You Don’t Need 100 Hashtags - You Need the Right Ones

Hashtags still matter, but not like they used to. In 2025, the key is fewer, smarter, and more relevant tags chosen for each platform. Here’s how to pick them wisely.

There was a time when hashtags were the secret weapon of social media. Add a long list of them and your post would suddenly reach hundreds of new people. But those days are gone.

Now, hashtags play a quieter role. They still help people find you, but they work best when they’re relevant, intentional, and tailored to your audience.

Let’s look at how hashtags have changed, how they still help, and what “the right ones” look like in 2025.

What’s Changed (and What’s Stayed the Same)

Algorithms care more about signals than tags

Platforms now focus on how your content performs - things like watch time, saves, comments, and shares. Hashtags help the platform understand what your post is about, but they don’t guarantee reach anymore.

Generic tags get lost in the crowd

Tags like #love, #instagood or #photooftheday are so oversaturated that your post disappears within seconds. The more specific and relevant your hashtags, the better your chance of being discovered by the right people.

Each platform treats hashtags differently

• Instagram: You can still use up to 30 hashtags, but many social media experts recommend using fewer - usually between 3 and 10 well-chosen ones.

• TikTok: Works best with a handful of focused hashtags, usually 3 to 5, that help the algorithm categorise your content.

• X (Twitter): Hashtags are still fine in organic posts, but they are now banned in paid ads as of 2025.

• LinkedIn: Still encourages light hashtag use (3 to 5), but prefers natural, relevant tagging.

Hashtags now help with classification, not amplification

Think of hashtags as signposts. They tell the algorithm where your content belongs, but they no longer act like a loudspeaker to boost your reach.

Some hashtags can be hidden or blocked

Platforms occasionally hide hashtags linked to sensitive or political content, so it’s worth checking that your tags are visible and active before you use them.

How to Choose the Right Hashtags

Here’s a simple formula that works in 2025:

1. Be relevant: Only use hashtags that truly match your post. If it’s not connected, skip it.

2. Mix broad, niche, and branded

   • Broad: one or two widely used tags that describe your industry

   • Niche: more specific tags that reach your real audience (think what are people searching for?)

   • Branded: your own business or campaign tag

3. Use fewer, with purpose: Around 3 to 10 hashtags is enough on most platforms. Quality matters more than quantity.

4. Rotate your sets: Don’t copy and paste the same block of hashtags every time. Create a few different sets and switch them up.

5. Only join trends when they fit: Trending hashtags are great if they make sense for your content. If not, forcing them in can make your post feel out of place.

6. Track what works: Keep an eye on which hashtags bring real engagement or reach. Over time, you’ll see patterns and can refine your list.

Let’s say your post is about “5 simple ways to get ready for the new tax year.”

Here’s how your hashtags might look:

• Broad: #AccountingTips

• Niche: #SmallBusinessFinance

• Local or industry: #UKAccountant or #MidlandsBusiness

• Branded: #YourFirmName or #ABCAccounting

• Optional: #TaxYear2025 (only if it’s relevant at the time)

This small, targeted mix may help your post reach people who actually need accounting support - rather than getting lost among thousands of generic #business posts. But the key here is to experiment.

The Takeaway

Hashtags still have a place in your strategy, but they’re no longer the shortcut to growth they once were.

They’re one piece of the puzzle - a way to help your posts reach the right people, not everyone.

So don’t waste time trying to fill every character limit. Focus on the right hashtags, not the most hashtags.

Let’s make it simple: We help businesses build smarter social media strategies - including hashtag research that actually makes sense for your brand.

Get in touch here to start building your visibility with a strategy that works.