Are Hashtags Still Relevant? What We’re Seeing at Wayne Creative Agency

Hey there, Tyler Small here from Wayne Creative Agency, your local website design and digital marketing team right here in North Fort Myers, FL.

One of the questions we get asked a lot these days is, “Are hashtags even still relevant on social media?” It’s a great question, especially with how quickly things change online. For a long time, hashtags were the way to get your content seen. You’d throw a bunch on your post, and boom, instant reach! But now, with all the fancy algorithms and AI running the show, it feels a bit different, doesn’t it?

Well, after diving deep into the latest trends and what’s actually working for our clients, I can tell you this: yes, hashtags are absolutely still relevant. But here’s the kicker – their role has changed. It’s not about just slapping on a bunch of tags anymore. It’s about being smart, strategic, and understanding how each platform uses them.

Let’s break down why hashtags still matter and how we’re advising our clients to use them effectively in today’s digital world.

From Pound Sign to Power Tool: A Quick Look Back

It’s funny to think about, but the little hash symbol (#) has been around forever, even before the internet. It was on old telephones! But its modern life began on social media back in 2007 when a tech guy named Chris Messina suggested using it on Twitter (now X) to organize conversations. He envisioned a simple, user-friendly way to categorize messages and find content. People quickly caught on, especially during big events like the San Diego wildfires, where folks used them to share real-time updates. Twitter eventually made them clickable, and soon, every major platform, from Instagram to LinkedIn, jumped on board.

Hashtags became a simple, user-friendly way to categorize messages and find content. They were, and still are, a brilliant example of how users can shape the tools they use.

Why the Big Question About Hashtag Relevance Now?

So, if hashtags were so great, why the doubt? The main reason is how social media platforms have evolved. Their algorithms, which decide what you see in your feed, have gotten incredibly smart. They’re powered by AI and are now much better at understanding what your content is really about, not just what you tag it with.

Think about it:

  • Instagram made a big move in November 2024 by removing the option to “follow” hashtags. This was a clear signal. They’re now pushing for “SEO-friendly captions,” meaning they want you to use natural language and keywords in your actual post text, not just rely on hashtags for discovery. Their CEO, Adam Mosseri, even said hashtags are more for “storytelling and categorization” than direct reach.
  • X (formerly Twitter), under Elon Musk, has even banned hashtags in ads, calling them an “esthetic nightmare.” This shows a move away from hashtag-heavy content in paid promotions.
  • LinkedIn has also shifted to a more SEO-driven approach, focusing on keywords and meaningful engagement over excessive tagging. They even phased out adding hashtags directly to profiles and removed the ability to follow hashtags.

What this all means is that platforms are getting better at understanding the context of your content. They’re looking at your captions, on-screen text, audio, and how people interact with your posts. Hashtags are still a signal, but they’re part of a bigger puzzle now. It’s less about tagging and more about contextualizing your content. The algorithms are trying to understand the meaning of your content more deeply.

The Enduring Power of Hashtags: More Than Just Reach

Even with these changes, hashtags still serve some incredibly vital purposes. At Wayne Creative Agency, we see them as refined tools for:

1. Categorization and Indexing

Imagine the internet as a giant library. Hashtags are like the Dewey Decimal System for social media. They help platforms organize the massive amount of content uploaded every second. When you use relevant hashtags, you’re helping the algorithm understand what your post is about, which then helps it show your content to the right people. It’s like telling the library exactly where to put your book so the right reader can find it. This consistent use of hashtags provides valuable, structured data to the algorithms, helping them learn and refine their understanding of content topics. For example, if “Sweet Treats Bakery” in North Fort Myers posts a picture of their fresh-baked cookies, they might use #NorthFortMyersBakery or #FreshBakedCookies. This helps Instagram’s algorithm understand that their post is about baked goods in North Fort Myers, making it more likely to be indexed and shown when someone searches for “cookies” or “bakeries near me.”

2. Enhanced Searchability and Discoverability

People aren’t just scrolling their feeds anymore; they’re actively searching. On platforms like TikTok, the search bar is becoming as important as Google for finding information. Hashtags make your content discoverable when someone types in a specific query. If you’re a local bakery in North Fort Myers, #NorthFortMyersBakery helps people find you when they’re looking for exactly that! This means hashtags function as specialized keywords within the social search ecosystem. For instance, if Sarah, a local real estate agent, posts a video tour of a new listing, including #SWFLRealEstate and #NorthFortMyersHomesForSale will make her video more likely to pop up when a potential buyer in the area types “North Fort Myers homes” into TikTok’s search bar.

