How Do Hashtags Work?

When you include a hashtag in your caption or comment, it tells the platform to index your post alongside others using the same tag. Anyone who taps or searches the hashtag will see a feed of public posts using it. This makes hashtags a powerful tool for improving discoverability, especially on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Marketers often use hashtags to track campaign engagement or generate buzz. For example, a Gleam contest might ask participants to post with a hashtag so entries are visible and searchable. This not only increases campaign reach but also builds community through shared visibility.