Hashtags have come a long way since their rise in 2007. They’ve been used to gain awareness for global crises, political campaigns, and social movements. Then again, they’ve also been used as nonsensical space-fillers. Here is a breakdown of the latest hashtag usage as we see it.
The Trending Tag
Perhaps the most appropriate use of the hashtag, because it reflects its original intention, is the Trending Tag. These hashtags have gone viral, have become part of Twitter common knowledge, or represent some sort of Twitter tribe.
Examples include: #BringBackOurGirls, #BREAKING, #Beliebers
The Overzealous Hasher
#Tagging #every #word #helps #no #one. Frequently abused by Instagramers, the hashtag can indeed be overused in a post, sabotaging the content. We suggest you keep it to a maximum of 3.
Check out this overzealous example — don’t do this: Going to the #beach! #lovelife #friends #sand #sunsoutgunsout #bff #bikini #roadtrip #selfie
Hieroglyphic Acronym
No one understands acronyms and abbreviations that are too long or infrequently used. So when you’re trying to say “Popcorn & remote in hand… Game of Thrones is the best TV show ever!” – don’t say:
Popcorn + TV + Sunday Night = #GOTITBSE!!!
Instead, go with: Popcorn + TV + Sunday Night = #GoTSeason4!!!
The Irony of It All
Some users like to poke fun at hashtags by using them at inappropriate times. But instead of actually being inappropriate, it’s done to be clever. In these instances, we are okay with #ironichashtags.
For example: Just spilled coffee on my new sweater. Gonna be a great day. #winning
The Run-On
A subset of the ironic hashtag, run-ons are excessive to make a point. The author knows the purpose of hashtags (bringing people together through a feed), knows how to use them (a pound sign in front of usually only 1 word), but wants to rebel and show the most ridiculous way they can be used.
Ex) Boss gave me box seat tickets to the Phillies #bestthingthathashappenedsinceistartedthisjob2yearsago
For the most tasteful and entertaining hashtags, be sure to follow us on Twitter @imbuecreative. #ttyl
