize the first letter of each word in multi-word hashtags (e.g., #SocialMediaMarketing). This improves readability and accessibility, especially for screen readers.
- Do mix popular and niche hashtags — combine widely-used tags for reach with more specific ones to target your ideal audience.
- Do tailor hashtags to the platform — use platform-specific best practices, such as fewer hashtags on LinkedIn and more on Instagram.
- Do analyze performance — regularly review your hashtags' performance to understand which ones drive engagement. Use tools like Keyhole or platform insights for analysis.
Hashtag Don’ts
- Don’t use spaces or punctuation — hashtags only support letters, numbers, and underscores. Adding spaces or special characters will break the tag.
- Don’t overuse hashtags — avoid cluttering your posts with excessive hashtags. Stick to 3–5 relevant ones for Instagram or even fewer for platforms like LinkedIn.
- Don’t use all capitals — writing hashtags in ALL CAPS can feel like shouting and appear unprofessional. Camel case is a better option.
- Don’t use irrelevant hashtags — avoid using trending hashtags that don’t align with your content—it can confuse algorithms and frustrate your audience.
- Don’t use banned hashtags — check if any of your hashtags are flagged as banned by the platform, as they can limit your reach.
Pro Tip: To stay ahead, regularly update your hashtag strategy by tracking trends, testing different approaches, and analyzing your audience's preferences. Strategic hashtag use can significantly boost your reach and engagement.
Platform-Specific Hashtag Strategies
Hashtags behave differently across social media platforms, and tailoring your strategy to each one is essential for success.
Below is a brief overview of how hashtags work on the main platforms, along with links to detailed guides for each.
Hashtags remain a key tool for discoverability on Instagram. Posts with 3–5 relevant hashtags typically perform best, though you can use up to 30.
Consider combining branded, niche, and trending hashtags to reach the right audience.
Placement (in the caption vs. the first comment) can also affect engagement.
Click the link for the full guide:
X
Following Elon Musk’s updates, hashtags on X are less emphasized than they once were.
Instead, focus on keywords and trending topics to join conversations.
Hashtags can still work for specific campaigns or events but should be used sparingly.
Click the link for the full guide:
On LinkedIn, hashtags help categorize content and improve discoverability within professional communities.
Use 2–3 highly relevant hashtags and embed them naturally within your post or at the end for a polished look.
Click the link for the full guide:
TikTok
Trending hashtags on TikTok can significantly boost your reach, especially when paired with trending audio or effects.
Use a mix of niche and popular hashtags (3–5) to connect with your audience while staying authentic.
Full guide coming soon!
Hashtag use on Facebook has declined in importance, but they can still be effective in niche groups or for event-based content.
Limit usage to 1–2 hashtags per post, focusing on branded or highly relevant tags.
Click the link for the full guide:
Pro Tip: When creating content for multiple platforms, adapt your hashtag strategy to each one instead of copying the same set. Understanding platform-specific nuances will help you achieve better results.
To Conclude
This guide has covered everything you need to know about hashtags—from what they are and why they matter to advanced strategies and platform-specific tips.
By applying these insights, you can boost your posts’ visibility, engage your audience, and connect with the right people.
For example, in the Facebook guide, you’ll find a study showing that posts with hashtags can increase engagement by over 60%. Imagine what a well-executed hashtag strategy could do for your brand!
Start experimenting today, track your results, and refine your approach to make hashtags a powerful part of your social media toolkit.
Finally, take two secs to grab the free cheatsheet on how hashtags work on different platforms so you have it to refer back to:
Get the cheatsheet you need on how hashtags work on different platforms:
