LinkedIn has had a complex relationship with hashtags, initially resisting them before eventually embracing them in 2018. However, there has been mixed messaging on whether hashtags are necessary, with LinkedIn recently phasing them out of its Creator Mode on-profile displays. In response to questions about the necessity of hashtags, LinkedIn stated that while hashtags can assist in discovery, their algorithms now consider a broader range of contextual cues in matching search queries. This has led to significant improvements in discovery on the platform. Based on these improvements, it is likely that users no longer need to use hashtags as extensively as before, as LinkedIn’s search algorithm has evolved to incorporate semantic matching and a broader range of elements from posts to align with queries.
LinkedIn has provided a new engineering overview of its Search system, which explains the evolution of its tools to incorporate semantic matching. The platform recognized the need to improve content search results for complex queries and introduced semantic matching capability in its content search engine. This update includes more elements to understand and respond to search queries, taking into account the overall query text and personalization based on past engagement. The improved search engine has made it possible to answer complex queries accurately and has led to improvements in on-topic rate and long-dwells by more than 10%. These enhancements have had a positive impact on LinkedIn’s sitewide sessions, as members are more likely to engage with the platform when they receive better search results.
With the improvements in LinkedIn’s search algorithm and the introduction of semantic matching, it is likely that users do not need to use hashtags as extensively as before. The platform’s search system is now able to match content with queries based on more than just keywords, making hashtags potentially redundant for discovery purposes. If a keyword is already mentioned in a post, adding a hashtag of the same term may not improve the chances of discovery. It is recommended to avoid including hashtags that replicate terms already in a post, and not to overuse tags overall, as they may not significantly enhance discoverability on the platform. LinkedIn’s smarter search algorithm now considers a broader range of elements from posts to better align with queries, making hashtags less essential for boosting visibility.
Overall, LinkedIn’s search system has evolved to include semantic matching and a broader range of elements in response to search queries. The platform’s content search engine now has the capability to provide correct answers to complex queries and has improved on-topic rate and user engagement. As a result, the necessity of using hashtags on LinkedIn has decreased, as the search algorithm is now able to match content with queries based on more than just keywords. Users are advised not to include hashtags that replicate terms already in a post and to avoid using tags excessively, as the platform’s search system has become more sophisticated in matching content to user queries. LinkedIn’s semantic search update has led to significant improvements in discovery and user engagement on the platform.