LinkedIn Hashtags in 2025: Do They Still Work? Here’s What the Research Says

Are LinkedIn hashtags still effective in 2025?

As LinkedIn’s algorithm and user behavior evolve, the debate continues about the effectiveness of hashtags. While they remain a useful tool for categorizing content, the latest research suggests that their impact on reach and visibility may not be as significant as previously thought.

Let’s explore the nuanced role of LinkedIn hashtags in 2025, drawing insights from industry reports, expert opinions, and the practices of top creators.

Why LinkedIn? A Platform for Professionals

LinkedIn continues to dominate as a go-to platform for professionals, boasting over 1 billion members globally. It’s a space where businesses thrive, thought leadership blossoms, and connections happen. Key stats to keep in mind:

• Only 7% of LinkedIn users are actively posting content, which means there’s a tremendous opportunity to stand out.
• LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes engagement-driven content, rewarding posts that spark meaningful conversations.

But what role do hashtags play in this increasingly competitive space?

Do LinkedIn Hashtags Still Work?

The short answer is: it depends. Research and industry opinions about LinkedIn hashtags reveal a mixed picture.

What Hashtags Do Well

1. Categorization: Hashtags help classify content, making it discoverable to those searching for or following specific topics.
2. Niche Targeting: Niche hashtags connect you with highly relevant audiences interested in your industry or expertise.
3. Branded Campaigns: Custom hashtags like #YourBrandTips provide a cohesive identity to your content and allow you to track campaign performance.

Where Hashtags Fall Short

1. Algorithmic Visibility: According to the Algorithm Insights 2024 Report, LinkedIn prioritizes content from top creators and highly engaging posts over keyword-rich hashtags.
2. Overuse Penalty: Posts cluttered with hashtags are flagged as spammy by LinkedIn’s algorithm. The recommended maximum is 3–5 hashtags per post.
3. No Guaranteed Boost: Unlike on platforms like Instagram, hashtags on LinkedIn don’t consistently translate to increased reach. The platform rewards engagement (likes, comments, and shares) over tagging.

2025 LinkedIn Hashtag Strategies That Work

To ensure your hashtag use aligns with the latest trends and research, follow these best practices:

1. Create Branded Hashtags

Custom hashtags like #BrandInsights2025 or #YourCompanyTips help establish your identity and make it easier for followers to find your content. They’re particularly effective for tracking user-generated content during campaigns or events.

2. Combine Niche and Broad Hashtags

Use a mix of specific hashtags (e.g., #AussieTech) and general ones (e.g., #Leadership). This ensures your content reaches both targeted and broader audiences.

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Limit your hashtags to 3–5 relevant ones per post. Prioritize tags that directly support your post’s message rather than adding unrelated or overly popular hashtags.

4. Leverage LinkedIn’s Suggested Hashtags

When crafting a post, LinkedIn often recommends hashtags based on your content. These suggestions align with trending topics and keywords, providing a useful starting point.

5. Monitor and Adjust

Track your posts’ performance using LinkedIn analytics to identify which hashtags drive the most engagement. Refine your strategy accordingly.

What the Top Creators Are Doing

Interestingly, some of LinkedIn’s most prominent creators, like Jasmin Alic, Lara Acosta, and Luke Matthews, are moving away from using hashtags altogether. Instead, they focus on storytelling, value-driven content, and engagement-focused strategies to connect with their audience.

This aligns with the Algorithm Insights 2024 Report, where Richard Van Der Blom highlights that top creators’ posts account for 31% of all feed visibility, demonstrating that great content often outperforms heavily tagged posts.

Does This Mean You Should Skip Hashtags?

Not necessarily. While hashtags aren’t a silver bullet for increasing views, they remain an essential tool for:

• Building Niche Communities: Connect with specific audiences using industry-focused hashtags.
• Tracking Campaigns: Branded hashtags are invaluable for monitoring your campaign’s performance and encouraging user-generated content.
• Enhancing Discoverability: For new users or smaller creators, hashtags help establish visibility in LinkedIn’s ecosystem.

Final Takeaway: Use Them Strategically

Hashtags aren’t dead, but they’re no longer the primary driver of reach and visibility on LinkedIn. At least for now, they haven’t been for a couple of years Instead, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content while using branded hashtags strategically to categorise your posts and track branded campaigns.

Next steps:

• To see what hashtags you are following – CLICK HERE
• To find more popular LinkedIn hashtags – CLICK HERE
• Tune into The Nathanial Bibby Podcast on iTunes or Spotify.
• Download the LinkedIn Content Planner to streamline your strategy

If you are ready to take your LinkedIn marketing seriously and investing in LinkedIn training or LinkedIn marketing services, contact our team today.

FAQs About LinkedIn Hashtags in 2025

Last updated on: January 2025