What are words, phrases, or hashtags used to retrieve information on social media platforms called?

The term that describes words, phrases, or hashtags used to retrieve information on social media platforms is "keywords." Keywords are critical in the context of social media because they help users search and discover content that is relevant to their interests or needs. By using specific keywords, users can narrow down their search results and connect with posts, discussions, or information that relates closely to the terms they are interested in.

In social media strategies, choosing effective keywords can significantly enhance visibility and engagement. Businesses and marketers often analyze trending keywords to tailor their content, ensuring it reaches the right audience. This makes keywords a vital tool for optimizing social media presence and outreach.

Tags, while also relevant, refer more specifically to labels associated with content to categorize it rather than general terms used for retrieval. Topics can denote broader themes but do not encapsulate the precision of keywords. Meta-data refers to data that provides information about other data but is not typically used in the conversational context of searching for social media information. Consequently, keywords are the most accurate choice for identifying search terms on social media platforms.