3. Community Building and Niche Targeting

This is where hashtags truly shine. They create virtual gathering spots for like-minded people. Whether it’s #SmallBusinessOwner, #SWFLRealEstate, or a branded hashtag like #WayneCreativeTips, these tags connect people with shared interests. For businesses, participating in these niche communities can lead to much deeper engagement and loyalty than just chasing broad reach. Think about how the #jellycat hashtag on TikTok brought together a massive community around a plush toy brand – that’s powerful stuff! A smaller, highly engaged niche audience discovered through specific, relevant hashtags is often more valuable than a large, fleeting one. For example, a local fitness studio, “Gulf Coast Fitness,” could create a branded hashtag #GCFStrong. When members post their workout selfies, they use this hashtag, creating a vibrant feed of community content. Gulf Coast Fitness could also participate in #SWFLFitness to connect with other fitness enthusiasts and businesses in Southwest Florida, building a loyal community and attracting new local clients.

4. Brand Awareness and Campaign Amplification

Hashtags are still fantastic for getting your brand seen beyond your immediate followers. They’re especially useful for promoting events, product launches, or special campaigns. Think of classic examples like #MyCalvins or event-specific tags like #SuperBowl2025. When users contribute content using your branded hashtag, it’s authentic social proof that amplifies your message far more effectively than any ad. While trending hashtags can offer massive exposure, relevance and authenticity are crucial for sustained engagement and meaningful brand building. For instance, when Wayne Creative Agency launches a new service like “AI-Powered Website Audits,” we create a campaign hashtag #WCA_AIAudit. We encourage clients and followers to share their experiences using this tag. If a client posts, “Just got my AI audit from @WayneCreativeAgency, totally blew me away! #WCA_AIAudit,” that authentic share amplifies our message far more than a paid ad.

5. Role in Social Movements and Real-time Conversations

Beyond marketing, hashtags continue to be crucial for social change. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo show how hashtags can mobilize people, spread awareness, and create an “unfiltered public square” for important discussions. This function is often independent of algorithms, relying on human connection and the urgent need to share information. They allow users to self-organize and disseminate critical information, especially during fast-evolving crises or significant social events. For example, during a local hurricane season, residents might use #SWFLRecovery to share information about shelters, supplies, or volunteer opportunities. This hashtag quickly aggregates real-time updates, allowing people to find critical information and coordinate efforts, often faster than official channels.

Platform by Platform: Our Strategic Guide

A “one-size-fits-all” approach to hashtags is a recipe for disappointment. Each platform has its own rules and nuances. Here’s how we approach hashtags for our clients, summarized in this handy table:

Table 3.0: Hashtag Strategy at a Glance by Platform (2024-2025)

PlatformPrimary Hashtag RoleAlgorithm Focus ShiftRecommended QuantityPlacementKey Strategy
InstagramCategorization, Searchability, Niche Targeting, CommunitySEO-friendly captions, AI-driven recommendations, content quality, engagement3-5 (platform rec.) / 11-30 (data for reach/engagement)Caption or First CommentRelevance, mix of broad/niche, branded, A/B testing
TikTokDiscoverability (FYP), Trending Topics, Niche Communities, SearchUser interactions, video info (captions, sounds, text), watch time, engagement3-8 (strategic) / 4-6 (broad + niche)Caption (primary)Mix broad/niche/trending, relevance, align with audio/text
X (formerly Twitter)Real-time Conversations, Trending Topics, Searchability, CategorizationBrevity, immediacy, trending topics, user engagement1-2 (optimal)Inline or End-of-TweetRelevance, event-based, branded, avoid ads
LinkedInCategorization, Searchability (professional), Niche TargetingNatural language keywords, SEO-driven content discovery, meaningful engagement3-5 (strategic)Inline or End-of-Post, First CommentRelevance, industry-specific, “Specialisms” for pages
FacebookNiche Communities, Event Marketing, CategorizationKeywords, meaningful interactions, community engagement1-3 (strategic)Inline or End-of-PostNiche groups, event-specific, minimal impact on general reach
YouTubeVideo Discoverability, Search Algorithm ComplementVideo titles, descriptions, watch time, engagement3-5 (targeted)DescriptionRelevance, complement keywords in title/description
PinterestMinimal Impact (Keyword-Centric)Keyword-optimized Pin descriptionsLimited/None (focus on keywords)Pin DescriptionFocus on natural language keywords
ThreadsLimited Impact (Searchable, not Followable)Content visibility limitedMinimal/NoneCaptionSearchable only, no following

