A specific class of keyword, typified by the presence of the hash symbol (#) preceding a word or phrase, acts as metadata tag. These tags categorize content on social media platforms. As an example, employing such a tag featuring a popular culinary dish enables users to discover posts related to that particular food item.
Utilizing these tags is important for increasing content visibility and reach on social media. They enable content creators to connect with a wider audience interested in a specific topic. Their use predates widespread social media adoption, but they became popularized by platforms like Twitter, fundamentally altering how online content is organized and discovered.