Want better social media results in 2024? Here's exactly how many hashtags to use on each platform:
Platform | Best Number | What Really Works |
---|---|---|
3-5 | Mix broad + niche tags | |
TikTok | 3-5 | #fyp + topic tags |
X (Twitter) | 1-2 | Industry + trending |
2-3 | Professional terms | |
1-2 | Keep it minimal |
Key Facts:
Posts with hashtags get 2x more engagement
Adding just one hashtag boosts engagement by 12.6%
75% of social users search with hashtags
Here's what's changed in 2024:
You need WAY fewer hashtags than before
Each platform has different rules
AI now understands your content without tons of tags
Quick Platform Tips:
Instagram: Put tags in first comment
TikTok: Mix #fyp with niche tags
X: Keep it super simple
LinkedIn: Use industry terms
Facebook: Less is more
The bottom line? Use fewer, better hashtags that match what your audience actually searches for. Don't chase numbers - chase the right eyes on your content.
Want proof? #Entertainment on TikTok pulled in 535 billion views. But that only worked because it matched what users wanted to find.
Related video from YouTube
Today's Hashtag Basics
The hashtag game has changed since Twitter's 2007 launch. Here's what you need to know:
Platform | Past Use | Current Use (2024) |
---|---|---|
Twitter (X) | Group discussions | Brand campaigns, news |
30+ tags per post | 3-5 targeted tags | |
TikTok | Didn't exist | Discovery, challenges |
Barely used | Professional networking |
How Hashtags Drive Marketing in 2024
Smart brands use hashtags to connect with their audience:
Purpose | Example | Results |
---|---|---|
Brand Building | #ShotOniPhone (Apple) | Gets customers to share content |
Customer Finding | #asos (ASOS) | Helps people find products |
Team Culture | #LifeAtUbi (Ubisoft) | Boosts employee sharing |
For video creators, it's a whole new game. Video Tap lets you add specific hashtags to each clip when you split longer videos - so every piece hits the right audience.
Finding Content With Hashtags
Here's how people ACTUALLY use hashtags in 2024:
User Behavior | Percentage |
---|---|
Search on social vs search engines | 15% |
Find answers to questions | 31% |
Want better results? Here's what works:
Pick 1-3 specific tags (not broad ones)
Use tags people actually search for
Skip the clever, hard-to-spell stuff
Test different options
But the data tells a different story. They matter - just not like they used to. Focus on fewer, better tags that match how people search.
Basic Rules for All Platforms
Here's what you need to know about hashtags in 2024, based on data from the big social platforms.
Think of hashtags like GPS coordinates for your content. They help people find what they're looking for. But here's the thing: each platform plays by different rules.
What Makes Hashtags Work
Let's break down what the data shows:
Element | Why It Works | Example |
---|---|---|
Length | Short beats long | #SEO vs #SearchEngineOptimization |
Clarity | Easy to read | Use #BlackFriday not #BF2024Sale |
Relevance | Matches content | #Photography on photo posts |
Numbers | Platform limits | 30 max on Instagram, 2-3 on X |
Platform-Specific Sweet Spots
Here's exactly how many hashtags drive the best results:
Platform | Best Number | Results |
---|---|---|
9-12 | +12.6% engagement | |
X (Twitter) | 1-2 | 2x engagement |
1-2 | Less = better | |
3-5 | 21% more reach | |
TikTok | 2-3 | Depends on content |
Platform Requirements
Each platform has its own rules:
Platform | Must-Know Rules | What Works Best |
---|---|---|
30 tags max | Tags in first comment | |
TikTok | 2,200 char limit | Mix #FYP with niche |
X (Twitter) | Keep it short | Industry tags work |
10 tags max | Professional terms | |
Minimal tags | Stick to 1-2 tags |
Here's the bottom line: 75% of social media users search with hashtags. But don't just throw them around. Test different combinations and watch what works for YOUR audience.
