How to use Facebook Hashtags

Facebook has now got what Twitter made popular - Hashtags. With hashtags users can click on them and follow topics as it's happening in real-time. So let's say you see the hashtag #NBAfinals - when you click on it all the news surrounding the NBA Finals will be visible. This could include pics, videos, status updates, page posts and posts from groups. So if there is a hashtag on Facebook and you click on it. You will be able to see all the different things Facebook users are saying about that particular topic. This means you will be able to see status updates from more people and not just your friends and the people you're connected to. This is a popular feature on Twitter - when you click on trending topics on Twitter everything is organized around hashtags. Which makes it easier for you to follow, breaking news stories, trending topics and anything that is going viral on Facebook. The #hashtags we know today was first created by Chris Messina in 2007 on Twitter.

How to create or make a hashtag
You will need to use the number sign # before along with a topic of phrase. Like this #ILoveCoffee. When users click on this everyone's status update on #ILoveCoffee will appear on your news feed in a new window.

How to use a Hashtag
You can either make your own hashtag or click on someone else's hashtag. These are clickable links and appear in the traditional blue color. Adding a hashtag to your post or status update will tell people that this is part of a larger conversation.

Other uses for hashtags on Facebook
You can search for a specific hashtag from your search bar. e.g #NBAFinals.
Click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or Pinterest
You can also compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results.

What about hashtag privacy on Facebook
If you compose a post and share it only with friends or certain people. Facebook will follow your sharing options. Posts you create that are public will only be shown throughout Facebook.

Read more at the Facebook news release. Image by Facebook.