Threads uses topic tags instead of traditional hashtags. This change affects how your posts are found and how they appear in search results. Many users expect hashtags to work the same way as on Instagram or Twitter, but Threads handles them differently. This article explains the key behavioral differences between topic tags and hashtags, how they affect post visibility, and what you need to know to use them effectively.
Key Takeaways: Threads Topic Tags vs Hashtags
- Topic tags are clickable links, not searchable keywords: Tapping a topic tag shows posts in that category, but you cannot search by the tag itself.
- Hashtags become plain text: Typing #technology in a Threads post does not link to other posts using the same tag.
- Instagram hashtags do not carry over: Cross-posting from Instagram to Threads strips the hashtags from the Threads version of the post.
What Are Threads Topic Tags and How Do They Work
Threads introduced topic tags as an alternative to hashtags. A topic tag is a clickable word or phrase that appears in a post. When you tap a topic tag, Threads shows you a feed of public posts that the platform has categorized under that same topic. This categorization is done by Threads using its own algorithm, not by user-added keywords.
The key difference is that topic tags are not user-defined keywords. You cannot create a new topic tag by typing a word with a # symbol. Instead, Threads selects topic tags from a predefined list. When you add a topic tag to your post, you are choosing from a set of categories that Threads has already indexed. This means the same term may appear as a topic tag for one user but not for another, depending on regional and language settings.
How Topic Tags Appear in Posts
When you compose a post in Threads, you can add a topic tag by tapping the # button in the composer. A list of suggested topics appears. You can select one or more topics to attach to your post. The topic tag appears as a blue, clickable link below your post text. If you type a word with a # symbol manually, it does not become a topic tag — it remains plain text.
Topic Tag Discovery and Search
Threads does not have a search bar where you can type a topic tag and see all posts using it. Instead, you browse topic tags by tapping them in posts. The resulting feed shows posts from various users that Threads has grouped under that topic. This feed is algorithmically sorted, not chronological. You cannot follow a topic tag like you can follow a hashtag on other platforms.
Steps to Add a Topic Tag to a Threads Post
Adding a topic tag is straightforward, but the process differs from adding a hashtag on other platforms. Follow these steps:
- Open the Threads composer
Tap the compose button at the bottom of the screen. This opens the new post editor. - Tap the # button
Look for the hashtag icon in the text formatting bar above the keyboard. Tapping it opens the topic selector. - Browse or search for a topic
A list of suggested topics appears based on your recent posts and interests. You can also type in the search field to find a specific topic. - Select one or more topics
Tap a topic to add it to your post. Selected topics appear as blue tags above the text area. You can add up to 10 topics per post. - Post your message
Tap Post. The topic tags appear as clickable links at the bottom of your post.
Common Misconceptions and Mistakes
Typing a # symbol does not create a topic tag
Many users type #photography in the post text expecting it to become a clickable link. It does not. The text remains plain and is not searchable as a topic. You must use the # button in the composer to add a proper topic tag.
Topic tags are not visible in reposts
When someone reposts your Thread, the topic tags from the original post are not carried over. The repost appears without any topic tags. If you want the repost to be discoverable under a topic, the reposter must add their own topic tags.
Cross-posting from Instagram removes hashtags
If you cross-post from Instagram to Threads, any hashtags in the Instagram caption are stripped from the Threads version. The Threads post shows only the text without any topic tags. You must add topic tags separately within Threads.
Topic tags are not searchable in the main search bar
Threads search bar only finds usernames and post text. Typing a topic tag name in the search bar returns no results. You must tap an existing topic tag in a post to see the topic feed.
Topic Tags vs Hashtags: Key Differences Compared
| Feature | Topic Tags (Threads) | Hashtags (Instagram, Twitter) |
|---|---|---|
| Creation method | Select from a predefined list via the # button | Type # followed by any keyword |
| Searchability | Not searchable in the main search bar | Searchable in the platform search bar |
| User-defined | No — only topics Threads has indexed | Yes — any keyword can become a hashtag |
| Clickable link | Yes, leads to an algorithmic topic feed | Yes, leads to a chronological or algorithmic feed of posts with that tag |
| Carry over on cross-post | Not carried from Instagram to Threads | Carried over when cross-posting between Instagram and Facebook |
| Maximum per post | 10 topics | 30 hashtags on Instagram, unlimited on Twitter |
| Visible in reposts | No | Yes |
Threads topic tags are a fundamentally different system from hashtags. They limit user control over categorization but reduce spam and irrelevant tagging. If you rely on hashtags for discoverability on other platforms, you need to adjust your strategy on Threads. Focus on creating engaging content that encourages interaction, as the algorithmic feed for topic tags prioritizes popular and recent posts rather than keyword matches.