Instagram: From Direct Reach to Algorithmic Signals

Instagram’s algorithm is always changing. While they removed the “follow hashtags” feature in late 2024, they’re now pushing for SEO-friendly captions. This means they want your captions to use natural language and keywords that describe your content, and hashtags act as reinforcing signals.

There’s a bit of a debate on how many hashtags to use. Instagram officially suggests 3-5, believing fewer, highly relevant tags help their AI categorize content better. However, our data and other studies often show that using more (even up to 20-30) can still lead to higher reach and engagement. This is why A/B testing what works for your account is so important.

Best Practices for Instagram Hashtags:

  • Relevance is Paramount: Only use hashtags that truly describe your content. Avoid generic or overly broad tags. For example, a North Fort Myers restaurant posting a delicious new dish might use #NorthFortMyersEats and #FreshSeafoodSWFL instead of just #food.
  • Mix Broad and Niche: Combine popular tags for wider exposure with specific, niche tags to reach a highly engaged audience. A local boutique, for instance, might use #FashionStyle (broad) and #BoutiqueFindsNFM (niche).
  • Branded Hashtags: Create unique tags for your brand (like #WayneCreativeTips!) to build community and encourage user-generated content. A coffee shop might encourage customers to use #MyDailyBrew when they post pictures of their coffee.
  • Strategic Placement: You can put hashtags in your caption or the first comment. Test both to see what works best for you.
  • Stories & Reels: Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags to your Instagram Stories and Reels for better discoverability. A local event planner sharing behind-the-scenes of a wedding setup would add #SWFLWeddings and #EventPlanningTips to their Reel.
  • Continuous Research: The social media world changes fast! Regularly research and monitor your hashtags using tools like Instagram’s Explore page or third-party tools to see what’s working.

TikTok: The King of Trending and Niche Tags

TikTok is a powerhouse, and hashtags are key for getting on the “For You Page” (FYP). The algorithm heavily favors content with relevant and trending hashtags. They help the algorithm understand your video’s topic and show it to users who are most likely to engage.

Strategic Approaches for TikTok Hashtags:

  • Mix Broad and Niche: Use a combination of trending hashtags (e.g., #fyp, #viral) for broad reach and super-niche tags (e.g., #knittingcommunity) to connect with specific audiences. A local artist creating a time-lapse video of a mural might use #ArtTok (broad), #MuralArt, and #NorthFortMyersArt (niche).
  • Relevance is Paramount: Your hashtags must accurately reflect your video’s content. Irrelevant tags won’t lead to meaningful engagement.
  • Optimal Number: While TikTok allows up to 33, we recommend 3-8 strategic hashtags to keep your caption clean and focused. Quality over quantity!
  • Strategic Placement: Always put hashtags in your video captions, not comments, as the algorithm primarily analyzes the caption for signals.
  • Align All Signals: Make sure your hashtags match keywords in your video’s description, voiceover, and on-screen text for maximum algorithmic understanding.
  • Leverage Trends Authentically: Jump on trends and challenges that genuinely fit your brand. Use TikTok’s Discover page or Creative Center to find them. For example, if there’s a trending sound, a local pet groomer might use it with a video of a dog getting a funny haircut, adding #PetGrooming and #DogsofTikTok to join the trend relevantly.
  • Branded Hashtags: Create unique branded hashtags to build a dedicated community around your brand, like the #jellycat community. A local car detailing service could use #ShineOnSWFL for customer testimonials.

X (formerly Twitter): Real-time Conversations and Trending Topics

On X, hashtags are still essential for real-time information and public discussions. Popular hashtags often become “trending topics,” helping users find and join conversations quickly. Tweets with relevant hashtags get significantly more engagement and retweets.

