How to Use Hashtags on Threads

Using hashtags on Threads isn't like anything you've done on Instagram or X. The platform has its own unique system, called tags, that fundamentally changes how you categorize your content and how others discover it. This article breaks down exactly how to use Threads tags, offering step-by-step instructions and strategic advice to help you get your posts seen by the right people.

So, What Exactly Are Threads Tags?

If you're coming from Instagram, you’re used to adding up to 30 hashtags to maximize your reach. On X (formerly Twitter), you might use a few to hop on a trending topic. Threads throws all that out the window. Instead, it introduced "tags,” a simplified, more focused way to label your content.

Here’s the main difference: On Threads, you can only add one tag per post.

That’s it. Just one. This isn't a limitation, it's a design choice meant to improve the quality of conversations and discovery. Instead of a feed cluttered with tangentially related posts found through a dozen spammy hashtags, a Threads tag acts as a specific, user-generated topic page. When someone taps your tag, they find a feed of other posts that are also centered around that single topic. This creates a much cleaner, more relevant experience for everyone.

Think of it less like a traditional hashtag and more like a topic label or a category folder. It's a clear signal telling the algorithm (and other users) precisely what your post is about.

How to Add a Tag to Your Threads Post: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a tag is straightforward, and the app guides you through it. Here’s the process:

1. Compose Your Post: Write your caption and add any images, videos, or links just like you normally would.
2. Start Your Tag: You can either tap the "#" symbol at the bottom of the composer or simply type the "#" key on your keyboard.
3. Type Your Topic: As you begin typing your desired topic, Threads will suggest existing tags. For example, if you start typing "socialmedia," it might suggest #socialmediamarketing or #socialmediatips. Punctuation and spaces are not allowed in tags, though you can create multi-word tags with capitalization like #SocialMediaStrategy.
4. Select or Create a Tag: You can either choose one of the suggested tags from the list or finish typing your own. If your custom tag hasn't been used before, you’ll essentially create it. Once you select it, it will appear as a clickable blue link within your post composer.
5. Publish Your Post: Hit "Post," and your content will go live with the single, clickable tag that routes users to its dedicated topic feed.

Unlike Instagram, where people often hide hashtags in the first comment, your Threads tag has to be in the post itself to function. Its primary job is to be visible and clickable.

A Strategic Guide to Using Threads Tags for Growth

With only one tag at your disposal, being intentional is everything. You can't just throw something on and hope for the best. Your tag choice directly impacts your post's visibility and the kind of audience you attract. Here are some actionable strategies to make your single tag work for you.

1. Make Your Tag the Main Idea

Your one tag should perfectly summarize the central theme of your post. If you're sharing an infographic about Instagram Reel hooks, your tag should be something like #instagramtips or #reelsstrategy. If you're posting a photo of your new coffee shop, #coffeeshoplife or #[YourCity]Coffee would be perfect. Your tag should answer the question: "What is this post about in two or three words?"

This clarity helps Threads show your content to people who have shown interest in that specific topic, increasing the odds of genuine engagement from a relevant audience.

Example:

• Post: "Just dropped a video breaking down the three biggest mistakes brands make when launching on TikTok. Tip #1 is all about underestimating the power of sound..."
• Bad Tag: #marketing
• Good Tag: #tiktokmarketing
• Great Tag: #tiktokforbusiness

2. Know When to Go Broad vs. Niche

The beauty of tags is their scalability. You can choose a broad, high-volume tag or a highly specific, niche one. Neither is inherently better, the right choice depends on your goal.

• Broad Tags (e.g., #digitalmarketing, #tech, #fashion): These tags have massive feeds with thousands of posts being added constantly. Using a broad tag can expose your content to a very large audience, which is great for top-of-funnel brand awareness. However, your post can also get buried quickly among the competition. Use this when your content has universal appeal within a large category.
• Niche Tags (e.g., #conversionratetips, #foundermentalhealth, #sustainablefashionbrands): These are more specific tags with a smaller but more dedicated following. While you might get fewer initial impressions, the audience you do reach is much more likely to be interested in your specific content. This is ideal for connecting with a target audience, building community, and driving high-quality engagement.

