The optimal number of hashtags per social media post varies by platform, depending on audience behavior, platform design, and algorithmic emphasis. While hashtags enhance discoverability and engagement, overusing them can appear spammy or reduce authenticity. Below is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide derived from both responses.

1. Instagram

Recommended: 5–11 hashtags per post.
Rationale: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but using the maximum can seem excessive. Research shows engagement is highest when posts include a balanced number of thoughtfully chosen hashtags.
Best Practice: Mix popular, moderately competitive, and niche hashtags to target both broad and specific audiences.

2. Facebook

Recommended: 1–2 hashtags per post.
Rationale: Hashtags are less integral to discovery on Facebook; posts with too many can appear cluttered or overly promotional.
Best Practice: Limit to one or two meaningful tags relevant to the post’s topic or campaign.

3. Twitter (X)
Recommended: 1–3 hashtags per tweet.
Rationale: Given Twitter’s character constraints, clarity and brevity are key. Hashtags help discovery when used sparingly and strategically.
Best Practice: Choose high-impact hashtags relevant to your audience or trending topics, but avoid overloading the tweet.

4. TikTok
Recommended: 3–5 hashtags per post.
Rationale: Hashtags fuel content discovery on TikTok via its “For You” algorithm. A mix of niche, trending, and branded hashtags can improve visibility.
Best Practice: Combine one or two broad/trending tags with several niche or brand-specific ones that describe your content accurately.

5. LinkedIn

Recommended: 2–3 hashtags per post.

Rationale: LinkedIn uses hashtags for topic categorization and professional reach. Too many can reduce the post’s credibility in a professional context.
Best Practice: Focus on industry-specific and professional hashtags aligned with your business or expertise.

6. Overarching Hashtag Strategy
Relevance First: Always prioritize hashtags that directly relate to your content and audience—irrelevant tags can hurt credibility.
Branded Hashtags: Creating a unique hashtag tied to your brand or campaign can strengthen community engagement and recognition.

Mix Broad and Niche Tags: Use a combination to balance discoverability among large audiences and targeted segments.
Consistency: Maintain a unified hashtag strategy across platforms to reinforce brand identity.
Performance Tracking: Regularly review analytics (impressions, engagement, reach) to refine your hashtag usage and identify what works best.

Summary Table

Bottom line:

Use hashtags strategically—prioritize relevance, balance quantity, and tailor your approach to each platform’s culture and algorithmic dynamics. Quality, not quantity, drives effective hashtag performance.