In the previous article we discussed how to hashtag. It was a general guide or tips to make you aware how hashtaging should be done. Now we will see how hashtag should be used correctly for individual social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
How to use Twitter hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 1-2
Hashtags can be used anywhere within your Tweets; however, they are most frequently placed within the message naturally or at the end to provide additional context. Additionally, they can be included in your Twitter bio on your profile, as well as in your replies and Retweets.
Technically, there is no limit on the number you can use in a post. Twitter recommends using no more than two per Tweet as best practice.
Twitter’s trending hashtagss are constantly changing, but you can see the latest trending topics on your dashboard by clicking on the #Explore tab, then selecting the“trending” tab.
To find hashtagged content on Twitter, simply type your search term with a # in front of it into the search bar.
How to use Facebook hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 1-2
Hashtags can be used anywhere within your Facebook post, including within the comments.
If you have a private Facebook group or belong to one, you can also group related content with relevant tags. To search for this content, use the “search this group” bar under the group’s menu.
To search through content on the entire platform, type your tag into Facebook’s main search bar at the top.
To monitor hashtags your brand has created, type in the following URL: ‘facebook.com/hashtag/_____’. Include the keyword you want to search at the end. This will show you which public profiles are uploading content relating to that tag.
How to use Instagram hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 5-10
To keep your Instagram caption uncluttered and easy to read, it’s recommended that you place your related hashtags at the end of your message.
Tags can also be included in the comments section of posts, as well as in your profile’s bio.
Although Instagram allows for up to 30 hashtags per post and up to 10 hashtags per Story, studies show 5-10 are most effective.
The platform also allows users to follow hashtags, so content from any account will appear in your feed if it includes the # you’re following — regardless of whether you follow that account or not.
You can search for hashtagged content you’re interested in by typing your desired word or phrase in the Tags tab of Instagram’s Explore section.
If you have an Instagram Business account, you can also access Instagram Insights. These allow you to see how many impressions your profile got from hashtags alone.
How to use YouTube hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 2-3
Hashtags can be added into two places when you upload a video on YouTube: in the title and within the description.
Users can click on any hyperlink to be directed to a page filled with content containing the same tag.
If you don’t include them in the title, the first three hashtags you typed in the description will be displayed above your video’s title.
Although YouTube allows you to tag your content with up to 15 hashtags, any more than 15 can cause your content to be flagged for removal. Additionally, YouTube will ignore any that are over this limit.
How to use LinkedIn hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 1-2
On LinkedIn, you can include relevant hashtags within your updates and any LinkedIn articles you write.
LinkedIn also has a “news and views” section on the home page, which allows you to see trending #s on the platform.
When you write updates, the platform will also offer hashtag suggestions based on your content.
Because LinkedIn is a professional platform, it’s recommended you keep your hashtags professional too.
How to use Pinterest hashtags
The ideal number of hashtags to use per post: 2-5
Pinterest hashtags can be included within a Pin’s description, whether you’re creating a new Pin or Repinning an existing one.
If using the mobile version of Pinterest, the app will suggest related hashtags for you to include.
The platform will allow you to use up to 20 in your content, but less is more with all social media networks.
Pinterest operates like a Search Engine, so aim for tags that contain relevant keywords and are both precise and easily searchable.
