Hashtags

It was popularised by a user on Twitter (now X). The user used it to filter content on the platform. From this, people are starting to use it more to find relevant content for the group. Not until 2009 did the company finally embrace the symbol and introduce it to the search tool. The way it works is for looking at topics that are currently trending. To this day, other social media platforms are also using hashtags for the same reason.

What is the meaning of a hashtag?

It is a keyword, phrase, or number followed by the pound (#). The social media platforms are using this feature to group or organise related content. It helps users find and engage with posts that share a common topic. People use this tool by putting the pound at the front of the word, followed by the keywords. It could be a word or a phrase long. For example, #marketing or #DigitalMarketing.

However, people had already been using hashtags before it became popular in 2007. At first, in the 1970s and 1980s, people were using it as a computer programming language. After that, a platform named Internet Relay Chat (IRC) utilised the tag to label groups and topics across their network. Basically, it serves the same purpose as Twitter’s.

But now, hashtags become more than a symbol of group content. It becomes a method to spark conversation, increase impressions on posts, and categorise so people can find things easily. This is why other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more are using this feature. Moreover, here is how this tool works:

Tagging topics

First, you have to choose the topic you want to post or search. If you are looking for content or creating a topic related to construction, you can use #Construction for hashtags. The way this works is you are tagging your post to a topic, which is a construction where other people can click it and see the posts with the same tag.

Searchability

Using this feature will improve the content's searchability. It means your post will become more discoverable. Even though there are users who are not following your account, they still can find and see the post through hashtags. Considering its significance, many businesses are using this tool for marketing their product. Making it easier for them to build brand awareness through social media.

Trends

When you are using the tag, there is a chance it goes viral or trending, especially when there are big events at the same time. For instance, if there is a major grand final match in a sport, you can see hashtags like #GrandFinal everywhere. It is because the tool works in real-time feeds or explore sections.

Custom hashtags

Usually, people and brands are using this feature for campaigns or communities. Other than improving their searchability, it contributes to creating a stronger brand identity. Brands are often using their iconic tagline for hashtags. You can find this event along with the Ice Bucket Challenge, where the ALS Association used #IceBucketChallenge for their marketing campaign. This becomes one of the most successful marketing campaigns because there are many people, even celebrities, doing this challenge and posting it on social media along with the tag.