Elon Musk declares hashtags obsolete on X: “They look ugly”

Elon Musk has spoken, and hashtags may have just been canceled. The hashtag, born in 2007 on Twitter, started as a simple way to group conversations and track topics. It quickly became a cultural symbol, powering global movements like #BlackLivesMatter and viral trends like #ThrowbackThursday.

For years, hashtags were essential tools for discoverability and engagement. But their golden age is over. As social media platforms get smarter, algorithms now handle what hashtags once did. Elon Musk’s recent declaration that hashtags are “ugly” and unnecessary on X may have just sealed their fate. The era of the hashtag is officially on life support.

Responding to a post questioning whether hashtags still matter on X (formerly Twitter), Musk offered a clear and blunt take:

“Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly.”

Please stop using hashtags. The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly. https://t.co/GKEp1v1wiB

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2024

For a platform that once popularized the hashtag, Musk’s remark signals how far things have shifted. Algorithms now drive discoverability, pushing content based on engagement and interests—no hashtags required.

When asked whether hashtags should still be used on X, here’s how Grok responded:

“Should I use hashtags or not on X?

Oh, by all means, don’t use hashtags on X. They’ve become about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. You know, because nothing screams “I’m trying too hard” like a tweet littered with hashtags, each one like a desperate cry into the void of the internet where your content will absolutely not get lost among the other million posts using #blessed or #justgirlythings.

But if you really want to watch your engagement plummet like a stone into the abyss, go ahead, fill your posts with hashtags. It’s not like X has evolved into a place where the algorithm punishes you for being too eager to be seen. Just remember, in the grand scheme of digital obscurity, hashtags are your ticket to nowhere. Enjoy the silence. 🧘‍♂️”

Are Social Media Hashtags Done for Good?

It’s fair to say hashtags are past their prime. Years ago, they were indispensable for joining trending conversations, organizing topics, and boosting visibility. From global movements like #MeToo to live events like the Super Bowl, hashtags made posts findable and communities easier to connect with.

Today, they’re often seen as unnecessary clutter. A post overloaded with hashtags can feel desperate like it’s trying too hard to grab attention. The algorithm, meanwhile, doesn’t need hashtags to figure out what a post is about. Musk’s comment highlights a growing shift: content should speak for itself.

Cleaner, Simpler, Smarter

This isn’t just about aesthetics—though Musk calling hashtags “ugly” makes it clear he thinks they’re an eyesore. The move away from hashtags fits into a broader effort to make X smarter and cleaner. If the system knows how to match posts with the right audience, hashtags are redundant.

It’s not the first time Musk has challenged how people use X. Since taking over the platform, he’s pushed for changes that prioritize genuine engagement. Hashtags, with their clunky visual style and declining impact, are no exception.

Should You Use Hashtags or Not?

If you’re still piling hashtags onto posts, it’s probably time to stop. They won’t help the algorithm—and they might just turn users off. Instead, focus on creating posts that get people to interact naturally. A great piece of content doesn’t need hashtags to get noticed.

As for brands, campaigns, or live events? There’s still room for the occasional hashtag when it truly fits. But Musk’s stance makes one thing clear: the hashtag era is over, and X is moving on.