What Are Hashtags?

Hashtags are everywhere. You see them in the news, in presidential debates, billboards, and predominantly on social networks. Sometimes you’ll see a hashtag for a product, an event, or a person, or sometimes you will see something completely random like #ComicBookCharactersReportCards (trending on twitter at the time of this writing). With expanding use of hashtags for different purposes, we get asked a lot, what are they and how should I use them.
A Hashtag Is a Topic.
A hashtag is nothing more than a keyword or phrase that has the # symbol before it. Typically, a hashtag is used for words or phrases that describe your post. Sometimes the hashtags are sprinkled in within a post and other times it is appended to the end of your post to describe what your post is about. Take these two examples.
Well said, Forest Whitaker. #tbt #Oscars pic.twitter.com/2ehewcu0yX
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 13, 2017
The #Oscars nominations will be announced a little differently this year. https://t.co/Ab9m9oAknH
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 14, 2017
In the first tweet, Entertainment Weekly placed the (#) symbol before Oscars in their post. In the second tweet, The Academy appended both #tbt and #Oscars to the end of their tweet.
How does a Hashtag Work?
What kind of Hashtags are there?
Content Hashtags:
Many companies use content hashtags to help market products, events, or brands.
Get ready for the day with AXE Phoenix shampoo, body wash and antiperspirant. What’s in your bag?#AXE #FindYourMagic #SmellGreat #Grooming pic.twitter.com/Lw57u5pamF
— AXE (@AXE) December 5, 2016
Trending Hashtags:
Inflection Hashtags:
Sometimes hashtags are used less for topical reason but more for inflection. While this doesn’t help with people finding your post, it can add a tone to your post. Adding #Crazy or #Unbelievable will add emphasis to your post and help people understand the tone you were going for.

How Should You Use a Hashtag?
A hashtag can be powerful if used correctly, you can read all about the mishaps of using the wrong hashtags here. Here are the keys to making successful hashtags
Stay On Point
Hashtags are great but you must be specific about it. Let’s say the Oscars are going on and you want to talk about it. Using #Oscars will be much more visible than using a hashtag like #goodmovies or #awards.
Don’t Overdo It
Using too many hashtags or too long of a hashtag can be detrimental. One rule of thumb is you don’t want to have more hashtags than words in your post. You also want to make sure that if your hashtag is a phrase, it’s not longer than a few words. #GoingOutWithMyFriendsAllNightLong is way too long of a hashtag.
Don’t Trendjack
Using a trend to your benefit can be great but can also lead down a dark path of social media embarrassment. Even though something is trending, doesn’t mean you should use it in your post. Sometimes the purpose of a hashtag can be vague when you see it in the ‘Trending’ tab, and while it might sound enticing to jump on board, it’s a good idea to see what the context of the hashtag is before attaching yourself to it.