Optimal Usage and Strategic Considerations:

  • Recommended Count: Stick to 1-2 relevant hashtags per tweet. More can make you look spammy.
  • Placement: Integrate hashtags naturally within your tweet to maintain readability.
  • Relevance: Always choose hashtags directly related to your tweet’s content and your brand.
  • Branded Hashtags: Create unique, memorable branded hashtags (e.g., #FutureTech) to build recognition. Check if they’re already in use! A local sports team might use #GoSharksNFM during a game to rally fan support and track conversations.
  • Leverage Trends: Monitor and join trending topics that align with your brand, adding genuine value to the conversation. For example, during a local city council meeting, a journalist might tweet updates using #NFMCCMeeting to keep residents informed. For a local charity run, organizers would use #RunForACauseNFM2025 to share updates and encourage participation.
  • Avoid in Ads: X’s own research shows that ads without hashtags get more engagement. Elon Musk even called them an “esthetic nightmare” in ads.

LinkedIn: The Shift Towards Professional SEO and Keywords

LinkedIn’s algorithm is all about professional SEO and keywords now. They’ve de-emphasized hashtags as a direct discovery tool, removing the ability to follow them and phasing out profile hashtags. The platform prioritizes natural language keywords and meaningful engagement.

Strategic Use of Hashtags and “Specialisms”:

  • “Specialisms” for Business Pages: For company pages, use “Specialisms” (up to 20 keyword phrases) in your “About” section. These are LinkedIn’s version of SEO tags and are crucial for search visibility. For Wayne Creative Agency, our “Specialisms” would include “Website Design North Fort Myers,” “Digital Marketing Strategy,” and “Local SEO SWFL.”
  • Hashtags in Posts: Use 3-5 strategic, highly relevant hashtags per post. Mix broad industry tags with more specific, niche ones. For example, a financial advisor in North Fort Myers posting about retirement planning might use #FinancialPlanning, #RetirementStrategies, and #SWFLFinanceProfessionals.
  • Placement: Place hashtags naturally within your post or group them at the end. You can also add extra tags in the first comment to keep your main post clean.
  • Audience Language: Understand the specific terms your audience uses and align your hashtags with that language. If your target audience for HR solutions talks about “talent acquisition,” you’d use #TalentAcquisition rather than just #Hiring.
  • Avoid Spam: Don’t overload posts with too many or irrelevant tags; it can hurt your reach.

Facebook: Niche Communities and Event Amplification

On Facebook, hashtags have a limited impact on general content reach. The algorithm prioritizes keywords, meaningful interactions, and community engagement over hashtag-driven discovery in the main news feed.

Strategic Use in Niche Contexts:

  • Niche Communities & Groups: Hashtags are most effective within Facebook Groups to categorize discussions and help members find specific content. For instance, in a “North Fort Myers Foodies” Facebook group, a member might post about a new restaurant using #NFMNewEats to categorize their review.
  • Event Marketing: They’re great for promoting events, creating a central hub for discussions and user-generated content. A local music festival would use #SWFLMusicFest2025 across all their event posts and encourage attendees to use it for their photos and videos.
  • Recommended Count: Stick to a minimal 1-3 relevant hashtags per post.
  • Relevance: Always ensure your hashtags are highly contextual and relevant to your content.
  • Stories & Reels: Incorporate hashtags into Facebook Stories and Reels, as they can help with discovery within these formats.

YouTube: Enhancing Video Discoverability

YouTube is the world’s largest video search engine, so SEO is king. Hashtags here complement your overall video SEO strategy by helping to categorize content and connect videos with specific topics.

Optimal Usage:

  • Recommended Count: Use a concise 3-5 targeted hashtags per video.
  • Strategic Placement: Include 1-2 highly relevant hashtags directly in your video title for high visibility. For example, a local fishing charter might title a video “Best Snook Fishing Spots in SWFL | #SWFLFishing #SnookFishingTips“. Place the rest in your video description. In the description, they’d add more relevant tags like #FloridaFishingCharters, #GulfCoastFishing, and #FishingAdventures.
  • Relevance: Every hashtag must be highly relevant to your video’s content and target keywords.
  • Analytics Limitations: YouTube’s native analytics don’t specifically track hashtag clicks, so you’ll need third-party tools for deeper insights.

