Are Hashtags Still Relevant in 2025? How to Boost Your Social Media Visibility and Engagement by Understanding the Latest 'Rules'.
- XJ Media
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Hashtags remain a very effective tool for increasing visibility and engagement on social media platforms in 2025. For small and medium businesses throughout the UK, understanding how to use hashtags strategically can make a significant difference in reaching the right audience and growing online presence. This post explores the evolving role of hashtags, backed by recent statistics and expert opinions, and offers practical tips tailored to current social media trends.
1. Why Social Media Hashtags Still Matter in 2025
Hashtags started as a simple way to group content but have grown into powerful tools that influence how content is discovered and shared. In 2025, hashtags continue to play a crucial role in social media management and digital marketing strategies.
According to a 2024 report by Statista, posts with at least one hashtag receive 12.6% more engagement on average across platforms.
A survey by Social Media Today found that 78% of marketers believe hashtags help increase brand awareness.
Hashtags improve content discoverability, especially for small businesses competing in crowded markets.
For UK small and medium businesses, using hashtags effectively can level the playing field against larger competitors by targeting niche communities and local audiences.
2. How Hashtags Increase Visibility and Engagement
Hashtags act as keywords that categorise content, making it easier for users interested in specific topics to find posts. This categorisation boosts organic reach beyond existing followers.
On Instagram, posts with 5-10 relevant hashtags tend to get the highest engagement.
Twitter hashtags can trend locally or globally, providing opportunities for timely exposure.
TikTok’s algorithm uses hashtags to recommend videos to users based on their interests, making hashtags essential for viral potential.
Engagement increases because hashtags connect content with active communities. For example, a Cambridgeshire company using local hashtags like #CambridgeBusiness or #CambridgeshireEvents can attract nearby customers and partners.
3. The Evolution of Hashtags Across Platforms
Hashtags are not used the same way on every platform. Understanding these differences helps businesses tailor their approach.
Instagram remains hashtag-heavy. Users can follow hashtags, and the platform allows up to 30 hashtags per post, though 5-10 targeted ones work best. Hashtags here help with discovery in Explore feeds and niche communities.
Twitter hashtags are more event and conversation-driven. Trending hashtags can provide bursts of visibility but require timely and relevant content. Using 1-2 hashtags per tweet is optimal to avoid clutter.
TikTok
TikTok uses hashtags to feed content into interest-based streams. Hashtags like #ForYou or #FYP are popular but less effective than niche or challenge-specific tags. TikTok encourages creativity with hashtag challenges that can boost engagement dramatically.
Hashtags on Facebook play a smaller role compared to other platforms. While they are clickable and can group posts on similar topics, users rarely search or engage through hashtags. Overusing them can even reduce reach, as Facebook’s algorithm prioritises natural, conversational content. One or two well-chosen hashtags related to your topic or campaign are sufficient, especially when paired with strong visuals or engaging copy.
4. Recent Statistics and Expert Opinions on Hashtag Usage
Experts agree that hashtags remain relevant but must be used thoughtfully.
Xavier Dent of XJ Media, a digital marketing agency, advises focusing on relevance over quantity: “Using too many hashtags dilutes your message and can appear spammy.”
A 2024 HubSpot study found that posts with highly specific hashtags receive 22% more engagement than those with generic tags.
Research from Sprout Social shows that branded hashtags increase user-generated content by 35%, helping build community.
For small businesses, this means choosing hashtags that reflect their brand, products, and local area rather than generic popular tags.
5. Practical Tips for Effective Hashtag Strategies in 2025
Here are actionable tips to help UK small and medium businesses make the most of hashtags:
Research Your Audience: Use tools like Instagram Insights or Twitter Analytics to find hashtags your target audience follows.
Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags: Combine broad hashtags (#Coffee) with specific ones (#CambridgeCoffeeLovers) to reach both large and focused groups.
Create Branded Hashtags: Develop unique hashtags for campaigns or your business name to encourage user participation.
Keep Hashtags Relevant: Avoid unrelated tags just for reach; this can harm engagement and credibility.
Monitor Hashtag Performance: Track which hashtags drive the most engagement and adjust your strategy regularly.
Use Location-Based Hashtags: For local businesses, including city or region tags helps attract nearby customers.
Engage with Hashtag Communities: Comment and interact on posts within your hashtag groups to build relationships.
6. How a UK Marketing Agency Can Help
Managing hashtags effectively requires time and expertise. A marketing agency, such as XJ Media, can support your businesses by:
Conducting hashtag research tailored to your industry and audience.
Creating content calendars that integrate hashtag strategies.
Monitoring trends and adjusting hashtags to stay relevant.
Providing insights through analytics to improve social media management.
Partnering with local experts ensures your hashtag use aligns with broader digital marketing goals and maximises return on investment.
Hashtags remain a vital part of social media in 2025. They help small and medium businesses increase visibility, connect with audiences, and boost engagement when used strategically. By understanding platform differences, applying recent insights, and following practical tips, businesses can build stronger online communities and grow their presence.
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