A hashtag is a keyword or phrase used to describe a topic or subject, preceded by a pound sign (#). Hashtags can help you find topics that interest you. For example, “dog” could be a hashtag, as could “border collie puppy training.” One is a broad topic and the other is a specific phrase.
To create a hashtag, type a pound sign (#) before a word or phrase, and do not use spaces or punctuation (even if you use more than one word in the phrase). Therefore, #Dogs and #BorderColliePuppyTraining are the hashtag versions of these phrases.
When you tweet, the hashtag automatically becomes a clickable link. Anyone who sees the hashtag can click on it to be taken to a page containing a summary of the latest tweets for that hashtag.
X (formerly Twitter) users add hashtags to their tweets to categorize them and make it easy for other users to find and follow tweets about a specific topic or topic.
Using hashtags is great. However, if you're new to this trend, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some things to remember:
- Use specific phrase tags to hone in on specific topics : Using a hashtag like #Dogs that is too broad may not get the engagement you want. A hashtag like #BorderColliePuppyTraining will likely contain fewer irrelevant tweets and attract more targeted users tweeting or searching for that specific topic.
- Avoid using too many hashtags in one tweet : Tweets are only 280 characters long, and cramming multiple hashtags into one tweet results in less real message space and looks like spam. Stick to 1 to 2 hashtags at most.
- Make your hashtags relevant to what you’re tweeting about : If you’re tweeting about the Kardashians or Justin Bieber, don’t include hashtags like #Dogs or #BorderColliePuppyTraining unless it’s relevant. If you want to impress your followers, make sure your tweets and hashtags are contextual.
- Tag existing words in your tweets to save space : If you tweet about dogs and mention the word "dog" in the tweet text, don't include #dogs at the beginning or end of the tweet. Add hash marks to words in your tweets to keep it simple and save valuable character space.
- Find popular and current hashtags using Trending Topics : The "Your Trending" list appears in the right column of the home feed on the X website or in the search tab of the X mobile app. It includes a list of popular topics that are a mix of hashtags and general phrases based on your geographic location. While using X on the web, you can also select #Explore in the right pane to see other trending hashtags. Use these to engage in conversations that are happening right now.
Once you get used to seeing and using hashtags on X, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. This is a huge social media trend that isn’t going away anytime soon!
FAQThe easiest way to follow a hashtag is to search for it on Xr. Each time you select the search box, the hashtag will appear in your recent searches so you can see the latest tweets using the hashtag. Alternatively, you can use an X chat tool such as Tweetdeck or TwChat.
Select More ( three dots ) > Settings & Privacy > Privacy & Security > Mute & Block . Then select Mute words > Plus ( + ) icon > Enter the hashtag you want to mute > Save . To unmute, select Unmute next to the topic label.
To report a Tweet with an abusive or harmful hashtag, select the three dots on the Tweet and select Report . Next, select the reason for the report and click Finish .