Pinterest & Threads: Keyword-Centric Discovery with Limited Hashtag Impact

  • Pinterest: This is a visual search engine, not a social feed. Users search with natural language keywords, not hashtags. Focus almost entirely on keyword-rich Pin descriptions for visibility. Hashtags are secondary here.
  • Threads: As a newer platform, Threads currently has limited hashtag functionality. You cannot follow hashtags, though they are searchable. Their impact on content visibility is minimal right now. Focus on engaging content and direct interaction.

Advanced Hashtag Strategies: How Wayne Creative Helps You Win

At Wayne Creative Agency, we don’t just tell you to use hashtags; we help you implement advanced strategies that truly make a difference:

1. The Synergy of Hashtags and SEO

We always integrate your hashtag strategy with your broader SEO efforts. This means doing thorough keyword research not just for your website, but for your social media content too. Hashtags become powerful signals that tell the algorithms exactly what your content is about, making it easier for people to find you through search and recommendations. The goal is to ensure your content, keywords, and hashtags all speak the same language to the algorithm. For example, for a blog post on our Wayne Creative Agency website about “Local SEO for Small Businesses,” we’d optimize the article with keywords like “local SEO,” “small business marketing,” and “Google My Business.” When we promote this article on social media, we’d use hashtags like #LocalSEO, #SmallBusinessTips, and #DigitalMarketingSWFL. This ensures that both our website and our social posts are speaking the same language to search engines and social algorithms.

2. Branded Hashtags: Your Community Hub

This is one of our favorite strategies. We help clients create unique, memorable branded hashtags (like #WayneCreativeTips!). We then build campaigns around them, encouraging your audience to use them when they share content related to your brand. This isn’t just about visibility; it’s about fostering a loyal community and generating authentic user-generated content (UGC) that acts as powerful social proof. A successful branded hashtag should be simple, memorable, short, catchy, and easy to spell. Beyond #WayneCreativeTips, we might create #AskWCA for quick marketing advice. We’d encourage our followers to ask questions using this hashtag, making it a hub for our community to get quick answers and share their own insights.

3. Leveraging Trending and Niche Hashtags

It’s a balancing act! We help you identify relevant trending hashtags to get broader exposure, but we always make sure they genuinely fit your brand. We also encourage embracing super-niche hashtags. While they might reach fewer people, those people are often exactly who you want to reach – highly engaged and interested in your specific offerings. Authenticity and relevance in hashtag use are critical for avoiding algorithmic penalties and reaching genuinely interested audiences. For example, if a trending hashtag is #ThrowbackThursday, a good use for a local antique shop would be to post a picture of a vintage item with #ThrowbackThursday and #NorthFortMyersAntiques. A bad use would be a law firm using it with a picture of their office building just to jump on the trend, as it’s irrelevant to their service.

4. Continuous Optimization: Research, Monitor, Adapt

The social media landscape is always changing. That’s why we commit to continuous optimization. We use advanced tools to research, monitor, and adapt your hashtag strategy. For instance, we use tools like Sprout Social to monitor the performance of our hashtags. If we notice #DigitalMarketingSWFL is consistently getting higher reach and engagement than #FloridaMarketing, we’d prioritize the former and perhaps explore more similar “SWFL” related tags. We’d then update our “hashtag bank” accordingly.

Key Hashtag Research & Analytics Tools

Tool NamePrimary Function(s)Key Benefits for Hashtag Strategy
Sprout SocialAll-in-one social media management, analytics, social listeningIn-depth hashtag tracking, competitive analysis, sentiment analysis, efficiency via Tag Collections, ROI measurement
EmbedSocialHashtag analytics, sentiment analysisBest for sentiment-based analysis across platforms, tracking reach, engagement, post volume
TalkwalkerHashtag tracking, social listening at scaleComprehensive monitoring of conversations, trends, and brand mentions related to hashtags
HootsuiteSocial media management, monitoringWatch conversations as they happen, jump into relevant discussions
MentionlyticsBrand/topic-focused tag findingIdentifies tags linked to your brand or area of focus
Sistrix Instagram Hashtag GeneratorHashtag generationOffers suggestions with single keyword input for Instagram
Keyword ToolKeyword & hashtag suggestionsHelps find relevant hashtags for content discovery
InflactHashtag generationProvides hashtag suggestions for Instagram
All HashtagsHashtag generationOffers a range of hashtag suggestions
Ahrefs Hashtag GeneratorHashtag generationAssists in finding relevant hashtags
Canva Hashtag GeneratorHashtag generationGenerates hashtags, integrated with Canva for content creation
RiteTagReal-time hashtag suggestionsChecks photos/captions, gives fitting tags based on real-time engagement
HashtagifyHashtag research, trend identificationHelps identify popular and trending hashtags for visibility
FlickHashtag research, analyticsAids in discovering trending and effective hashtags
Boost App Social, Tagsfinder, LazyApplyHashtag generationStreamline research by suggesting relevant and trending hashtags

