An informative guide by LMB Online.
In the fast-moving world of social media, one question continues to surface: Are hashtags still relevant? With platforms frequently updating their algorithms and users changing how they search and interact with content, it’s understandable that brands and businesses seek clarity.
At LMB Online, we work in the digital space daily, and here’s what we can confidently say: hashtags are still useful — just not in the same way they once were.
The Evolution of Hashtags
Hashtags were first introduced to help categorise content, making it easier for users to discover posts through search. Over time, they became a key tactic for increasing reach, boosting visibility, and joining trending conversations. But as social platforms have evolved, their algorithms have become more interest-focused, recommending content based on behaviour rather than simply on the hashtags used.
This shift hasn’t rendered hashtags irrelevant — it has simply transformed their purpose.
Hashtags on Instagram: Still Valuable, But Not Everything
Instagram remains the platform where hashtags hold the most value. Many users still browse and follow hashtags to explore specific interests, and businesses can benefit from appearing in niche hashtag categories. However, Instagram’s current recommendation system leans heavily on user behaviour, not purely on hashtag selection.
This means:
- Using 5–10 relevant, niche hashtags is more effective than using 25+ broad ones
- Hashtags help Instagram understand and categorise your content
- Engagement, watch time, saves, comments, and shares now influence reach far more than hashtags
In simple terms, hashtags support your strategy — they are not the strategy.
Hashtags on Facebook: Less Impactful, But Not Pointless
Facebook has never relied heavily on hashtags. Its content discovery is driven more by groups, shares, and recommendations. Hashtags can still help in certain contexts — especially during campaigns, events, or community discussions — but they won’t dramatically increase your reach.
Use hashtags on Facebook:
- To link posts from a branded campaign (#LMBOnlineTips)
- To participate in event- or awareness-day conversations
- To organise content across your page
However, don’t expect hashtags to be a major driver of organic growth on Facebook.
High-Quality Content Always Performs Best.
Even with perfectly chosen hashtags, content that lacks value simply won’t perform well.
Both Instagram and Facebook prioritise posts that:
- capture attention and hold it
- provide genuine value — whether educational, entertaining, or inspiring
- look polished, professional, and mobile-friendly
At LMB Online, we remind our clients that hashtags enhance your content, but they cannot replace strong content.
Best Practice for Using Hashtags in 2026
On Instagram
- Use 5–10 meaningful and specific hashtags
- Prioritise niche tags (for example, #PEWebDesign rather than #WebDesign)
- Include your branded hashtags where relevant
- Place hashtags either at the end of your caption or in the first comment — both are acceptable
On Facebook
- Use 1–3 hashtags
- Focus on branded or campaign-specific hashtags
- Keep them clear, relevant, and easy to read
So, Are Hashtags Still Relevant?
Yes — but their role has changed. They’re no longer the primary tool for reaching a wider audience, but they remain useful for categorisation, discoverability, and brand consistency. When combined with high-quality content, a thoughtful posting strategy, strong visuals, and consistent engagement, hashtags can still play a valuable part in your social media approach.
At LMB Online, we stay ahead of digital trends so you can focus on your business. If you’re unsure about how to use hashtags effectively or need a customised strategy, our team is here to guide you through the ever-changing digital landscape.
