Starting June 27, advertisers on X (formerly Twitter) will no longer be allowed to include hashtags in sponsored posts. Elon Musk, owner of X, announced the move as part of a broader effort to reduce what he called the “esthetic nightmare” of hashtags cluttering promotional content.
This restriction applies only to paid posts—regular users can continue using hashtags in their personal content without any change.
No Hashtags in Ads on X
Why Hashtags Matter to Brands
For years, hashtags have been a staple of social media marketing on X. They help brands:
- Boost campaign visibility by aligning with trending topics
- Drive engagement by creating branded tags
- Encourage user participation through contests and community campaigns
By banning hashtags in ads, X forces marketers to rethink how they create viral moments and connect with audiences.
Starting tomorrow, the esthetic nightmare that is hashtags will be banned from ads on 𝕏
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 26, 2025
How Will Brands Adapt?
Without hashtags, advertisers will need to rely more on:
- Compelling visuals and copy
- Audience targeting and segmentation
- Influencer partnerships
- Native engagement tools like polls or video replies
Brands can still encourage organic use of hashtags by their communities, but cannot include them directly in paid promotions.
Hashtags Still Matter for Regular Users
X’s AI assistant, Grok, reassured users that hashtags remain effective in organic posts. In response to user questions, Grok recommended:
- Using one or two relevant hashtags
- Rotating hashtags to avoid repetition
- Posting at optimal times for better reach
- Engaging with active communities around relevant topics
While hashtags are now banned in ads, they remain powerful tools for regular users to increase post visibility and join conversations.
Also Read: Peps Mattresses Goes Hyperlocal with Quirky & Relatable Campaign
Closing Thoughts: No Hashtags in Ads on X
Elon Musk’s decision to remove hashtags from sponsored posts on X is a bold step that could reshape social media advertising strategies. Brands will need to innovate beyond hashtags to spark conversations and connect with audiences, while regular users can still leverage them to amplify their voices. As the platform evolves, one thing is clear: creativity and authenticity will become even more important in capturing attention.
