Ah, hashtags. Those tiny little pound signs that once promised big visibility. Remember when we used to stuff our Instagram captions with 30 of them and hope the algorithm gods would smile upon us?

Fast-forward to 2025, and the question I get asked most about social media is:
“Are hashtags even still a thing?”

And the answer? Well… it’s complicated. But I’m here to break it down, simplify the mess, and help you figure out whether hashtags are worth your precious time (spoiler: only a little bit).

Let’s Rewind: The Hashtag Glory Days

Once upon a time, hashtags were one of the best ways to get found on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Throw in the right combo of tags, cross your fingers, and boom—you might end up on the Explore page or trending feed.

Even LinkedIn and Facebook flirted with hashtags for a while. (Keyword: flirted. They never really committed.)

But here in 2025, algorithms are way smarter. They’re scanning your captions, video voiceovers, on-screen text—even your comments and replies. Which means hashtags aren’t quite the marketing superstars they used to be.

Think of hashtags now like seasoning in a good recipe: They help—but they’re not the whole meal.

So… Should You Still Use Hashtags?

Yes—but with strategy, intention, and a lot less fuss. Let’s break it down platform by platform:

✅ Instagram in 2025

• Stick to 3–5 highly relevant hashtags

• Choose niche tags over broad ones (#womensupportingwomen is too generic)

• Hashtags help categorise your content—but captions and engagement matter more

• Reels and new accounts still benefit from strategic hashtag use

✅ TikTok in 2025

• Use 1–3 specific, niche hashtags

• Prioritise keywords in your captions over hashtags

• Say your keywords in the video and include them in on-screen text

• Forget #fyp and #foryou – they’re noise, not strategy

✅ LinkedIn in 2025

• Use 2–5 relevant, industry-based hashtags

• Stick to tags like #MarketingTips or #SmallBusinessAustralia

• Avoid hashtags used for jokes or fluff—they won’t help and can feel outdated

❌ Facebook in 2025

• Honestly? Don’t stress.

• Use 1 or 2 only if you’re cross-posting from another platform

• Facebook never really made hashtags “a thing,” and 2025 hasn’t changed that

What To Do Instead of Relying on Hashtags

If hashtags aren’t the hero anymore, what is?

1. Keyword-Rich Captions

Algorithms read your captions now. So write with both humans and search engines in mind.
Think:
✅ “How to style a winter capsule wardrobe”
vs.
❌ “Cute jumper for cold days”

Want more on this? Check out Episode 315 of the podcast—it’s a goodie.

2. Strong Hooks

That first line of your caption? GOLD. Make it scroll-stopping. The algorithm watches how long people pause.

3. Encourage Saves and Shares

Forget chasing likes. Ask for:

• “Save this for later”

• “Tag a friend who needs this”

• “Which one would you choose?”

These interactions tell the algorithm your content’s valuable.

4. On-Screen Text + Keywords

Especially on Reels and TikToks. Algorithms read your video’s text, and bonus—it improves accessibility too.

5. Consistency Over Everything

You’ve heard me say it before: a smart post with zero hashtags will always beat a meh post with 30. Just show up consistently with value—that’s the magic.

So… Are Hashtags Dead?

Nope. But they’re definitely not the main strategy anymore.

They’re your support act, not your headline performer.

Your 2025 Hashtag Takeaways:

✅ Use fewer, better hashtags – aim for 3–5
✅ Focus on content, context, and keywords
✅ Stop stressing if hashtags aren’t delivering traffic—the algorithm is watching everything else now

Final Thought: Don’t Forget What Actually Matters

Your message, your voice, and your value will always matter more than hashtags ever will.

So, if you’ve been clinging to the hope that hashtags will magically grow your account—it’s time for a mindset shift. Let go of the fluff. Embrace strategy. And keep creating content that connects.

💬 Come tell me your thoughts in the Like Minded Business Owners Facebook group or book in an Hour of Power if you want to workshop your 2025 content strategy together.

And as always, lovely, remember: there’s no point in dreaming small.

—

Written by Jenn Donovan – marketing mentor, speaker, and host of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast. Helping small biz owners grow with purpose, not pressure. Let’s connect on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.