3. Do a Little Tag Research

Don't just guess which tags are popular or relevant. Spend a few minutes researching to find the best fit for your post.

• Check Out Competitors and Industry Leaders: See what tags other accounts in your space are using successfully. What topics are they focused on? Tapping on their tags can give you a feel for the conversation happening in those communities.
• Use the Search Function: Head to the Threads search page. It often shows trending topics and tags. You can also type in keywords related to your post to see what tags pop up and how many posts are using them.
• Scroll Your "For You" Feed: Pay attention to the tags on posts that Threads serves you. This is a direct signal of what the algorithm thinks is relevant and is a great source of inspiration for your own content.

4. Create and Foster a Branded Tag

One of the most powerful ways to use tags is to create your own. A branded tag transforms a simple label into a hub for your community and user-generated content (UGC).

This could be for:

• A specific campaign (#MyBrandSummerSale)
• A recurring content series (#WeeklyWednesdayTips)
• A community-building effort (#AppNameCommunity)

Encourage your followers to use your branded tag when they post about your products or participate in a challenge. Over time, that tag becomes a living archive of your brand's impact and a space where your most loyal fans can connect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Threads Tags

Because the system is so new, it’s easy to fall into old habits. Here are a few common missteps to watch out for.

1. Please, No More Hashtag Stuffing

The biggest mistake is treating Threads like Instagram. A post that ends with a paragraph of #hashtags #looks #silly #and #is #totally #ineffective on Threads. It screams that you don't understand the platform's culture and, more importantly, it has zero functional benefit since only the first one might be clickable (and a weird one at that). A single, clean, relevant tag is the norm here.

2. Adding Vague or Mismatched Tags

Using a popular but irrelevant tag just to get views will backfire. For example, slapping #technology on a post about your bakery is not a good look. People who follow that tag will see your post as spam, ignore it, or even hide it. A lower engagement rate from an irrelevant audience tells the algorithm your content isn't a good match for that topic, hurting its overall performance.

3. Forgetting a Tag Altogether

Many users still post on Threads without adding any tag at all. While your followers will still see the post, you're missing out on a huge discovery opportunity. The tag is your primary tool for reaching people who don't follow you yet. Think of it as free, organic advertising for that specific post. Skipping it is like leaving money on the table.

4. Using Tags With Punctuation or Special Characters

Remember, tags are simple. They can't include spaces, apostrophes, commas, or other special characters. Stick to letters and numbers. If you need multiple words, use capitalization to separate them, a common practice known as CamelCase (e.g., #ShopLocalSaturday).

Why One-Tag-Per-Post is Secretly Genius

The single-tag system might seem restrictive, but it creates a healthier and more intentional social media environment.

First, it forces clarity. You can't hedge your bets with 20 different hashtags. You have to decide on the single most important topic of your post, which leads to clearer, more focused content.

Second, it cuts down on spam. The days of finding a recipe post under #workoutmotivation are hopefully numbered on Threads. A single tag makes it much harder for spammers to game the system, leading to higher-quality topic feeds.

Finally, it improves the user experience. When you tap on a tag like #graphicdesign, you can be reasonably confident that the feed will be filled with content about graphic design. This reliability makes exploring new topics and communities a much more rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts

Mastering hashtags on Threads means forgetting almost everything you know about hashtags and embracing the simplicity of a single, powerful tag. By focusing on clarity, choosing your one tag strategically, and avoiding common mistakes, you can use this unique system to connect with a highly relevant audience and thoughtfully grow your presence.

At Postbase, we built our platform to handle the realities of modern social media, where every platform has its own rules. Juggling Instagram’s 30 hashtags, LinkedIn's more professional tags, and Threads' single-tag system can get chaotic fast. That's why we've designed our visual content calendar to let you plan everything in one place, customizing your captions and tags for each social network without losing your mind. It keeps your strategy sharp and your workflow simple, so you can adapt to each platform's best practices effortlessly.