#NotDeadYet: Why hashtags still work.

In the ever-changing world of social media, trends come and go faster than you can unfollow that one weird uncle. We’ve moved from curated grids and still images to short-form video. We watched Vine die and TikTok explode (then quickly un-explode?). But through it all, one scrappy underdog has stuck around – the hashtag.

Gone are the days of #Using #Them #For #Quite #Literally #Every #Single #Word (#Thankfully), but hashtags aren’t ready to go away just yet. They have evolved into a powerful tool for getting your content seen. While algorithms will always favor engaging content and interactions (we’re talking likes, comments, views, and shares), hashtags will still help with discoverability across almost every platform, including LinkedIn.

Wait. People actually use hashtags to search?

You betcha. In fact, many users treat TikTok and Instagram like search engines. Looking for vacation ideas? New recipes? Style inspo? More and more people are turning to social platforms for answers. And that is exactly why hashtags still matter. When used strategically, they can help the right people find your content at the right time.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a summer road trip through Western New York and looking for unique things to do along the way. You hop on TikTok or Instagram and type #BuffaloNY into the search bar. One thing leads to another, and suddenly you’re learning that the Erie Canal is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and there’s an entire museum dedicated to it right in downtown Buffalo. Just like that, it’s on your itinerary. All thanks to one strategic hashtag.

That’s just one example. So, how else can you use hashtags strategically in 2025? Here are a few other best practices to get you started.

1. Less is more. Try not to use more than five hashtags per post. Most platforms will penalize you if you use too many.
2. Combine a broader hashtag with a more niche one. By doing this, you can reach both a wider audience and a highly targeted one.
3. Always put hashtags at the end of your caption, unless you can naturally integrate them into the copy.
4. If your hashtag has multiple words (like #BuffaloBills or #VintageFinds), capitalize the first letter of each word for better readability and accessibility.
5. Use the search bar on whatever platform you’re on. It’ll often suggest hashtags. You can also use it to snoop on what hashtags industry leaders and competitors are using.

Ready to put those hashtags to work? For a little inspiration, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok to see how we’re using them ourselves.

 

Want to chat social content strategy with us?

Drop us a line!