How to Add Hashtags to Pinterest Pins (Step-by-Step Guide)

Adding hashtags to Pinterest pins is done in the pin description — type the # symbol followed by your keyword while creating or editing a pin. Pinterest autocompletes hashtag suggestions as you type.

The full walkthrough below covers new pins, existing pins you want to update, and a few things that trip people up (like hashtags in board descriptions, which don't work the same way).

How to Add Hashtags When Creating a New Pin

When creating a new pin on desktop:

1. Go to pinterest.com and click the + Create button
2. Upload your image or video
3. Click the Description field
4. Write your descriptive text first (keywords, context, value)
5. At the end of the description, type # followed by your keyword — e.g., #HomeDecorIdeas
6. Pinterest will suggest autocomplete options — you can select one or finish typing your own
7. Add 2-5 hashtags maximum
8. Click Publish

On mobile (iOS or Android): the process is identical — tap the Description field, write your text, then add hashtags at the end. The mobile app also shows autocomplete suggestions as you type #.

To find the best hashtags before you start writing, use the Pinterest Hashtag Generator — enter your pin topic and get a list of relevant hashtags pulled from live Pinterest search data.

How to Add Hashtags to an Existing Pinterest Pin

You can edit pins you've already published:

1. Go to your profile and find the pin you want to edit
2. Click the pencil/edit icon (hover over the pin on desktop, or tap and hold on mobile)
3. In the Description field, scroll to the end of your existing text
4. Add your hashtags after the existing content
5. Click Save

Note on re-indexing: When you edit an existing pin, Pinterest re-evaluates it. Updated descriptions with stronger keywords and relevant hashtags can improve distribution. This is worth doing for your top-performing older pins — especially if they were created before you understood Pinterest SEO.

One thing to avoid: don't overwrite good descriptive text just to add hashtags. The keywords in your natural description text are more valuable than the hashtags themselves.

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Where Hashtags Don't Work on Pinterest (Common Mistakes)

Pinterest hashtags only function in pin descriptions. They do not work in:

• Board names or descriptions — boards don't have hashtag feeds; use keywords here instead
• Pin titles — titles are for keywords and CTAs, not hashtags
• Profile bio — no hashtag functionality in profile fields
• Comments — hashtags in comments don't link or add to feeds

A common mistake: putting hashtags in the pin title. Titles are prime real estate for your main keyword phrase — "Minimalist Living Room Ideas 2026" not "#minimalist #livingroom". Save hashtags for the description.

Another mistake: repeating the same 20 generic hashtags on every pin. Pinterest can detect this pattern and it may reduce distribution. Use specific, content-relevant hashtags that match what your pin actually shows.

Pinterest Hashtag Format and Best Practices

A few formatting details that matter:

• No spaces — #HomeDecorIdeas works, #Home Decor Ideas doesn't create a hashtag
• Capitalization — #homedecorideas and #HomeDecorIdeas both work; CamelCase is more readable
• Numbers — allowed. #HomeDecor2026 is a valid hashtag
• Special characters — only letters and numbers. #home-decor creates a hashtag for "home" and breaks after the dash
• Length limit — Pinterest doesn't publish a hard limit but keep hashtags under 30 characters for readability

Best practice for placement: end your description with a line break, then list your hashtags on a new line. This keeps the description readable and makes it clear which text is keyword content and which is hashtags.

For generating a specific, well-matched set of hashtags for any pin topic, the Pinterest Hashtag Generator uses live Pinterest autocomplete to suggest what's currently relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I add hashtags on Pinterest?

In the pin description only. Type # followed by your keyword at the end of your description. Hashtags don't work in pin titles, board names, or profile bios.

Can I add hashtags to old Pinterest pins?

Yes. Click the edit (pencil) icon on any of your pins, scroll to the end of the description, and add hashtags. Save the pin. Pinterest will re-evaluate the updated content.

How many hashtags should I add to a Pinterest pin?

Pinterest recommends 2–5 relevant hashtags. More than that can appear spammy. Specific hashtags like #VintageHomeDecor outperform generic ones like #Home.

Does Pinterest autocomplete hashtags?

Yes. When you type # in the description field, Pinterest shows autocomplete suggestions based on popular hashtags. You can select one or type your own.