The Hashtag: #History

A hashtag is a type of metadata tag used on social networks such as Twitter and other microblogging services. It lets users apply dynamic, user-generated tagging which makes it possible for others to easily find messages with a specific theme or content.

Origin

The pound sign or hash symbol (#) describes the tag. The use of the hash sign in online relay chat (IRC) to label groups and topics inspired Chris Messina, a social technology expert, to propose a similar system to be used on Twitter to tag topics of interest in a microblogging network. He posted the first hashtag on Twitter:

> "how do you feel about using # (pound) for groups. As in #barcamp [msg]?" — Chris Messina, August 23, 2007

Twitter initially rejected the idea as "too nerdy", but it was eventually adopted by users and then supported by the platform's code.

Adoption by Instagram

When Instagram launched, it adopted hashtags immediately as the primary way to organize content. Unlike Twitter, where hashtags are used for conversation, on Instagram they are used for visual discovery. Users often use many hashtags (up to 30) to maximize the visibility of their photos.

Cultural Impact

Hashtags have moved beyond technology into everyday speech and culture.

• Activism: #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, #IceBucketChallenge.
• Marketing: Brands create custom hashtags for campaigns.
• Slang: People say "hashtag" in spoken conversation for emphasis (e.g., "hashtag blessed").