Quick tips that work everywhere:
No spaces or special characters
Always start with #
Keep accounts public
Mix popular and niche tags
Skip vague terms
Hashtag Tips by Platform
Here's what works on each social platform in 2024:
TikTok Hashtags
TikTok's all about trends and discovery. Here's what the data shows:
Content Type | Best Hashtag Mix | Results |
---|---|---|
Regular Posts | #memecut + niche tag | 18M posts, 45B views |
Growth Content | #growmyaccount + topic | 12M posts, 52B views |
Brand Posts | #contenido + brand tag | 6M posts, 53B views |
Stick to 4-6 hashtags per post. Mix hot trending tags with specific ones that match your content.
Instagram Hashtags
Instagram's hashtag game has changed:
Placement | Max Tags | Impact |
---|---|---|
Caption | 30 | +12.6% engagement |
First Comment | 20 | Best reach rate |
Stories | 10 | Higher visibility |
Want the best results? Use 20 hashtags in your first comment. That's what Later found after studying 18M+ posts.
X (Twitter) Hashtags
X keeps it simple:
Type | Number | Effect |
---|---|---|
Regular Posts | 1-2 | 2x engagement |
Brand Posts | 1-2 | 1.5x engagement |
News/Events | 1 | Best results |
LinkedIn Hashtags
On LinkedIn, it's all business:
Purpose | Tag Count | Best Practice |
---|---|---|
Industry Posts | 3-5 | 21% more reach |
Company Updates | 1-3 | Better engagement |
Personal Brand | 3-5 | Higher visibility |
Facebook Hashtags
Facebook likes it light:
Post Type | Tag Count | Results |
---|---|---|
Business Posts | 1-2 | Better reach |
Group Posts | 2-3 | More engagement |
Events | 1-2 | Higher visibility |
Drop your hashtags at the end of your post - not in between.
For video content? Video Tap users can tweak their hashtags for each platform while reusing their content.
Advanced Hashtag Methods
Here's how to pick the right hashtags for different content in 2024:
Content Type | Best Hashtag Mix | Results |
---|---|---|
Product Posts | Brand + Industry | 42% more reach |
Behind-the-scenes | Company Culture + Industry | 31% higher engagement |
Customer Stories | Brand + Success + Industry | 27% more shares |
News Updates | Breaking + Topic | 38% more comments |
Live Events | Event + Location | 45% better reach |
Want better results with video hashtags? Here's what works on each platform:
Platform | Top Video Tags | Impact |
---|---|---|
TikTok | #fyp + niche | 2.3x more views |
Instagram Reels | #reels + topic | 1.8x more reach |
YouTube Shorts | #shorts + subject | 2.1x more clicks |
LinkedIn Video | #video + industry | 1.5x more plays |
Video Tap lets you add specific hashtags when you turn long videos into short clips. This means each piece of content finds its target audience.
Here's how to switch up your hashtags when posting across platforms:
From → To | Hashtag Changes | Why It Works |
---|---|---|
TikTok → Instagram | Cut to 3-5 tags | Better engagement |
Instagram → LinkedIn | Keep industry tags | More professional |
LinkedIn → Twitter | Pick 1-2 main tags | Clean look |
Twitter → Facebook | Use brand tag only | Platform preference |
Here's what works:
Mix popular and niche hashtags
Monitor your best performers
Follow each platform's rules
Try different tag spots
Check your numbers weekly
Tools like RiteTag and Keyhole help you pick hashtags that work. They show you which tags get attention and help you avoid the bad ones.
Types of Hashtags to Use
Here's what works for hashtags in 2024:
Hashtag Type | What It Does | Example | Results |
---|---|---|---|
Brand | Makes your posts findable | #JustDoIt (Nike) | Connects user content |
Campaign | Measures marketing | #OptOutside (REI) | 16.8M Instagram posts |
Industry | Reaches your field | #webhosting | Finds professionals |
Trending | Joins hot topics | #Wimbledon | Quick reach boost |
Location | Finds local people | #NYC | Local visibility |
Event | Builds event hype | #Glastonbury2024 | Links attendees |
How to Use Each Type
Brand Hashtags
Keep it simple. #restenthusiast works for Flax Home's bedding posts because it's easy to remember and helps collect customer photos.
