Elon Musk has announced that hashtags will no longer be allowed in advertisements on X (formerly Twitter), starting tomorrow. Calling them an “aesthetic nightmare,” Musk confirmed the decision in a post that left many users surprised—and divided.
Why the Ban?
Musk has long criticised hashtags, stating they are no longer necessary. In 2024, he described them as “ugly” and asked users to stop using them, explaining that X’s AI-powered discovery tools—especially its chatbot Grok—can now group content without relying on hashtags.
Not All Hashtags—Just Ads
This new policy applies only to advertisements, not regular posts. While some users welcomed the move, calling hashtags the “Comic Sans of social media,” others felt Musk should focus on deeper issues like shadow bans and algorithm transparency.
Another Step in the X Overhaul
Hashtags have been a core part of Twitter since 2007, used to group trends and conversations. But Musk’s leadership continues to redefine the platform—from branding changes to content policies—making this yet another significant shift in how X looks and functions.
User Reactions Mixed
While some praised the cleanup of “visual pollution,” others criticized Musk for focusing on aesthetics instead of functionality. Still, the change underscores his commitment to reshaping X’s user experience and advertising standards.
This move reflects Musk’s ongoing mission to modernize X, leaning on AI over tradition—and leaving behind the iconic.