Measuring Success: It’s All About ROI

At the end of the day, it’s not just about getting likes; it’s about getting results for your business. We focus on connecting your hashtag performance to your business objectives. Are these hashtags increasing brand awareness? Driving traffic to your website? Generating leads? Leading to sales?

By tracking metrics like reach, engagement rate, and audience sentiment, and using sophisticated third-party analytics tools, we can show you exactly which hashtags are contributing to your bottom line. This data-driven approach ensures your social media efforts are a smart investment. For instance, if our client, “Coastal Cleaners,” uses #SWFLCleaningService, and we see its reach is consistently high, it means many unique users are seeing their content through that tag. If the engagement rate on posts with #EcoFriendlyCleaning is also high, it tells us that this specific, niche tag is resonating deeply with a smaller, but highly interested, audience.

Here’s a look at some core metrics and where you can track them:

Table 5.1.1: Core Hashtag Performance Metrics & Platform Analytics Capabilities

MetricDefinition & SignificanceInstagram Native AnalyticsTikTok Native AnalyticsX (Twitter) Native AnalyticsLinkedIn Native AnalyticsFacebook Native AnalyticsYouTube Native Analytics
ReachUnique users who saw content. Crucial for audience expansion.Yes (overall post reach)Yes (traffic source breakdown for business accounts)Yes (tweet-level impressions)Yes (post-level impressions)Yes (post reach)Limited (traffic sources, not specific hashtag clicks)
ImpressionsTotal times content displayed. Indicates visibility.Yes (from hashtags, aggregated)Yes (overall post views)Yes (tweet-level impressions)Yes (post-level impressions)Yes (post impressions)Limited (traffic sources, not specific hashtag clicks)
Engagement RateAudience interaction (likes, comments, shares, saves). Indicates content resonance.Yes (overall post engagement)Yes (likes, comments, shares, watch time)Yes (likes, replies, retweets, clicks)Yes (post-level engagement)Yes (post engagement)Limited (overall video engagement, not hashtag specific)
Post VolumeNumber of posts using a specific hashtag. Indicates popularity/activity.No (requires third-party)Yes (number of posts using a hashtag)No (trending topics, but not volume metrics)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)Yes (total videos/channels using hashtag)
Audience SentimentEmotional tone of discussion. Reveals brand perception.No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)
Follower Count (Hashtag)Number of users following a specific hashtag.No (removed Nov 2024)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)Yes (visible on feed page, but not public for company pages)No (requires third-party)No (requires third-party)

Utilizing Third-Party Analytics Tools

As you can see, native platform analytics often have limitations, especially for specific hashtag performance. That’s why we rely on comprehensive third-party tools like Sprout Social, EmbedSocial, and Talkwalker. These tools fill the gaps by offering cross-platform analytics, detailed sentiment analysis, competitive intelligence, and historical data. This helps us get a full picture of hashtag performance and its contribution to your overall marketing goals. For example, we use EmbedSocial to check the audience sentiment around #SupportLocalNFM. If we see a lot of positive sentiment, it tells us our campaigns encouraging local support are working well, and people are associating positive feelings with that hashtag.

The Future of Hashtags: Smart, Strategic, and Still Essential

So, to answer the big question: hashtags are definitely still relevant. Their role has transformed, moving from a simple visibility hack to a more sophisticated tool for categorization, search, and community building in an AI-driven world.

At Wayne Creative Agency, we believe the future of hashtags is about precision and integration. As AI gets even smarter, the relevance of your hashtags will become even more critical as reinforcing signals. But no matter how smart the algorithms get, the fundamental human need for connection and shared interests, which hashtags so effectively facilitate, will always remain.

