#Hashtagfun: 10 Facts You Never Knew About the Hashtag Symbol
Image created by Shola Kaffo
Introduction
Did you know the hashtag started as a nerdy suggestion and ended up changing how we talk online?
Hashtags are everywhere. From your Instagram captions to global movements, that little “#” symbol has become an integral part of how we connect online.
But have you ever wondered about the meaning of hashtags or why they’re so impactful?
Here are 10 fun facts about hashtags that might make you see them in a whole new light. Whether you’re a social media pro or love scrolling through trending topics. Let’s dive in…
1. Hashtag Has a Quirky Name
Believe it or not, the hashtag’s original name was the octothorpe! In the 1960s, telephone engineers at Bell Labs gave it this quirky name.
The name references the eight points surrounding the symbol.
But why “thorpe”? Theories range from honoring Olympian Jim Thorpe to simply being a bit random.
Whatever the case, “octothorpe” was a far cry from the sleek, social-media-savvy term we use today.
2. Hashtag Symbol Has Other Names
Depending on where you are in the world, the “#” symbol has different names. Americans often called it the “pound sign” (thanks, telephones!), while Brits know it as the “hash.”
In music, it’s a sharp symbol and called a hash in coding. This versatility helped pave the way for the hashtag to become a global superstar.
3. The Hashtag Was Born on Twitter
Hashtags as we know them today were born on Twitter in 2007, thanks to Chris Messina, a tech innovator. He suggested using the “#” symbol to group tweets on similar topics. #barcamp was his first hashtag for a tech conference.
Twitter thought the idea was too techy for social media. But users embraced it, and soon, hashtags became an essential part of social media culture.
4. Hashtags Prove a Point
When Chris Messina pitched his hashtag idea, Twitter wasn’t sold. They believed people wouldn’t use such a complex tool.
But users began using hashtags like #sandiegofire to share real-time updates during the 2007 San Diego wildfires. Proving the hashtag symbol’s usefulness in organizing information. The rest is history.
5. Hashtags Create Communities
Did you know hashtags connect people worldwide? What a powerful symbol! Whether it’s #Kpop fans geeking out over a new album or foodies sharing recipes under #foodporn.
Hashtags create communities around shared interests and are universally recognized.
6. #Love - Most Used Hashtag of All Time
Feeling the love? So does the internet. #Love is the most-used hashtag ever, appearing in billions of posts across platforms.
Other trending hashtag examples are #photooftheday and #instagood. #tbt (Throwback Thursday) also ranks among the best hashtags for boosting engagement.
So next time you’re looking for likes, sprinkle in a little #love.
7. Hashtags Go Viral
Hashtags aren’t only fun—they can be powerful. Campaigns like the #IceBucketChallenge raised over $115 million for ALS research.
#BlackLivesMatter also sparked global conversations about racial justice.
Hashtags like these prove that a small symbol can create a massive social impact.
8. Hashtags Aren’t Only for Social Media
Think hashtags are only for Instagram and Twitter? Think again. Hashtags have made their way into everyday life, not only in social media.
From wedding hashtags like #ForeverSmith2024 to marketing campaigns and even TV shows. You’ve seen hashtags on billboards, T-shirts, and even cakes!
They’ve become a branding tool beyond the digital space.
9. Hashtags Can be Creative
Not all hashtags are short and sweet. Some people love creating long, funny tags like #ILovePizzaMoreThanPeople or #ThingsICantDoButWishICould.
These witty, over-the-top hashtags might not be trending but they’re indeed memorable!
10. Hashtag World Records
Yes, hashtags have world records! The most-used hashtag in 24 hours was #AlDubEBTamangPanahon.
A hashtag for a Filipino TV show, used over 40 million times in a single day. Talk about trending!
What is Hashtag Used for?
Now that we’ve shared some fun facts, let’s talk about what hashtags are used for.
Simply put, hashtags group content together. It makes it easy to find words relevant to certain keywords.
For example, a word or phrase becomes clickable when you add a “#” in front of a word or phrase (without spaces).
Clicking on a hashtag shows you all the posts using the same tag.
Why Hashtags are Important
Hashtags are important because they help your content reach a wider audience. Using the best hashtags can boost your visibility.
The use of hashtags in social media makes it easy to find keywords or trending topics.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to trend or trying to join a conversation, use the hashtag symbol.
Pro tip: Keep your hashtags relevant and specific for maximum impact.
Conclusion
Who knew the humble hashtag had such a rich history and global influence? From its quirky beginnings as the octothorpe to sparking viral movements.
The hashtag is proof that even small symbols can make a big impact.
So next time you use a hashtag, remember its fascinating journey.
Don’t forget to share your favorite hashtags in the comments below! #HashtagFun