Let’s play a little game: when was the last time you saw someone post a wall of hashtags that looked something like this —
#blessed #mondaymood #ootd #fitnessjourney #entrepreneurlife #sunsetlovers #photooftheday #motivation #instagood #igers #love #smile — and you thought to yourself, “Wow, this person really knows what they’re doing”?
Didn’t think so.
Somewhere along the way, hashtags got a bit of a bad rap. They either felt spammy, looked desperate, or seemed like people were just tossing in every trending word they could think of and hoping for the best.
But here’s the truth: hashtags still work on social media — when you know how to use them the right way. In fact, if you’re running a small business, managing a brand, or even just trying to grow your personal presence online, hashtags can still drive reach, discovery, and even sales. You just need to shift how you think about them.
Let’s dive into it — without the fluff — and I’ll show you exactly how to make hashtags work for you, right now.
The Short Answer: Yes, Hashtags Still Matter (But Not Like Before)
Hashtags were originally created to help people discover content on social media platforms. If you clicked on #veganrecipes or #plumbingtips, you’d find a treasure trove of posts related to that tag.
These days, platforms have evolved. Now we have smarter algorithms, better search, topic suggestions, trending audio, and even AI content recommendations. Hashtags aren’t the only way to get your content found anymore — but they’re still a piece of the puzzle.
Think of hashtags today like seasoning in a dish. Too little and you miss an opportunity. Too much and it’s overpowering. The right amount, in the right way, makes everything better.
But Does It Work on Every Platform?
Let’s set the record straight:
Instagram? Yes.
TikTok? Absolutely — hashtags are HUGE for categorizing your video and reaching new audiences.
Facebook? Kinda… not a major factor here.
LinkedIn? When used sparingly and purposefully, yes.
X (formerly Twitter)? Still hashtag-driven for trending topics, but you only need 1-2 max.
Different platforms, different vibes. The key is knowing when and how to use them so you’re not just hashtagging for hashtag’s sake.
So How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
Okay, let’s tackle the big question that comes up over and over again.
How many hashtags should you use?
Here’s the current sweet spot based on what actually works (and what looks good):
Instagram: 3 to 5 hashtags per post is plenty. You can use up to 30, but it starts to feel spammy and Instagram’s algorithm favors natural, thoughtful posts — not desperate hashtag stuffing.
TikTok: 3 to 5 is also a good range. Often a mix of broad and niche works best here.
LinkedIn: 1 to 3 MAX. No one wants to read a corporate post drowned in hashtags.
Facebook: 1 if any — most users don’t search hashtags here and it often looks out of place.
Twitter/X: 1 to 2 targeted hashtags only.
Forget the old advice about using as many as possible. Less is more. The goal is quality hashtags, not quantity.
How to Pick the Right Hashtags (Without Pulling Your Hair Out)
If you’ve ever stared at the little hashtag symbol blinking at you and wondered, “What do I even type here?” — you’re not alone. Picking hashtags can feel like a guessing game. But it’s actually simple when you break it down:
Think in categories:
- Industry/Topic tags — what is the post about? (#HVACtips, #GolfCartLife, #PetGrooming101)
- Location tags — where are you? Especially good for local businesses. (#ScottsdaleGolfCarts, #VancouverPlumbing)
- Community tags — what tribe or niche do you want to reach? (#WomenInBusiness, #FoodieCommunity)
- Trending tags — is there a viral trend or event you can naturally connect to? (#ThrowbackThursday, #MondayMotivation — if it fits!)
Pro tip: You don’t need to use the same hashtags every single post. Rotate them based on the content. Not only does this look more authentic, but it also prevents being flagged as repetitive or spammy.
Let’s Look at a Few Fun Samples
Here are a couple of quick examples across different types of businesses so you can see this in action:
HVAC Business — Local Post Example
“Keeping cool this summer just got easier ☀️! Our team is out installing energy-efficient units across the city. Stay frosty, friends! 💨”
#HVACexperts #PhoenixCooling #StayCoolArizona #EnergySmartHomes
Golf Cart Dealer — Product Feature Example
“Cruising into the weekend in style! 🚙✨ Check out our latest lineup of custom carts — perfect for neighborhood rides or hitting the course.”
#GolfCartLife #CustomGolfCarts #TucsonGolf #WeekendCruising
Salon — Service Promotion Example
“Treat yourself to a new summer look ☀️✂️! Our stylists are ready to give your hair a fresh glow-up.”
#SalonStyle #SummerHairGoals #LocalBeautyExperts
Pet Groomer — Client Love Example
“Before & after: Charlie is all smiles after his spa day 🐾💙!”
#DogGroomingMagic #HappyPup #SeattlePetCare
You’ll notice — no spammy 30-hashtag walls, no random tags that don’t fit, just a handful of targeted ones that make sense for the audience and the platform.
Mistakes to Avoid (So You Don’t Look Like You’re Faking It)
Before you run off and start hashtagging, let’s quickly cover the “what NOT to do” list:
Don’t use hashtags that have nothing to do with your post just because they’re popular. You won’t fool the algorithm — or your audience.
Avoid banned hashtags. Yes, Instagram and TikTok both block certain hashtags, even some innocent-looking ones. Always check before using unfamiliar ones.
Stop copying and pasting the same exact hashtag list on every post. It looks robotic and the platforms don’t love that.
No more walls of hashtags in the first comment — that trick doesn’t really work anymore. Just weave them naturally into your post or place 3–5 at the end of your caption.
And finally — don’t stress too much! Hashtags should help tell your story, not BE the story.
Why You Should Still Be Using Hashtags (Hint: Discovery Is Still King)
Here’s the deal — despite all the algorithm changes, hashtags are still one of the best ways to help new people find you.
Think of them like little doorways that open up your content to audiences that don’t already follow you. This is HUGE for local businesses, niche creators, and growing brands.
When used strategically, hashtags help the algorithm understand what your content is about, categorize it, and suggest it to people who might like it.
If you skip hashtags entirely, you miss out on potential reach — plain and simple.
What’s Working Right Now (Based on Real Accounts)
Want the quick download of what’s working right now for hashtag success?
- Use 3 to 5 relevant hashtags, mixed between broad and niche.
- Include 1 location-based tag for local discovery (when applicable).
- Rotate your hashtags to match the post content.
- Keep an eye on what hashtags your competitors or industry leaders are using — and what’s actually generating engagement.
- Focus on authentic engagement first — hashtags alone won’t save a post with zero value.
Final Thoughts — Don’t Overthink It, Just Stay Current
At the end of the day, hashtags are a tool — not a magic wand.
If your post isn’t interesting, useful, fun, or helpful, no amount of hashtags will make it take off. But if your content connects with people and you use hashtags thoughtfully, they’ll absolutely help amplify your reach.
So do hashtags still work? You bet. Just a little smarter — and a lot less #cringe — than they did a few years ago.
Now get out there and tag with purpose!