Campaign Hashtags
What You're Doing | How to Build It | Real Example |
---|---|---|
Launching Products | Brand + Product | #AudiRSQ8 |
Running Contests | Action + Prize | #FreeCheeseFriday |
Supporting Causes | Action + Goal | #PlateupForThePlanet |
Industry Hashtags
Pick what fits your work:
Design work? Try #graphicdesign
Tech stuff? Use #webhosting
Fashion? Go with #clothingboutique
Trending Hashtags
When to Post | What to Use | Examples |
---|---|---|
Daily Posts | Regular tags | #MondayMotivation |
Weekly Posts | Theme tags | #ThrowbackThursday |
News Topics | Current tags | #pridemonth |
Location Hashtags
Where | How to Tag | Example |
---|---|---|
Cities | #CityName | #Cardiff |
Areas | #AreaLife | #FloridaLife |
Places | #PlaceName | #PrincipalityStadium |
Event Hashtags
Event | Tag Style | Example |
---|---|---|
Contests | #contestalert | #instagiveaway |
Sports | Event name | #Wimbledon |
Business | Brand + Event | #SamsungUnpacked |
Video Tap helps add hashtags when you turn long videos into social clips.
Quick Tips:
X and Facebook: 2-5 hashtags
Instagram: up to 15 tags
Mix different types
Check what works weekly
Hashtag Tools and Tracking
Here's what you need to know about finding and tracking hashtags that work:
Top Tools for 2024
Tool | What It Does | Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|
RiteTag | Shows hashtag popularity with color codes + browser add-on | $65 |
Hashtagify | Finds trending and related tags + shows top influencers | $19 |
Later | Breaks down Instagram stats + helps schedule posts | Custom |
Brand24 | Tracks mentions + measures how far posts spread | $99-$499 |
Measuring What Works
Want to know if your hashtags are working? Here are the numbers that matter:
Number to Track | What to Count | Why You Should Care |
---|---|---|
Posts | How many use your tag | Shows if people pick it up |
Users | Different accounts posting | Tells you who's joining in |
Engagement | Likes + shares + clicks | Shows if people care |
Reach | Number of feeds shown | Tells you how far it spreads |
Views | Total times seen | Shows overall exposure |
Real Success Stories
Here's what works in the real world:
Who Did It | What Happened | Main Lesson |
---|---|---|
#ShotoniPhone | 150,000+ posts in 30 days | Keep it simple and clear |
Instagram Business | 12.6% more engagement | Mix big and small tags |
Quick Tips:
Check Instagram Insights if you have a business account - it's free
Pick different tracking tools based on what you need
If a hashtag doesn't work after 30 days, drop it
Look at what your competitors do each week
For videos, Video Tap helps figure out which hashtags work best when you break up longer videos for social media.
By the Numbers:
39% of companies skip social tracking because they lack tools
Adding hashtags boosts engagement by 12.6%
Give each hashtag 30 days before you decide if it works
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Keeping Hashtags the Same Everywhere
Here's what the top brands do with their hashtags:
Brand | Main Hashtag | Results | Platforms |
---|---|---|---|
Adidas | #ImpossibleIsNothing | Used in 85% of posts | Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn |
Coca-Cola | #ShareACoke | 500,000+ photos, +2% sales | All major platforms |
Starbucks | #RedCupContest | 40,000+ entries, +13% online sales | Instagram, Facebook |
Make Your Hashtags Match Your Brand
Want your hashtags to work? Keep them simple:
Do This | Don't Do This |
---|---|
Use your brand name | Mix different versions |
Pick clear terms | Make up complex words |
Check spelling | Change capitalization |
Test on each platform | Copy competitors |
Smart Ways to Use Hashtags
Here's what works:
Pick 3-5 main hashtags for ALL your posts
Add 2-3 tags that work best on each platform
Drop in 1-2 tags about your post topic
For videos? Video Tap helps you keep your hashtags consistent when you split longer videos into short clips.
