While discussing a new project with customers, many ask us: “We’ve followed all the content tips to boost engagement, but is there any way to stand out from others?”. The answer is focusing on the small details – hashtag! Studies show that posts with at least one hashtag tend to have 12.6% more reach than those without. So, how to use hashtags effectively in 2025? Here’s the complete hashtag strategy for 2025, guiding marketers and content creators on how to use hashtags to increase reach, engagement and visibility on social media platforms.

5 reasons why you still need a hashtag strategy 2025

Hashtags are still a low-key power tool for your social media strategy in 2025. Here’s why it’s still worth having a hashtag strategy in 2025 this year:

• They help people find you: If someone’s browsing #coffeevibes or #minimaldesksetup and your post fits, boom, you’re on their radar.
• They (still) boost your engagement: Using a relevant hashtag is like joining a group chat, opening space for new likes, shares, comments, and followers.
• They build your brand’s little corner of the internet: For example, hashtags like #ShotOniPhone or #LiveInLevis aren’t just tags, they’re brand identities that organize content, tell a story, and create a space for followers.
• They make your content easier to navigate: Hashtags like #ad, #sponsored, or #Coachella2024 give context without a long explanation.
• They show what you stand for: Hashtags like #EarthDay or #TransDayOfVisibility show your values and stand in solidarity with your audience.

6 useful tips for planning effective hashtag strategy 2025

1. Know Your Audience Research what hashtags your followers use. Tools like Instagram Explore or analytics platforms can help you spot popular social media hashtags in your niche.
2. Find Relevant Hashtags Follow competitors and influencers to see which hashtags get noticed, but also include unique ones that reflect your brand’s personality.
3. Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags A balanced mix helps you reach a wide audience while staying focused on a more targeted group.
4. Create Your Own Branded Hashtags Create a unique hashtag for your brand and encourage followers to use it. It’s a great way to grow your community and increase user-generated content.
5. Monitor and Test Hashtag Performance Regularly test and adjust your hashtags to stay aligned with your audience’s preferences.
6. Leverage Trending Topics Jump on trending hashtags that match your brand, but only if they make sense for you!

How to use hashtags effectively on different platforms 2025

Let’s dive into the exciting part! To use social media hashtags effectively in 2025, tailor your strategy to each platform. Best hashtag practices include staying relevant, timely, and testing different combinations to find what resonates with your audience.

TikTok

• Use TikTok’s Discover page to find trending and niche-specific hashtags relevant to your content.
• Stick to 3-5 hashtags per post for a clean, engaging caption without overwhelming your audience.
• Combine broad hashtags like #fyp with niche ones like #BookTok to reach both a wide and targeted audience.

Instagram

• Use a combo of broad hashtags (#love, #fashion) and niche ones (#EcoFashion, #TravelWithKids).
• 3–11 hashtags are ideal. Too many hashtags can look spammy, so focus on quality.
• Develop unique hashtags for your brand or campaigns (ex: #NikeRunning).
• Trending hashtags are great for tapping into viral moments. Just make sure they align with your content.
• Focus on using AI-powered tools to generate optimized hashtags, saving time while ensuring relevance.

YouTube

• Put 3-5 primary hashtags in your video title to maximize visibility. 
• Stick to YouTube’s recommendation of using no more than 15 hashtags total to avoid clutter.
• Be consistent with your hashtag use across videos to boost discoverability and branding.

LinkedIn

• Combine hashtags with a strong keyword strategy to optimize posts for LinkedIn’s SEO algorithm.
• Avoid using more than 20 hashtags.
• Use hashtags consistently across posts, articles, and comments to create a diverse branding strategy.

6 common mistakes to avoid in hashtag strategy 2025

• Misusing Social Media Hashtags: Don’t pick random or overly popular tags. Choose ones that truly reflect your content.
• Using Banned Hashtags: Always check if a hashtag is banned. Using a restricted tag can limit your reach.
• Overloading with Hashtags: Too many hashtags can make your post look cluttered. Stick to a few strong, relevant ones.
• Ignoring Analytics: Keep track of which hashtags are working for you by using analytics tools. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Repeating the Same Hashtags: Use a variety of hashtags to keep your posts fresh and engaging.
• Choosing Hashtags with No Audience: Focus on hashtags that people are actually searching for to boost visibility.

Here are 4 websites for you to check trending keywords this year: Moz Keyword Explorer, Google Keyword Planner, Semrush Free Keyword Research Tool!

Hope you can boost your post engagement and master how to use hashtags effectively in 2025!

Source: BRANDCOM