Facebook has finally launched the support to #hashtags, a feature widely used in other Social Networks, but missing on Facebook. Hashtags are nothing but a Hash Symbol followed by a word or a group of words with no spaces.
Hashtags are widely used by Twitter and Google Plus to identify topics being discussed and allow users to search for them.
Facebook users have long-adopted the hashtag, often using it as an addition to comments and status updates. But they will now be able to click on the hashtagged words as a search term and view a feed of discussions relating to that topic.
Under the plans, announced on Wednesday, users will be able to:
• Search for a specific hashtag from the search bar. For example, #fathersday.
• Click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram.
• Compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results.
Facebook said hashtags are a first step toward making it easier for users to find out what others are discussing.
“We’ll continue to roll out more features in the coming weeks and months, including trending hashtags and deeper insights, that help people discover more of the world’s conversations,” wrote Greg Lindley, product manager for hashtags, in the post.
The hashtags will conform to users’ privacy settings – so putting a hashtag in a post that’s only visible to your friends won’t make it show up for anyone other than your friends.
Facebook said it will make the clickable hashtags available to users in the coming weeks, beginning on Wednesday.