Platform-Specific Tips
Platform | Max Tags | Best Practice |
---|---|---|
30 | Mix brand + niche tags | |
2-3 | Focus on trending topics | |
3-5 | Use industry terms | |
1-2 | Stick to campaign tags | |
TikTok | 3-5 | Add trending + niche tags |
Quick Tips:
Test your hashtags on each platform
Keep a list of your go-to tags
Check your strategy every 3 months
Track which tags get more engagement
Video Content and Hashtags
Here's how to get more views on your videos across different platforms:
Video Hashtags by Platform
Each platform needs its own hashtag strategy:
Platform | Tag Limit | Best Practices | Top Tags to Use |
---|---|---|---|
TikTok | 3-5 | Mix trending + niche | #fyp, #viral, #trending |
YouTube Shorts | 3-4 | Start with #Shorts | #Shorts, #YouTubeShorts |
Instagram Reels | 5-7 | Add industry tags | #reels, #instareels |
Reusing Video Content
Want to get more from your videos? Here's what works:
Turn TikToks into Instagram Reels (15 seconds work best)
Break up longer videos into short series
Delete platform watermarks before reposting
Write fresh captions for each platform
Video Tap Tools
Video Tap helps you share content faster:
Feature | What It Does |
---|---|
AI Clips | Makes videos the right length for each platform |
Auto-Caption | Creates subtitles automatically |
Format Convert | Changes video size to fit each platform |
Content Suggest | Picks hashtags based on your video |
Want proof this works? Check this out:
Make Your Hashtags Work Better:
Mix up different tag combinations
Look at which tags bring in views
Get new tags each month
Drop tags that don't work
Pro Tip: Hit up TikTok's Creative Center to find what's trending in your field. It's worth checking every week.
Checking Your Results
Want to know if your hashtags actually work? Let's look at the numbers that matter.
Track These 3 Things
Metric | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Reach | People who saw your post | Shows if your hashtags help spread content |
Usage | Times people use your tags | Tells you if your hashtags catch on |
Engagement | Likes, comments, shares | Shows if people care about your content |
Platform Tools That Help
Each social network gives you free data:
Platform | Where to Look | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Business Profile | Top hashtags and their reach | |
TikTok | Creator Tools | Views from hashtag clicks |
X (Twitter) | Analytics | How many saw your hashtags |
Post Analytics | Reach per hashtag |
Want more data? Here are some paid options:
Sprout Social ($249/month)
Keyhole ($63/month)
Brand24
Fix What's Not Working
Check these signals each month:
If You See | Do This |
---|---|
Low views | Try new trending hashtags |
High engagement | Keep those hashtags |
No clicks | Test different combinations |
Here's proof it works:
Some quick facts:
TikTok brands see 5.8% engagement per view
Popular hashtags pack a punch - #ItEndsWithUsMovie reached 578,649,350 people
Bottom line: Look at your data often. If something's not working, change it up. That's how you win the hashtag game.
What's Next for Hashtags
Let's look at how hashtags are changing in 2024 and beyond.
New Social Media Sites
Threads is leading the charge among new platforms. Here's what works where:
Platform | Hashtag Limit | Best Practice |
---|---|---|
Threads | No limit set | 2-3 topic tags |
BeReal | No hashtags | Focus on captions |
Mastodon | 3-5 max | Use local tags |
New Tools
AI is changing how we pick hashtags:
Tool | Main Feature | Price/Month |
---|---|---|
Brand24 | Real-time tracking | $63 |
SocialPilot AI | Auto-tag generator | $50 |
Video Tap | Video content tags | Custom |
Future Changes
The numbers tell an interesting story:
Trend | Current Stats | Expected Impact |
---|---|---|
Search behavior | 94.6% use social vs 81.8% search engines | More keyword-based tags |
Brand engagement | 33% more retweets with hashtags | Focus on fewer, targeted tags |
Video content | 73% prefer short videos | Platform-specific video tags |
Here's what the data shows:
Posts with hashtags get 2x more engagement on Twitter
Brands see 1.5x better results when using top tags
#JustDoIt from Nike hit 41,000 uses in just 30 days
For video creators, tools like Video Tap now convert long videos into social clips with AI-picked hashtags. This makes it WAY easier to post across different platforms.
