How to Tag a Topic on Threads

Adding a topic tag to your Threads post is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to get more eyes on your content. These tags act like signposts, guiding new audiences to your posts and helping you join much larger conversations happening on the platform. This guide breaks down exactly how to tag a topic, the difference between topics and hashtags, and provides actionable strategies for using them to boost your brand's visibility and engagement.

Why Topic Tags are a Game-Changer on Threads

Unlike traditional hashtags on other platforms that can often feel like shouting into the void, topic tags on Threads are more structured and functional. Meta designed them specifically to improve content discovery and create more organized discussions. Tapping on a tag takes you to a dedicated feed for that specific topic, creating a curated stream of relevant content. For creators and marketers, this is a huge opportunity.

Here’s why you should be using a topic tag on every relevant post:

• Boosts Discoverability: When you add a tag like #socialmediamarketing to your post, it doesn't just sit there. Your post now instantly appears in a feed for anyone else who views or searches for that topic. This places your content directly in front of people already interested in what you have to say, dramatically expanding your reach beyond just your current followers.
• Joins Relevant Conversations: Brands grow when they become part of a community, not just when they broadcast messages. Topic tags are your ticket into ongoing discussions. Sharing insights with the #smallbusinessowner tag or joining a conversation about #digitalart connects you with active communities, establishing your credibility and building relationships.
• Adds Immediate Context: A topic tag gives your audience an at-a-glance understanding of your post's subject matter. For those scrolling quickly, a tag like #productivityhacks or #bookrecommendations clarifies the value of your post before they even read the full text, making them more likely to stop and engage.

How to Tag a Topic on Threads: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a tag is incredibly straightforward, and Threads gives you two easy ways to do it. The key difference from other platforms? You can only add one topic tag per post. This forces you to be strategic and pick the most relevant topic for your content.

Method 1: Using the Tag Icon (The '#' Button)

This is the official, Threads-native way to incorporate a topic into your post. The platform makes it super easy to find.

1. Start a new thread by tapping the center icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Write your post, include your image or video, and add your links.
3. Once your content is ready, tap the # icon, which appears underneath your text block.
4. A new screen will pop up with the prompt "Tag a topic." Start typing your desired topic. For example, if you write "social," Threads will suggest popular topics like "social media," "socialmediamarketing," and "social justice."
5. Select the topic that best fits your post from the list of suggestions. The tag will be added to your post as a clean, clickable button.
6. Hit "Post," and you're done!

Pro Tip: Browse the suggested topics as you type. You might discover a more active or relevant topic than the one you initially planned to use.

Method 2: Using the Hashtag Key on Your Keyboard

If you're more accustomed to the old-school hashtagging method, Threads still has you covered. This workflow feels a bit faster for those of us with muscle memory from other platforms.

1. Start a new thread.
2. As you write your caption, simply type the # key on your keyboard.
3. Immediately after typing the '#', start writing your topic without a space (e.g., "#contentstrategy").
4. Just like with the first method, Threads will populate a list of suggested topic tags as you type.
5. Select the appropriate tag from the list. It will transform your text into the official, clickable topic tag button.
6. Remember, even using this method, you are still limited to one tag per post.

Topic Tags vs. Traditional Hashtags: What's the Real Difference?

At first glance, topic tags seem just like hashtags with a fancy new name. But there are crucial distinctions that fundamentally change how you should approach your Threads strategy. Ignoring these differences means you could be leaving engagement on the table.

• The "One Tag" Rule: This is the single biggest difference. On Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), it's common practice to use 5, 10, or even 30 hashtags. On Threads, you are restricted to just one. This limitation is a feature, not a bug. It forces creators to be precise and relevant, preventing the spammy "hashtag stuffing" that can devalue content on other platforms.
• Designed for Curation, Not Just Keywords: A long list of hashtags acts like a collection of keywords for algorithms to scan. A single topic tag acts as a folder for curated conversation. By choosing one topic, you're not just trying to get found - you're deciding which specific conversation you want your post to live in.
• A Clean and Clickable UI: Unlike a block of text-based hashtags, a Threads topic tag is a polished, pill-shaped button that sits neatly at the bottom of your post. It’s an intentional design choice that encourages users to click and see what else is being said on that subject.

