In the fast-paced world of social media, Snapchat remains a dynamic platform known for its raw, unfiltered, and ephemeral content. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok dominate with curated feeds, Snapchat thrives on real-time interaction and authentic storytelling. One of the lesser-explored but increasingly significant elements on Snapchat is the use of Snapchat tags. Much like hashtags on other platforms, these tags help in organizing content, boosting visibility, and improving discoverability.
Whether you’re a casual user, influencer, or brand looking to level up your Snapchat game, understanding how Snapchat tags work can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll explore what Snapchat tags are, how to use them effectively, and how they can enhance your overall social media strategy.
What Are Snapchat Tags?
Snapchat tags are keywords, usernames, or phrases embedded in your snaps or stories that serve as clickable identifiers. These tags allow you to mention other users, categorize content, or even participate in trending conversations. There are two main types of Snapchat tags:
- Mention Tags (@username): These tags are used to mention other Snapchat users directly in your snaps or stories.
- Contextual or Keyword Tags (Custom Tags): These are informal tags used to label your content, make it searchable, or provide context, such as #OOTD, #Throwback, or #Foodie.
Unlike Instagram or Twitter, Snapchat does not have a formal hashtag system that aggregates content by tags, but clever use of tagging still enhances discoverability, engagement, and community-building.
Why Are Snapchat Tags Important?
Snapchat tags play an essential role in how users interact with your content. Here’s why you should consider using them:
1. Increased Engagement
Tagging users directly can lead to higher engagement. When you tag someone in a snap, they are notified, which increases the chances of them viewing, reposting, or responding to your story.
2. Improved Discoverability
Although Snapchat doesn’t have a traditional hashtag system, keyword-based tags and user mentions can make your content more discoverable. For example, if a user searches for a username you’ve tagged or a trending phrase you’ve included, they’re more likely to find your content.
3. Community Building
By tagging collaborators, fans, or even friends, you’re fostering a sense of community. This is especially important for influencers and brands who want to maintain a close relationship with their audience.
4. Brand Recognition
Brands often use unique tags or phrases to promote campaigns, events, or contests. These custom tags act as identifiers for promotional content, making it easy for users to follow along or participate.
How to Use Snapchat Tags
Let’s break down the best ways to use tags on Snapchat effectively.
1. Mention Tags (@username)
To tag someone in your Snap or Story:
- Take a Snap or video.
- Tap the text icon (T) and type “@” followed by the user’s Snapchat username.
- Snapchat will show a list of suggestions—tap on the correct one.
The tagged username becomes clickable, and the tagged person will receive a notification. This is a great way to collaborate with others or give shoutouts.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-tag. Tagging too many people can seem spammy and might dilute your message.
2. Contextual or Keyword Tags
These aren’t formal tags in Snapchat’s ecosystem, but they work similarly to hashtags on other platforms. For instance:
- “Having the best #TacoTuesday 🌮”
- “#Throwback to last summer’s road trip 🚗☀️”
Even though Snapchat doesn’t allow users to click on these tags, they still serve a purpose in storytelling, branding, and context.
3. Geotags and Snap Map Tags
Snapchat also allows users to tag their location using Geofilters or Snap Map features. Adding location tags can boost engagement, especially when attending events, visiting trending locations, or traveling.
Best Practices for Using Snapchat Tags
Here are some actionable tips for maximizing the impact of your Snapchat tags:
1. Be Authentic
Snapchat thrives on realness. Avoid using generic or overused tags just for the sake of it. Use tags that genuinely relate to your content.
2. Engage With Those You Tag
If you tag someone, make an effort to interact with them. Respond to replies, engage with their content, and build relationships.
3. Create Branded Tags
If you’re a brand or influencer, consider developing a signature tag that you use across snaps. For example, a food blogger might use #DailyBites, while a fitness influencer could go with #SweatWithMe.
4. Stay Trendy But Relevant
Using trending tags or phrases can increase exposure, but only if they’re relevant. Jumping on trends that don’t fit your content can feel forced and unauthentic.
5. Combine Tags with Other Features
Enhance your tagged content using filters, music, stickers, or Bitmoji to create a more engaging and entertaining story.
How Brands Use Snapchat Tags
Major brands are leveraging Snapchat tags in creative ways. For instance:
- Fashion brands use tags like @collaborator names, along with campaign-specific tags, to highlight new collections.
- Restaurants often tag their locations or specific menu items to entice viewers.
- Event marketers create branded geotags and encourage attendees to snap with a specific tag or filter, making content go viral organically.
User-generated content (UGC) plays a big role here. Encouraging your audience to tag your brand or use a specific campaign keyword can dramatically increase reach and social proof.
The Future of Snapchat Tags
Snapchat continues to evolve. While tagging is still relatively limited compared to other platforms, user behavior indicates a strong demand for better tagging and search functionality. It’s likely that Snapchat will continue improving how tags can be used for content discovery, collaboration, and advertising.
There are even rumors and beta tests of improved tagging features—like clickable text tags or campaign-based tag tracking—which could transform how users and brands engage on the platform.
Conclusion
While Snapchat may not have the robust tagging ecosystem of platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Snapchat tags—whether they’re mentions, contextual keywords, or geotags—are essential tools for boosting engagement, improving discoverability, and fostering meaningful connections.
Whether you’re snapping your daily life, building your brand, or running a campaign for a business, understanding and strategically using tags on Snapchat can elevate your presence and help you stand out in the Snap-sphere.
Start small, stay authentic, and use tagging to turn everyday moments into shareable, discoverable stories that resonate.
Sarah is an aspiring copywriter with an obsession for SEO, Passionate for exploring the new marketing tactics and enjoys reading fiction and contemporary.