Facebook introduces hashtags

In the tradition of Twitter and other microblogging social networks, Facebook has introduced hashtags to its community.

Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg

According to a publication by the biggest social network, the introduction of hashtags will make it easier for users to follow and search for specific topics of conversation.

“Similar to other services like Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or Pinterest, hashtags on Facebook allow you to add context to a post or indicate that it is part of a larger discussion. When you click on a hashtag in Facebook, you’ll see a feed of what other people and Pages are saying about that event or topic.”

Highlighting the features of hashtags on the soicial network, the company said; “Now you can search for a specific hashtag from your search bar;click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram and compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results”

The company stated that it will continue to roll out more features in the coming weeks and months.

Hashtags were first used within Internet Relay Chat (IRC) networks to label groups and topics. It grew popularity with the rise of Twitter; which had its first hashtag on August 23, 2007.

Other social networks with this feature include Instagram (Owned by Facebook), Tumblr, Pinterest, Tout, identi.ca, Tu, Flickr and Google