Friend, are you looking to take your Pinterest marketing to the next level this year? Well, you‘ve come to the right place!
Hashtags on Pinterest have evolved A LOT since they first launched back in 2017. What started as a new, relatively unused feature has transformed into an essential part of any Pinterest strategy.
And in 2024, mastering hashtags could be the key to unlocking massive growth, engagement, and traffic from Pinterest.
That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide, packed with everything you need to know. You‘ll learn insider tips on creating targeted hashtags, tracking performance, when to use branded tags, hashtag tools, and much more!
So grab a cup of coffee, and let‘s dive in!
Pinterest Hashtag Usage Statistics & Trends for 2024
First, let‘s look at the latest hashtag stats…
- Over 50% of Pins now contain at least one hashtag
- The average Pin description contains 3-5 hashtags
- Hashtags result in 5-15% more repins and link clicks
- Branded hashtags see 20-50% higher engagement rates
- Niche hashtags with 500k+ views see the most success
As you can see, hashtags should be a core part of your strategy in 2024.
But it‘s not enough to just toss in random tags. You need to be strategic to get results.
So in this guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know step-by-step…
How Do Hashtags Work on Pinterest?
Pinterest hashtags allow users to search and discover content in a whole new way.
By adding relevant hashtags to your Pins, you make them discoverable to a bigger, more targeted audience.
For example, let‘s say you add the hashtag #yummydinnerideas to a Pin with a chicken pasta recipe.
Now, anyone searching "#yummydinnerideas" will see your Pin in their results!
Hashtags essentially act as a secondary "keyword" that categorizes your content. And you can use up to 20 per Pin!
You can also click on any hashtag in a Pin description to view other Pins using that tag. This means hashtags help users quickly find more ideas on a certain topic with a single click.
For you as a marketer, hashtags = discoverability and engagement.
But there are some key rules you MUST follow to make them work…
Hashtag Pro Tip #1: Placement Matters!
You should add hashtags vertically to the END of your Pin description like this:
Fluffy Bundt Cake #baking #easydessert #cheesecake
Putting them at the end keeps your text readable without awkward disruptions. No one wants to read –
Trust me, adding them to the end is best practice on Pinterest.
Hashtag Pro Tip #2: Be Relevant But Not Spammy
Relevance is key with hashtags. Only include tags directly related to the content.
For example, don‘t add #dinner, #food, and #yum to a post about fixing a leaky sink!
Being too spammy will lower your chances of ranking and turn off followers. Aim for 2-5 targeted hashtags per Pin.
Hashtag Pro Tip #3: Mix It Up!
Vary the hashtags you use across Pins. Repetitive tags on all your content looks lazy and robotic.
For a cake Pin, do #baking, #desserts, #yummycakes.
Then for your next cake Pin try #cakerecipes #sweettooth #bestcakes.
Switching it up expands your reach to more keyword searches.
OK, now that you know the hashtag basics, let’s talk strategy…
Types of Pinterest Hashtags You NEED to Use
When it comes to hashtags, you shouldn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Certain types of tags will perform better for your goals.
Here are the top 4 hashtag varieties you should focus on:
1. Keyword Hashtags
These target key search terms in your niche.
For example, #socialmediatips, #bloggingtips, #easyrecipes
Aim to include 2-3 keyword hashtags tailored to your Pin content.
2. Branded Hashtags
These incorporate your blog name, brand, or business to help users discover ALL your content at once.
For example, #TastyyRecipesBlog or #BlissfulBakingShop
Use 1 branded hashtag per Pin for optimal visibility.
3. Campaign Hashtags
Do you have a special promotion or campaign running?
Create a custom hashtag just for that initiative so users can easily find related content.
For example, #BlissfulBakingXmasContest
4. Trending Hashtags
Keep an eye out for trending topics and hashtag ideas you can tie into. But make sure they‘re relevant!
For example, #superbowlrecipes or #stpatricksdaynails
Sprinkling in a few timely tags allows you to tap into surge search volumes around events.
…But don’t make trending tags the cornerstone of your strategy, as they change constantly.
Now let’s get into more Pinterest hashtag tips to maximize success…
Expert Hashtag Tips to Boost Engagement
Creating standout, well-optimized hashtags is both an art AND a science!
Here are my top pro tips for creating tags that captivate audiences:
Use Conversational Language
Go beyond just stapling words together. Make them fun and engaging!
Good: #yummyinmytummy
Bad: #deliciousfoodrecipes
Ask Questions
This prompts curiosity and clicking!
Examples: #whatscookingtoday #wheresthecheese
Try Fill-In-The-Blank
This interactive style grabs attention.
Example: #TodayImBaking_____
Leverage Numbers
We‘re attracted to stats and lists!
Examples: #Top10Smoothies #7cakedecoratingtips
Utilize Current Events/Holidays
Timely, seasonal tags align with surges in search volumes.