Fixing Common Problems
Here's what you need to know about hashtag rules and how to fix the most common issues:
Platform Limits
Each social network has different hashtag rules:
Platform | Hashtag Limit | Best Practice |
---|---|---|
30 per post | 5-10 hashtags | |
140 characters | 1-2 hashtags | |
30 per post | 5-10 hashtags | |
No limit | 1-2 hashtags | |
20 per pin | 2-5 hashtags |
Content Rules
Here's what can mess up your hashtag game:
Issue | Fix |
---|---|
Private account | Switch to public for hashtag reach |
Banned hashtags | Check tags in platform search first |
Hashtag walls | Put tags in first comment |
Mixed symbols | Remove spaces and punctuation |
Making Tags Work Better
The numbers don't lie:
Action | Result |
---|---|
Using 1-2 hashtags on Twitter | 21% more engagement |
Adding hashtags to tweets | 2x more engagement |
Including hashtags in retweets | 40% higher retweet rate |
Want better results? Here's what to do:
Mix big and small hashtags (don't just chase the trending ones)
Track which combos work best for you
Update your hashtags monthly
Use Video Tap's AI suggestions for video content
And some quick fixes that work:
Blend hashtags into your text naturally
Double-check if tags are banned
Keep track of your winning hashtags
Drop tags that don't perform after 2-3 posts
Look at how the pros do it: Sephora builds buzz with #SephoraSquad, while Google jumps into conversations like #PiDay without going overboard.
Wrap-Up: Better Social Media with Hashtags
Here's what works right now for hashtags on each platform:
Platform | Best Practice | Impact |
---|---|---|
9-12 hashtags | Posts get 29% more interactions | |
X (Twitter) | 1-2 hashtags | 21% higher engagement |
2-3 hashtags | Professional reach boost | |
1-3 hashtags | Focused audience targeting | |
TikTok | 3-5 hashtags | Maximum content discovery |
Make Your Hashtags Work:
Mix broad tags with niche ones. Nike does this well - they pair #JustDoIt with specific tags like #NikeRunning.
Watch your numbers. ASOS saw big wins by tracking posts with #asos.
Check your hashtag list every month. What worked last quarter might not work now.
The Numbers Don't Lie:
Action | Result |
---|---|
Using hashtags on Twitter | 2x more engagement |
Adding one hashtag on Instagram | 12.6% engagement increase |
Business tweets with hashtags | 33% more likely to get retweets |
For Video Posts:
Drop Instagram hashtags in the first comment
Use Video Tap's AI to make platform-specific clips
Test different hashtag sets for each video
Do This, Not That:
Do This | Not This |
---|---|
Use 1-3 main hashtags | Pack posts with 30+ tags |
Research before using | Chase every trend |
Keep brand voice consistent | Mix random popular tags |
Track performance weekly | Post and hope |
Bottom line: Good hashtags connect you with YOUR people. Bad ones waste time. Keep it simple, track what works, and stick to it.
FAQs
What is the best hashtag strategy?
Here's what works in 2024:
Platform | Tag Count | Best Practices |
---|---|---|
3-5 | Mix broad and niche tags | |
X (Twitter) | 1-2 | Focus on trending topics |
2-3 | Use industry-specific tags | |
2-4 | Keep it simple and focused | |
TikTok | 3-5 | Include trending + niche mix |
Want better results? Here's what to do:
1. Track what works
Look at your analytics. See which hashtags bring in the most likes, comments, and shares.
2. Balance your approach
Combine popular hashtags with specific, niche ones. Think big AND small.
3. Build your core tags
Pick 5-10 hashtags that match your content. Use them often.
4. Keep testing
Try different combinations. Stick with what gets results.
For videos, here's what to use:
Content Type | Tag Tips |
---|---|
Short clips | Use platform-specific trending tags |
Long videos | Add industry + topic tags |
Live streams | Include event-based hashtags |
Quick tip: Need help finding good hashtags? Try RiteTag or Hootsuite's hashtag generator. They'll show you what's working RIGHT NOW.