How Hashtags Work
Hashtags categorize content. When you add #ContentMarketing to a post, it becomes findable by anyone searching or following that hashtag. Platforms use hashtags as relevance signals — they help the algorithm understand what your content is about and who might want to see it.
The Right Number of Hashtags
Optimal hashtag count varies by platform:
- Instagram: 3–10 focused hashtags outperform "hashtag stuffing" (30 at once). Quality over quantity since 2021 algorithm changes.
- LinkedIn: 3–5 relevant hashtags; more starts to look spammy
- X (Twitter): 1–2 hashtags perform best; more reduces engagement
- TikTok: 3–5 specific hashtags; avoid generic ones like #viral or #fyp (oversaturated)
- Facebook: Limited hashtag culture; 1–2 or none is appropriate
Hashtag Size Tiers
A balanced hashtag mix covers three size tiers:
- Large (1M+ posts): High competition, low chance of discovery, but builds credibility (e.g., #Marketing)
- Medium (100K–1M posts): Better discovery chances with still-engaged communities (e.g., #ContentMarketing for a niche brand)
- Small/Niche (<100K posts): Highest chance of discovery within a specific community (e.g., #SaaSMarketing or your city + industry)
Branded Hashtags
Creating your own branded hashtag (e.g., #AibrifyTips) builds a searchable archive of your content and encourages UGC — customers use it to tag their own posts about your brand.
How Aibrify Builds Hashtag Sets
Aibrify research builds platform-specific hashtag sets for each content category, balancing reach potential with competitive density. Sets are updated periodically as hashtag performance data accumulates.