Hashtag in Writing
A hashtag is a topic label, not ordinary prose punctuation. Choose an established or useful tag when it adds context or discoverability, keep the number small enough to preserve readability, and format multiword hashtags so their word boundaries are visible. Platform, campaign, and house rules can override general practice.
Use hashtags mainly in social and other digital contexts where they help label or connect a topic. Keep them few and meaningful, and capitalize the first letter of each word in a multiword hashtag—such as #PublicHealthUpdate—to improve readability and accessibility. Do not assume every platform or publication uses hashtags the same way.
Key details
Important caveats
Placement Boundary
Many organizations place hashtags at the end of a social post, but platform and campaign rules vary. Follow the channel’s current convention when it matters.
Further guidance
Capitalization
For multiple words, expose the word boundaries with capitals: “#RoadSafetyWeek” is easier to read than “#roadsafetyweek.”
Quantity
Keep hashtags sparse. Current government accessibility guidance recommends one or two rather than long clusters that interrupt reading.
When To Use
Use a hashtag when it genuinely identifies a topic, campaign, event, or conversation that readers may want to find or follow.
Worked Example
Cluttered: “Update on repairs #Road #Repairs #RoadRepairs #Traffic #City.” Clearer: “Update on repairs to King Street. #RoadRepairs” when that tag is relevant to the intended conversation.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Social media (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Current social-media guidance says hashtags help people find and follow topics, recommends no more than two, and uses camel case for compound hashtags to improve readability and accessibility.
- Accessibility standards (opens in a new tab)Government Communications Service · Current accessibility guidance recommends Title/Pascal Case for compound hashtags, one to two hashtags per post, meaningful contextual use and avoiding long or cluttered hashtag strings.