Example: #新年快乐 (Chinese New Year in Mandarin)
Localize With City or Country
Increase relevance for geo-targeted audiences.
Example: #NYCfashionweek
Keep testing to see which creative tactics resonate best with YOUR audience!
Next, let‘s talk about the ideal hashtag length…
What is the Best Pinterest Hashtag Length?
I recommend keeping hashtags between 2-5 words max.
Ultra-long hashtags look messy and are hard to read. Too short and they may be too broad.
For example:
Good – #socialmediamarketingtips
Too Long – #advancedsocialmediamarketingtipsforbeginners
Too Short – #socialmedia
2 to 5 words strikes the perfect balance of being specific yet succinct.
Now, for the big question…
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Pinterest?
This depends on a few factors, but I generally recommend:
✔️ 2-5 hashtags for most Pins
✔️ 1 branded hashtag per Pin
✔️ Up to 20 total (max allowed) for special high-value Pins
Here’s a good hashtag formula per Pin:
🏷️ 2-3 keyword hashtags
🏷️ 1 branded hashtag
🏷️ 1-2 creative hashtags (question, fill-in-blank style, etc)
Following this formula ensures you cover both searchability AND visual appeal.
Remember: quality over quantity! Just stuffing in the maximum 20 tags looks tacky. Carefully choose hashtags tied back to the Pin concept.
Which brings us to…
How to Choose the Best Hashtags for Each Pin
Choosing targeted hashtags is critical for the right people discovering your content.
Here is a step-by-step process:
✅ Step 1: Identify 1-2 Exact Match Keyword Hashtags
This makes your post appear for spot-on searches.
Example: For a “no-bake cheesecake recipe” Pin, use hashtags like:
✅ Step 2: Add Broader Descriptor Tags
These allow you to rank across wider search themes related to your content.
Example:
✅ Step 3: Consider Competitor Hashtags
Search competitors’ top Pins and see which hashtags THEY are using successfully. Replicate ones aligned to your content goals.
✅ Step 4: Include Location or Languages
Tailor a hashtag to your target geography/language.
Examples:
✅ Step 5: Add Creativity!
Sprinkle in a fun, engaging style like:
Get strategic with your hashtags, and you‘ll notice your impressions and engagement increase over time as you appear across more searches.
Which leads perfectly into my next topic…
How to Track Your Pinterest Hashtag Performance
Unlike other platforms, Pinterest doesn’t (yet) offer hashtag performance metrics.
So the BEST way to track success is watching your Pins containing specific hashtags.
🔎 Monitor views and repins
🔎 See which hashtags drive the most clicks
🔎 Spot tag combinations that captivate audiences
Then double down on what works!
You can also search hashtags directly to see where your content ranks.
For example, search #bloggingtips. Do your Pins show up on the first page?
Use these manual tracking methods to determine your top hashtags worth replicating.
Now, what about finding NEW winning hashtag ideas? Check out…
Pinterest Hashtag Research Tools
Manually brainstorming targeted Pinterest hashtags for all your new Pins is tough!
That’s why using hashtag research tools is a smart shortcut.
Here are my top 2 recommendations:
Ritetag
Ritetag lets you instantly generate targeted hashtag ideas for your Pins.
Just enter a few keywords related to your Pin content. Ritetag then suggests relevant Pinterest hashtags to try, along with search volume data.
This helps you quickly identify winning tags aligned to searcher intent.
Hashtagify
Another excellent tool, Hashtagify offers search volumes for trending Pinterest hashtags.
It also suggests related tags you can piggyback off viral hashtags.
Bonus: Use affiliate links to monetize your Pinterest strategy.
Pro Tip: Always manually verify suggested hashtags before using to ensure relevance. Automated tools don’t consider context.
Let’s round things out with…
Pinterest Hashtag Ideas and Examples
Here is an extensive list of popular Pinterest hashtags and creative examples to try for ALL niches:
🚀 Marketing
🚀 Blogging
🚀 Recipes
🚀 Crafts
🚀 Home Decor
🚀 Gardening
🚀 Fitness
🚀 Photography
As you can see, the possibilities are truly endless!
Get creative, optimize your hashtags over time, and watch your Pinterest growth and engagement take off!
To wrap things up…
Key Takeaways
📌 Include 2-5 targeted hashtags per Pin
📌 Focus on keyword, branded and creative tag styles
📌 Track performance manually by watching engagements
📌 Use hashtag tools to discover new options
📌 Refresh hashtags regularly to maximize reach
I hope this complete Pinterest hashtag guide gave you plenty of pro tips and ideas!
The key is continually testing to see which hashtag combinations perform best to reach YOUR audience.
Then replicate these, ditch ones that flop, and keep expanding your arsenal over time.
What new hashtag strategy will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
