By Muhammad Ali Qureshi · Published 19 October 2026 · 6 min read
Short answer: hashtags have only a small effect on Pinterest. Keywords in your title, description and board names matter far more. If you use hashtags, add two to five specific ones at the end of the description, never in the title.
Do hashtags work on Pinterest?
Pinterest has moved away from hashtag feeds and relies mainly on keywords in titles, descriptions, board names and image text to understand a pin. Hashtags are read like ordinary words, so they can reinforce a topic but they will not rescue a pin with weak text. Spend your effort on keyword research first.
How many hashtags should you use?
Two to five specific hashtags is enough. More does not increase reach and can look spammy. Pick tags that describe the pin, such as #veganmealprep, not generic tags like #food.
Where to put Pinterest hashtags
- Pin description: at the very end, after your keyword sentences.
- Pin title: never. Keep titles clean.
- Board description: usually unnecessary. Use clear sentences instead.
- Image text: no, it adds clutter.
Pinterest has no separate hashtag field, so type them straight into the description box.
How to choose good hashtags
- Start from your main keyword and make it one tag without spaces.
- Add one tag for the audience or style (for example #smallspacedecor).
- Add one seasonal or occasion tag when relevant.
- Skip tags that are broad, unrelated or banned-looking.
The free Pinterest hashtag generator suggests sets for your niche. For tool comparisons, read the best Pinterest hashtag generators.
Example description with hashtags
A good description puts the keyword first, then adds hashtags last:
| Part | Example |
|---|---|
| Keyword sentence | Easy high protein vegetarian meal prep ideas for busy weeknights. |
| Benefit and CTA | Save this plan and get the full recipes on the blog. |
| Hashtags | #mealprep #vegetarianrecipes #highproteinmeals |
Hashtag mistakes to avoid
- Using ten or more tags
- Using the same tags on every pin
- Replacing keywords with hashtags
- Adding tags to the title
- Choosing tags nobody uses for your topic
A faster workflow
Write the keyword sentence with the description generator, add two or three tags from the hashtag tool, and attach the pin you made in Pin Magic Studio. See the full Pinterest SEO guide for the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Do hashtags still work on Pinterest?
Only a little. Keywords matter far more.
How many hashtags per pin?
Two to five specific ones at the end of the description.
Can I put hashtags in the title?
No. Keep titles keyword-focused and clean.
Do board descriptions need hashtags?
No. Use clear keyword sentences.
Are hashtags clickable on Pinterest?
They are treated like search terms, but Pinterest does not run hashtag feeds like other networks.
Keywords first, hashtags second
Treat hashtags as a small extra. Get the title, description and image right, then add two to five specific tags. Continue with Pinterest keyword research and description generators.
