🏷️ HASHTAGS

Hashtags are everywhere — on Instagram captions, TikTok videos, YouTube descriptions, even LinkedIn posts. But what do they really do? And how can you use them strategically instead of just spraying them like digital confetti?

This guide breaks down what hashtags are, how they work, when to use them, where they work best, and real examples for SMACC creators to follow.

What is a Hashtag?

A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol (e.g. #travelvlog, #behindthescenes). On social media platforms, hashtags turn content into searchable, categorized posts. Think of them like folders or filters that connect your post to a broader conversation or trend.

They help you:

• Get discovered by new audiences
• Join trending topics
• Improve search visibility
• Participate in challenges, causes, and communities

📱 Where to Use Hashtags (Platform by Platform)

📸 

Instagram

• ✅ Use: Up to 30 hashtags per post (optimal: 5–11)
• ✅ Where: In the caption or the first comment
• ✅ Purpose: Reach niche communities, boost discovery on Explore
• ✅ Example: #FoodiePortugal, #AlbufeiraLife, #DigitalNomads

🎵 

TikTok

• ✅ Use: 3–6 well-targeted hashtags
• ✅ Where: In the video description
• ✅ Purpose: Trigger the algorithm to place your video in the right “interest bubble”
• ✅ Use trending hashtags for virality: #FYP, #viral, #portugallife
• ✅ Example: #DayInTheLife, #VanLifePortugal, #SmallCreator

🐦 

X (Twitter)

• ✅ Use: 1–2 hashtags per post (more looks spammy)
• ✅ Purpose: Tie into real-time trends and events
• ✅ Best for: News, commentary, cultural conversations
• ✅ Example: #SMACC, #InfluencerTips, #PortugalNow

📘 

Facebook

• ✅ Use: 1–2 relevant hashtags (less is more)
• ✅ Effectiveness: Lower than Instagram/TikTok, but helpful for grouping event or campaign posts
• ✅ Example: #CasaDaMondo, #AlgarveEvents

🔗 

LinkedIn

• ✅ Use: 3–5 hashtags
• ✅ Where: At the end of your post
• ✅ Purpose: Position your post in professional topic feeds
• ✅ Example: #CreatorEconomy, #DigitalMarketing, #BrandCollab

📺 

YouTube

• ✅ Use: 3–5 hashtags
• ✅ Where: In the video description or video title
• ✅ Purpose: Boost search visibility and trending relevance
• ✅ Example: #AlbufeiraVlog, #PortugueseLifestyle, #InfluencerTips

✅ Pros of Using Hashtags

⚠️ Cons & Mistakes to Avoid

🧠 Pro Tips for SMACC Creators

• 🔍 Research your hashtags using tools like RiteTag, Hashtagify, or Later
• 🧩 Mix broad (#travel) and niche (#AlgarveFamilyTravel) tags
• 📁 Create your own branded hashtag (e.g. #SMACCSundays, #CasaDaMondo)
• 📊 Track performance using Instagram Insights, TikTok Analytics, or YouTube Studio

✍️ Real-Life Example (Instagram)

Post: Behind-the-scenes at a kids’ cooking class in Albufeira

Caption:

“Today’s junior chefs made Portuguese custard tarts from scratch 🍮🧑‍🍳 Proud of every single one of them! #EatLearnPlay #AlbufeiraKids #PlayAlbufeira #FamilyFunPortugal #FoodiePortugal”

✅ Strong niche tags

✅ Brand hashtags

✅ Location-specific

✅ Discovery friendly

📌 Final Word: Use Hashtags With Purpose

Hashtags are free traffic and visibility tools — when used wisely. Don’t use them because you feel you have to. Use them because they connect your content with the right people, the right moments, and the right communities.

If you’re a SMACC creator, try experimenting with niche and branded hashtags over the next 7 days — and share what works best in the community.