Should you use hashtags on Pinterest? At one point Pinterest pushed creators to use lots of them. Later that advice changed. If you’ve been on the platform for a while, you may have heard different responses and wondered what the best approach is today. This blog post breaks down whether or not you should be using Pinterest hashtags now!
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Should You Use Hashtags on Pinterest in 2025/2026?
The answer about using hashtags on Pinterest has changed a lot over the years.
As a Pinterest manager for the past 7+ years, I’ve worked through a lot of changes on this platform.
When Pinterest first introduced hashtags, the idea was to make fresh content easier to discover. They wanted a quick way for users to sort through new pins and explore trending topics. For a short time, adding hashtags helped your pins show up more.
At one point hashtags were clickable and then Pinterest took away the links, indicating that as a platform they were moving away from hashtags as a strategy.
However, hashtags are clickable again. Does that mean you should use them?
Personally, I don’t add hashtags to new pins, but I don’t sweat it if they still exist on old pins.
Personally, I would rather add keywords naturally into sentences for a pin or board description as a way to increase my reach.
If the answer ever changes in a strong, concrete way, I’ll update this post.
Using Keywords Instead of Hashtags on Pinterest
As a visual search engine, Pinterest uses the text in your pin titles, pin descriptions, and board descriptions to understand your content and show it to the right audience. This makes keywords one of the most important ways to get visibility.
Keywords should be clear and descriptive so Pinterest knows exactly what your pin is about. For example, instead of using #dessert, write “Easy Boston Cream Pie Recipe for Beginners” in your description. This gives Pinterest context and helps your pin appear in relevant searches.
How to Optimize Your Pins Without Hashtags
Here are simple ways to make your pins more discoverable:
- Include a few clear keywords naturally in your pin description.
- Add keywords to your pin titles.
- Use keywords in your board titles and descriptions.
- Focus on writing descriptions that are helpful and easy to read.
This approach helps Pinterest understand your content and show it to the right audience, without relying on hashtags.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest has evolved over the years, and hashtags are no longer a priority. The best way to grow your reach is to focus on strong keywords in your pins and boards. Clear, descriptive text ensures your content shows up in the right searches and reaches the people who are most likely to engage with it.
FAQ
Do I need hashtags on Pinterest?
No. Hashtags are optional and do not improve reach like keywords do.
Will hashtags hurt my pins?
No, not that we know of. They don’t harm your account, they just don’t provide extra benefits.
Should I delete old hashtags?
Not necessary. You can leave them or remove them when updating pins.
Where should I use keywords?
Include them in your pin title, pin description, and board descriptions for the best results.
Are keywords more important than hashtags?
Yes. Keywords help Pinterest understand your content and show it to the right audience
If you’d like help growing your Pinterest account, learn more about hiring me for Pinterest management.
Prefer to DIY your marketing? Check out my Pinterest course to grow your Pinterest account!
