Can You Follow a Hashtag on Twitter?

Let’s explore the options, limitations, and alternatives to keep up with your favorite hashtags on Twitter.

Can You Directly Follow Hashtags on Twitter?

Unlike Instagram or LinkedIn, Twitter does not offer a built-in feature to directly follow hashtags. While you can search for hashtags and view the most recent or popular tweets related to them, there’s no option to "follow" them in your feed automatically.

Why Can’t You Follow Hashtags?

The lack of a hashtag-following feature on Twitter may be due to the platform’s design focus. Twitter prioritizes showing content from people you follow, trending topics, and promoted tweets rather than allowing users to curate their feed based on hashtags.

How to Stay Updated on Hashtags Without a Follow Feature

Although you can’t follow hashtags directly, here are some effective ways to track them:

1. Use Twitter’s Search Function

You can manually search for hashtags anytime to see the latest tweets.

• How-To:

  1. Go to the Twitter search bar.

  2. Type the hashtag (e.g., #DigitalMarketing).

  3. Filter results by "Top," "Latest," or "People" to tailor the content to your needs.

2. Save Hashtag Searches

Twitter allows you to save searches, making it easy to revisit specific hashtags.

• How-To:

  1. Perform a search for a hashtag.

  2. On the search results page, click the three dots (options menu).

  3. Select "Save this search."

  4. Access saved searches later by clicking on the search bar.

3. Use Twitter Lists

Create or subscribe to Twitter Lists that feature accounts frequently tweeting about a specific hashtag.

• How-To:

  1. Go to "Lists" in your Twitter menu.

  2. Create a new list and add relevant accounts.

  3. Check the list feed for hashtag-specific content.

4. Bookmark Tweets with Hashtags

If you come across an important tweet with a hashtag you want to track, you can bookmark it for easy access.

• How-To:

  1. Click the "Share" icon under the tweet.

  2. Select "Add Tweet to Bookmarks."

  3. View your saved bookmarks later from the menu.

5. Use Third-Party Tools

For more robust hashtag tracking, third-party tools can help you monitor activity and trends. Popular tools include:

• Hootsuite: Allows you to create streams for specific hashtags.

• TweetDeck: Twitter’s own tool for managing multiple streams, including hashtag feeds.

• Brand24: Tracks hashtags and provides analytics.

6. Enable Notifications for Relevant Accounts

Follow accounts that regularly post content with your desired hashtags, then enable notifications for their tweets.

• How-To:

  1. Go to the profile of the account you want to follow.

  2. Click the bell icon to enable notifications.

Benefits of Tracking Hashtags on Twitter

• Stay Informed: Keep up with trending topics and industry news.

• Engage in Conversations: Participate in discussions and connect with like-minded individuals.

• Content Inspiration: Discover ideas for your own tweets or blog posts.

• Analytics and Insights: Understand audience interests and popular trends in your niche.

Conclusion

While Twitter doesn’t allow you to follow hashtags directly, there are plenty of ways to stay updated. By using saved searches, Twitter Lists, and third-party tools, you can effectively track your favorite hashtags and never miss out on important conversations.

Hashtags are a gateway to exploring communities and discussions on Twitter—so start tracking your favorite ones today!