If you’re looking to refine your social media strategy and make your hashtags work harder for your business right here in North Fort Myers, FL, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wayne Creative Agency. We’re here to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape!

Tyler Small

Wayne Creative Agency

North Fort Myers, FL

Frequently Asked Questions About Hashtag Relevance

Are hashtags still relevant on social media platforms in 2024-2025?

Yes, absolutely! While their role has changed, hashtags are still highly relevant. They are no longer just about getting broad reach but are now strategic tools for categorization, searchability, community building, and brand amplification.

How has the role of hashtags changed?

Hashtags have shifted from being a primary driver of broad organic reach to becoming more refined tools. Platforms are using AI and sophisticated algorithms to understand content context more deeply, relying on natural language keywords in captions and other signals. Hashtags now serve as reinforcing signals to help these algorithms categorize and distribute content more precisely.

Why are social media platforms changing their approach to hashtags?

Platforms are evolving their algorithms to be smarter, powered by AI. They are better at understanding the meaning and context of your content through captions, on-screen text, audio, and user interactions. This means they rely less on a high volume of hashtags and more on a holistic understanding of your post.

What are the main purposes of hashtags today?

Today, hashtags are crucial for:
Categorization and Indexing: Helping algorithms organize content.
Enhanced Searchability and Discoverability: Making your content findable when users actively search.
Community Building and Niche Targeting: Connecting like-minded individuals and fostering engagement within specific groups.
Brand Awareness and Campaign Amplification: Getting your brand seen and encouraging user-generated content.
Social Movements and Real-time Conversations: Mobilizing people and sharing information during events.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?

Instagram officially suggests 3-5 relevant hashtags. However, empirical data from various studies often shows that using more (even up to 20-30) can still lead to higher reach and engagement. It’s recommended to A/B test what works best for your specific account and content.

What’s the optimal number of hashtags for TikTok and X (formerly Twitter)?

For TikTok, we recommend 3-8 strategic hashtags, often a mix of broad and niche tags. For X (formerly Twitter), stick to 1-2 relevant hashtags per tweet to avoid looking spammy and maximize engagement.

Where should I place hashtags in my posts?

Instagram: In the caption or the first comment (test both).
TikTok: Primarily in the video caption.
X (formerly Twitter): Inline within the tweet or at the end, ensuring readability.
LinkedIn: Inline within the post or grouped at the end; also consider the first comment for additional tags.
Facebook: Inline or at the end of the post.
YouTube: In the video title (1-2) and the video description (the rest).

What are “branded hashtags” and why are they important?

Branded hashtags are unique tags specific to your business or campaign (e.g., #WayneCreativeTips, #MyDailyBrew). They are important for building a dedicated community, encouraging user-generated content (UGC), increasing brand awareness, and making it easy to track content related to your brand.

Should I use trending hashtags?

Yes, but only if they are genuinely relevant to your brand’s niche and content. Using irrelevant trending hashtags just for visibility can be perceived as spammy and may negatively impact your brand credibility and algorithmic favor. Authenticity is key.

How can I measure the success of my hashtag strategy?

You should track metrics like:
Reach: Unique users who saw your content.
Impressions: Total times your content was displayed.
Engagement Rate: Likes, comments, shares, saves.
Post Volume: Number of posts using a specific hashtag.
Audience Sentiment: Emotional tone of discussions around the hashtag. Native platform analytics offer some data, but comprehensive third-party tools are often needed for deeper insights.

What tools can help me with hashtag research and analytics?

Many tools can assist, including:
Social Media Management Platforms: Sprout Social, Hootsuite.
Hashtag Analytics & Listening Tools: EmbedSocial, Talkwalker, Mentionlytics.
Hashtag Generators: Sistrix Instagram Hashtag Generator, Keyword Tool, Inflact, All Hashtags, Ahrefs Hashtag Generator, Canva Hashtag Generator.
Real-time & Research Tools: RiteTag, Hashtagify, Flick.

What does the future hold for hashtags?

The future of hashtags is about precision and integration. As AI becomes smarter, hashtags will become even more critical as reinforcing signals for semantic search and contextual understanding. They will continue to bridge the gap between algorithmic efficiency and authentic human interaction, helping users find communities and engage with topics that matter to them.

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