What Is a Hashtag on X?

A hashtag is a word or phrase that starts with the # sign, such as #buildinpublic. Clicking it shows other posts that use the same tag, so it groups conversation around a topic. Hashtags can go anywhere in a post, and spaces or punctuation break them, according to X's help page on hashtags.

Example

"Shipped dark mode today after 40 user requests. #buildinpublic" Anyone browsing #buildinpublic can find the post, alongside others sharing their progress.

Why it matters for growth

• Use them sparingly. X's help centre recommends no more than two hashtags per post as best practice, while allowing as many as you like.
• Their role has shrunk. Elon Musk said in December 2024 that X no longer needs hashtags and that they look ugly, as FOX 5 reported, and in June 2025 he said they would be barred from X ads, per Business Today. X's help page still recommends up to two, so the official guidance and the owner's comments point in slightly different directions.
• Clear words do the work. X's search and recommendations read the text of your post, so naming your topic plainly helps the right readers find you.

A good use today: a single, well-known community tag (like #buildinpublic) or an event tag people actively follow.

Related terms

• Trends
• Niche
• Algorithm
• Hook
• Impressions

Frequently asked questions

How many hashtags should I use on X?

Zero to two. X's own guidance caps the recommendation at two, and many growth-focused accounts now use none.

Do hashtags help posts reach more people?

A relevant, active tag can help people browsing that tag find you. Most reach on X comes from the algorithm showing posts to people likely to engage, which depends far more on the post itself.

Last checked November 2026.

Check your post's length, hashtags and readability in the post checker.