Once upon a time, Twitter hashtags were the lifeblood of trending topics and viral discussions on the social platform. They helped organize the swell of tweets, allowing users to join global conversations with a simple ‘#’ symbol.
But the social media platform is shifting, and hashtags aren’t the force they once were. Let me explain why it has changed with X and how hashtags have died.
Table of Contents
First, What Is A Hashtag?
A hashtag is when you place a # in front of a word or phrase, then it becomes linked to all of the other posts that include it. Including a hashtag gives your post context and allows people to easily follow topics that they’re interested in.
These hashtags began way back in 2007 as an innovative way to group content.
Why Were Twitter Hashtags Important?
Why were popular Twitter hashtags important? They were used to help your posts go viral as they may be seen by more people in the feed. Not only that but you increased your engagement with others on the old Twitter social network.
People love connecting with others when something is trending and is a hot topic of the day. Oftentimes they will repost your posts if they agreed with your perspective on the issue of the day or like what you had posted.
Hashtags Are Ugly
Back in December of 2024 Elon Musk posted that X Twitter hashtags are ugly and asked users not to use them. They do make the feed look messy today as the social platform is all about engagement.
Hashtags have been slowly dying ever since not only on X but most social media platforms today except for Instagram.
Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly. https://t.co/GKEp1v1wiB
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2024
X Twitter Removes Trending Hashtags
This trend of Twitter removing trending hashtags began back in 2022 after Elon purchased the network and changed it’s name to X. (It was named after his youngest son, X.)
Changing User Engagement Patterns
Today’s X is a fast-moving river of information, and user behavior has evolved. Over time, the effectiveness of hashtags dwindled.
As users became more concerned with immediate news snippets and less with hashtagged conversations, the shift began. People now seek personalized content curated by algorithms rather than relying on a hashtag to find their friends and colleagues content.
The Rise of Algorithm-Driven Feeds Over X Twitter Hashtags
X’s move to algorithmic timelines was a game-changer. Instead of a chronological feed, users get suggested content based on interests and interactions.
This shift diluted the prominence of hashtags. When algorithms prioritize content, hashtags lose their special status.
The Role of Advanced Search and Topic Features on X
X’s search features have grown up too. With advanced search and topic listings, finding your relevant content hasn’t been easier.
Do you need the latest on a trending news item? Just hit the search bar.
No hashtag needed. X even suggests topics, steering users toward key discussions without relying on hashtag-driven searches.
The Problem of Hashtag Spamming
Some users took hashtags to an extreme, spamming posts with countless tags. This overkill led to cluttered feeds and user fatigue.
Rather than enlightening, many hashtags became noise, making it harder for genuine content to stand out amidst the digital chaos.
Decreasing Trust in Hashtag Credibility
Hashtag hijacking—when users use popular tags to push unrelated content—led to skepticism. Users now approach trending hashtags cautiously, aware that not all is as it seems.
As hashtags lose their luster, marketers and users are embracing new methods to engage their audiences.
Emergence of Influencer and Direct Engagement
Influencers aren’t just a trend; they’re reshaping how brands communicate. Users now flock to individuals for insight and entertainment, turning away from generic hashtag conversations.
Direct engagement with influencers creates a sense of connection that impersonal hashtags can’t match.
Utilizing X’s New Features
X isn’t just about what’s trending now. Features like X Spaces provide fresh avenues for interaction.
These platforms allow for real-time discussions and visual storytelling without relying on hashtags to gather listeners or viewers. Brands and users alike are tapping these features to engage in more dynamic ways.
Another newer feature is the highlight tab on users profiles. You can put your best posts there to highlight them for great visiblity.
Using X Twitter Hashtags For Chats Only Today
Using Twitter hashtags in the old format of Twitter chats are still important because they help to categorize and organize conversations. By including relevant hashtags, participants can easily find and join discussions on specific topics of interest.
I did a test in a chat several months ago where I did not use the Twitter hashtags and I was still able to participate in it. However, the admin shared it on a website my posts would not show up.
Conclusion: The Death of Twitter Hashtags on X and other Social Media Platforms
As we wave goodbye to the classic Twitter hashtag, it’s clear social media is changing fast. No longer the go-to tool for trends, hashtags on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) now take a backseat to algorithms and personalized feeds.
So, what does this mean for you? Content discovery relies more on what your followers like and engage with, rather than simple tags.
It’s time to rethink how you position your message. Focus instead on creating engaging content that invites interaction. You might even be paid by X for it.
Ask questions. Share stories. Build real connections.
Reply to other’s posts often. That’s how to build those real connections and your network.
Don’t forget to follow me on X as well for X updates, tips and tricks.