Facebook launches hashtags to let users add context and discover shared interests

As part of Facebook’s plans to bring to the forefront some of the interesting discussions people are having about public events, people, and topics, the social network has begun rolling out Hashtags.

Similar to their use on Twitter and Instagram, hashtags on Facebook will allow users to add context to a post, or indicate that it is part of a larger discussion.

When you click on a hashtag, you’ll see a feed of what other people and Pages are saying about that event or topic.

Other features that’ll be rolled out in the coming weeks and months include the display of Hashtags that are trending.

The new feature means Facebook users can now:

• Search for a specific hashtag from your search bar. For example, #Wimbledon2013, #FathersDay or #Wedding.
• Click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram.
• Compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results.