Strategies for Choosing and Using Topic Tags Effectively

Now that you know the why and the how, let’s talk strategy. Choosing the right tag is a blend of art and science. A well-chosen tag can make your post fly, while a poorly chosen one leaves it stranded.

1. Balance Broad Appeal with Niche Specificity

You have to make a choice between targeting a massive audience or a highly engaged, smaller one. Neither is inherently better - it depends on your goal for that specific post.

• Broad Tags (High Volume): Topics like #marketing, #technology, or #food have millions of posts and viewers. Using one can give you a lottery ticket for massive exposure if your post is exceptional. The downside is that your content can quickly get buried in a fast-moving, competitive feed.
• Niche Tags (High Intent): Topics like #brandstorytelling, #filmphotography, or #homebrewingtips attract a more dedicated and passionate audience. Your overall reach will be smaller, but the people who see your post are far more likely to be interested, leading to higher-quality engagement.

Actionable Advice: Vary your approach. If you have a piece of content with truly wide appeal, go for the broader tag. If you're sharing an in-depth tip for a specific audience, choose the more niche topic. Review your analytics to see which strategy pays off for your brand.

2. Stay Relevant Above All Else

It can be tempting to jump on a trending topic like #newmusicfriday just to get traffic, even if your post is about financial planning. Don't do it. Users who click into a topic expect to see content relevant to that topic. Posting unrelated content is seen as spammy and can harm your brand's reputation. The best-performing content is an authentic match to your chosen topic tag.

3. Align Tags with Your Core Content Pillars

Sit down and identify 3-5 core themes, or "content pillars," that your brand or profile focuses on. For a content marketing agency, these might be #contentstrategy, #seo, #copywritingtips, and #digitalmarketing. Consistently rotating through a primary set of relevant tags does two things:

• It trains the algorithm to understand what your account is about, which can help it show your content to the right people even outside of topic feeds.
• It builds your authority within those specific niches. When users see your name pop up in the #seo feed again and again with helpful advice, they start to recognize you as an expert.

4. Research Active and Trending Topics

Don't just guess which topics are popular. Use the Threads platform itself as a research tool. Go to the search/explore tab and start typing in keywords related to your industry. Pay attention to the autocomplete suggestions Threads provides - these are often based on popularity and search volume. Seeing what others post in those tags gives creative inspiration and helps you speak the language of the community you want to join.

The Dos and Don'ts of Tagging on Threads

Here’s a quick-hit list to keep your tagging strategy sharp and effective.

Dos:

• Do Use a Tag on Every Relevant Post: It takes seconds and is your best tool for organic discovery.
• Do Double-Check Spelling: A typo in a tag like #socialmedamarketing will send your great post into a lonely void where no one will find it.
• Do Engage Within the Tag Feed: After you post, click your own topic tag. Spend a few minutes replying to and liking other posts in that same feed to build goodwill and attract even more attention to your profile.

Don'ts:

• Don't Be Vague: If you wrote about email marketing, don't use the overly broad tag #business. Get more specific with a tag like #emailmarketing or #newslettertuesday.
• Don't Include Punctuation or Spaces: Topic tags can only contain letters and numbers. A tag like "DIY Projects!" won't work - it should be #diyprojects.
• Don’t Overthink It: The goal is to be consistently visible. Choosing a "good enough" relevant tag is always better than paralysis by analysis and choosing no tag at all.

Final Thoughts

Effectively using topic tags on Threads is a simple skill that delivers disproportionate results. It’s one of the few organic levers we have as marketers to reach new, engaged audiences without spending a dime. By moving beyond just adding a tag and thinking strategically about which specific conversations to join, you transform your Threads profile from a simple broadcast channel into a dynamic hub for community engagement.

Thinking about your topic tags ahead of time is a huge part of a strong content strategy, and it’s something we built directly into Postbase. We found that managing social media in a reactive, chaotic way was draining, so we created a visual content calendar that allows our team to plan all our posts - including Threads captions, images, and topic tags - weeks or months in advance. Seeing it all mapped out in one place helps us align every post with our larger goals and saves countless hours. If you want to plan your content with more intention and less stress, you might find Postbase useful, too.