What is #TBT? Learn what it means and how to use the hashtag correctly

Hi guys! All good? 😊

I decided to write this post here quickly, because that’s a question I get asked frequently. So what is #tbt?

I think by now, most people are aware that a #TBT is just an old photo you post on a Thursday. And basically, that’s all it is.

But hang in there hahaha! 🤓

I think what ends up confusing people, is how vague the whole explanation sounds. And one might think that some information has to be missing there, because it doesn’t make much sense.

Hence the doubts: “Why Thursday?” “Is any kind of photo #tbt material?” “Do I really need to post a #tbt?”…

I also know that nobody wants to read an encyclopedia entry full of boring and long explanations. Wikipedia is there for that! So I’ll summarize in bullet points what you need to know. And then you can finally settle all your doubts regarding this topic 💖

What it means and how to use the hashtag #TBT

• #TBT means”Throwback Thursday”

• It started as an online joke, or like an excuse to post something on social media on Thursdays. In this case, old pics. A sneaker brand started doing this every Thursday and users just pretty much embraced the idea, and it became a huge digital era phenomenon.

• TB alone stands for throwback. So, my friends, even if it’s not Thursday, you can post an old picture using just #tb. No need to write “it’s not Thursday, but here’s a #tbt..”. Just don’t type that second T in the end! But hey, by all means, if that’s what you wanna write, go ahead. It’s just a tip 😛

• If you ask me for my professional advice on whether it’s cool to post #tbt every Thursday religiously, I would say no. I think it’s cooler to use the hashtag from time to time, and in my opinion it’s much more fun if you’re actually posting an interesting and nostalgic photo. Something from a more distant past, a memory that will arouse the curiosity of your followers. Like a super cute photo of you as a baby. Or a fun portrait from high school, with friends you haven’t seen in a while… tagging everyone haha!

My point here is: A recent travel photo, which is still fresh in everyone’s memory, shouldn’t necessarily be post as #tbt. For everyone who follows you, it’s very clear that you just wanted to post that photo, and used #tbt as a pretext 😂

But Lu, I did just want to post that pi. So what’s the big deal? Nothing! You should def post it. That is why I would recommend, in the case of recent photos, to simply post it, without any problem, days later, 2, 3 weeks later, up to a few months, without using #tbt. It doesn’t have to be on a Thursday, and you don’t need the damn hashtag. I would leave the #TBTs for every once in a while, when you have really cool and interesting content, that’s more rare, older and special.

Just reinforcing, once again, I am sharing my opinion because many people ask me to answer sincerely, and this is what I think. Please post whatever you want, whenever you want, as many times as you want, and be happy! I also think it is unnecessary to write “since today is #TBT day…” at the beginning of the photo caption. But does that mean you shouldn’t do it? No! hahahaha. Do what you want, boo.

• On the other hand, the hashtag can be a way to generate more content for your account, especially if you have a commercial interest to it. For example, if it’s a business account, or if you are (or want to become) a digital influencer.

My advice in that case? Post #TBTs every other Thursday, select amazing photos and write awesome captions referencing the memory that the photos brings you. Doesn’t need to be long, but make an effort. And at the end of the caption, simply include the hash symbol followed by the three blessed letters we all love so much. What do you think? 😇

Well, that’s it! Now you tell me: what do you think are the coolest practices regarding throwback Thursdays? Let me know!

Also, check out these posts with the best time to post on Instagram, this one with flat lay photo ideas that are super easy to make and this one with aesthetic symbols to use on your captions!