In our first article on hashtags, we explained their origin and utility. Then, in our second article, we discussed how to choose and use them effectively.
In this final article, we will (finally) reveal the number of hashtags to use in your posts. Indeed, this number varies from one social network to another.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Each Social Network?
This is the existential question everyone is asking! Of course, hashtags should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming your content.
On average, it is considered that 8 hashtags per post are relevant for social media communication. However, it all depends on your goal, your audience targeting, and the network you are using!
On Twitter, the number of characters per post is limited to 280 characters, including links and hashtags. Often, there’s little space left for hashtags. Ideally, it is recommended to add 2 hashtags to your post on Twitter.
The king of social media when it comes to hashtags. You can add up to 30 per post. But the ideal average is between 9 and 10 hashtags per post. Beyond that, the impact quickly diminishes. Note that on Instagram, you can subscribe to a hashtag to follow it in your feed.
The use of hashtags is much less effective, if not discouraged. It’s better to limit yourself to just one, with a maximum of 2 or 3 hashtags per post.
The latest platform to introduce hashtags. The optimal number of hashtags per post is 3 to 5; beyond that, visibility decreases. As on Instagram, you can subscribe to a hashtag to follow all posts that also mention that hashtag.
YOUTUBE
Since January 2021, YouTube has strengthened hashtag search. While hashtags in descriptions had less impact than hashtags in comments, that’s likely to change!
Titles can also contain hashtags to facilitate clicks. And “if the title does not contain any hashtags, the first three hashtags in the description appear above the video title” (read more on Google).
Best Practice: Test and Observe the Results!
On Instagram, for example, you can use 8 hashtags on one post, 10 on the next, and 2 on the one after that. Vary the number of hashtags and their placement from post to post (at the beginning, in the text, at the end...).
The important thing is to choose hashtags that are relevant to your content to remain consistent and reinforce the message.
You now have all the keys to integrating hashtags into your digital communication strategy on social media.
Using hashtags is a powerful tool to increase your visibility, strengthen your brand’s reputation, and boost engagement on social media.
Still have questions about managing your social media? Give us a call!
EyeOnline agency Web marketing & operational marketing in France